Third Shift in LTC

Nurse Ratched, RN · May 21, 2003

I worked as an aide for four years on nights and have been on nights much of my nurse time. I have always stocked things as part of my routine - it passes the time and performed a much-needed task. Few things help your co-workers more than coming on to their shift with access to supplies.

Also used to clean out the staff lounge fridge/microwave when the mood struck me. Neaten the supply room. Believe me, there is TONS to do .

healingtouchRN · May 21, 2003

man oh man, do I remember 3rd shift when I was a CNA. I put myself thru school doing this. I did have a lady I worked for that was so sweet, she was great to talk to. She & her hubby were my clients until they passed some years ago. I put in a lot of hard work!

jschut, BSN, RN · May 21, 2003

Ummm....

How about extra checks for the heavier wetters?

Stocking linen carts?

Washing wheelchairs?

Straightening up the break room?

Cleaning out the nourishment pantries? (We have 3.)

There is ALOT to do on 3rd shift. I work 7p-7a and the CNA's I work with have very little down time. When they do, I don't gripe, cause they deserve it.

There's ALWAYS something to do in LTC! :)

jschut, BSN, RN · May 21, 2003

Oops! I forgot one that would be appreciated by residents and families alike!

How about straightening up closets for the residents?

Stocking briefs in closets so others don't have to go searching?

Let me think, I may come up with some more! :)

tattooednursie, LVN · May 21, 2003

I want to work nights so bad! I envy you!!!! lol.

I am a CNA also.

I don't know how night shift would work out with spending time with your family though. You'll have to sleep some time. Believe me, going without sleep does not make for very pleasant company.

I want nights because I don't slep at night. I go for days without sleeping. Infact here I am, almost 5 am, I havn't even went to sleep yet! I guess I could say I am practicing for night shift. I might get it next month.

I would suggest lots of coffee to keep from getting tired, and to keep from getting bored, read a book, learn a new language, visit with co-workers.

Best of luck to ya!

GAstudent · May 21, 2003

Well our DON cleans the refrigerator weekly, and second shift does the stocking....anything else..

nursedawn67, LPN · May 21, 2003

At our facility the aides wash the wheelchairs and geri chairs at night. Sometimes if a resident is up and awake, they might do their shower, partly to help the next shift and partly because it relaxes the resident and helps them sleep. And if nothing else enjoy the break, because there WILL be nights you will be over busy! Good luck!

LPNtoBSNstudent, BSN, RN · May 21, 2003

Cleaning closets might be too loud and wake the residents. Just be sure and do the resident's closets who are already awake. But great idea, that is always needed.

Nurse Ratched, RN · May 21, 2003

Originally posted by GAstudent
Well our DON cleans the refrigerator weekly.

That's not a terribly productive use of her time - perhaps if it was already done she wouldn't have to and she could devote her energy elsewhere?

Washing down WC's and BSC's are things we used to do I forgot about - great idea! :)

GAstudent · May 21, 2003

The DON does it on the weekends. She comes in work and does it then. She is not married and her kids are grown...work is her life..

jude11142 · May 22, 2003

at the facility where i work, there is always something to do on this shift. rounds are made every 2 hrs and we have several who call during the night for assistance. they restock the linen, supplies and order supplies. vitals are done for those on 24 hr report and/or on medicare. recently they started giving out nourishments on this shift.

they add up the days i&o's, sign off the cna books. we happen to have 3 pts who need to be walked as they are up most of the night and get ansy sitting at nsg station in wc. believe me the night goes by. if it's slow or the aides are done early, they will clean out closets/drawers. some go to adult daycare, so night shift gets them showered and dressed. water pitchers are collected and brought downstairs to be washed. ya know, i'm sure that there are other things that are done, but for starters that's it.

jude