Just got hired as PCA - Advise Please

Nursing Students Technicians

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I am a nursing student that just got hired as a PCA at a large inner city hospital. I will be doing shift work for the first time ever. Any advice on how to get used to nights, 12 hour shifts, float pool, and everything else you wish you would have known when you started would be greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Hey darling well first grats on the new job :3 I worked 2 shift as a CNA, 2nd *PRN* (10AM-10PM) as a PCT, and Phlebotomist some shifts were overnight. As a student, I try to stray as far away as I can from the night shifts. But they are usually more chill, what unit are you going to be in? Again many of them are more quiet than others. You will get used to the shift though. Make sure you stay hydrated and *Try* to stay away from coffee the first few nights...you don't want to crash. Are you FT/PT/PRN?...

It's hard...but it's def do able. After a week or two, you should get used to it. :D Hope this helps some!!! :D

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I will be full time over the summer and then drop down to part time when classes resume in the fall. I am in the float pool so I could be assigned just about anywhere. Shifts are 7 to 7. I have no problems with coffee (never liked the taste), but I will try to stay away from soda.

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I've been a CNA for 10 years. I have worked on a telemetry unit, Pediatric unit and have recently been accepted as an Infant's and Children's PCT. I always worked night shift 7p-7:30a. Stay busy (I can't drink caffeine because my heart races). Help people as much as you can, so when you need the help they will be more than happy to help you out. Good luck, I love the night shift, they are one amazing team :) Your work load is more at night (more patients), but I prefer night shift to day shift. Pay is better too.

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Bring protein bars to work, or you'll be hungry, stay away from soda and diet soda, all the sodium will make you retain water weight and make you thirsty (nothing worse than being on night shift or patient sitting and having to pee every five minutes!) bring something for the slow nights.... Books, journal, etc... Like the above poster said, help out as much as you can- the nurses love it, and they'll help you out when you need it. You'll do great, just don't fall asleep!

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