First CNA Job....12 hr shifts

semester1kid · Dec 4, 2010

Hi! I recently got hired for my first CNA job. Very excited! The facility has 12 hour shifts. Just looking for advice to get through a long shift. Do you usually have lunch/dinner breaks??? Is it difficult to stay on your feet for 12 hours? Any advice or helpful hints to learn to get used to long work shifts is really helpful!!

From my observations as a student nurse during clinicals is that the nursing assistant staff work out breaks amongst themselves (i.e. 'you watch over my guys for 15 minutes and I'll watch over yours')...I don't think there are set scheduled breaks per se

yousoldtheworld · Dec 4, 2010

I don't work 12 hour shifts anymore, but I used to. Yes, take your lunch break! You need it, and you deserve it...and you usually don't get paid for that time, so you might as well use it to rest. Especially on a 12 hour shift - that's way too long to go without a little time. Most places allow a half hour lunch break and two 15 minute breaks per shift. They are legally required to allow you to have a lunch break, by the way. On occasion, I've been too busy to take mine, but I do NOT make it a habit.

And it depends on the facility, some places DO have scheduled break times, and you just rotate with the other aides who goes first, second, etc. At my current job, there's no set time to go, you just okay it with your nurse before you go.

As for being on your feet for 12 hours, that is tough. That's why it's important to take your breaks. Also, one thing I did to help was break up my charting. I'd do it a few minutes at a time, using that time to sit down and get off my feet for a few minutes. It helped a lot.

Good luck! The long hours are tough, but many people prefer them because it's nice to have the extra days off!

AzDeb · Dec 4, 2010

Thank you for the info!! I appreciate any input I can get. Thanks for taking the time to reply! :)

CoffeemateCNA · Dec 4, 2010

Be mindful of what you eat and drink. Try to stay away from processed foods and lots of caffeine. Lots of sugar isn't a good thing either or you'll crash in the middle of your shift. Dried nuts and fruits such as apricots, figs, dates, etc., are great for keeping in your pocket and eating when you have a few minutes of downtime. Keep a water bottle with you and be sure to stay well-hydrated.

AzDeb · Dec 5, 2010

Great ideas and advice. Thank you sooooo much! :)

canigraduate · Dec 5, 2010

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes. I wear mine a half size too big with thick socks for extra cushion. The extra room is wonderful when your feet swell later on in your shift.

Also, do not let any of the Martyr Mary's try to make you feel guilty for taking your breaks. Make sure you take all of the time you are allowed. Anything a CNA does can wait for 30 minutes.

One last thing - make sure you eat, drink, and pee. Not just once, either, but at intervals throughout the day. Good luck!