16HR shifts

[dari98]

I currently work in a LTC facility and I work 2 16hr shifts per week on Saturday and Sunday. I just spoke with a freind of mine who works in a hospital on a weekender program and she works 2 12hr shifts every weekend. She also gets paid for 36hrs and is considered full time. I'm thinking about working at a hospital now because these 16hr shifts are killing me. What does a CNA do at a hospital? Does any one else work 16hr shifts?

[Danish, MSN, APRN, NP]

I used to do the same. I worked Friday 1500-Saturday 0700 and Sat 1500-Sunday 0700. I would get roughly 4h sleep in between. I had a 2 mo old baby and this was my only way to work full time and still have the week with her. I was okay short-term, but I burned out quick.

I also worked in a hospital as a PCT/CNA. I have to say, this was a MUCH easier job than the LTC job. It did pay much less though. I went from $14.00/hr plus diff to $11.00/hr as a PCT. The job was worth the pay cut.

My day consisted of bed baths, full linen changes, Q4 vital signs, accuchecks, ADL's, feeding, passing tray, and being extra hands for my nurses. It was busy, but much less lifting. You'll like it if you have been doing CNA work at a LTC facility. That sounds like a great job for a nursing student too! Good luck!