LTC what's the easiest shift to work?

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Oct 21, 2014

For me, 11p-7 a was the easiest shift. No admits, less medications to pass, less interruptions. However, I liked 7a-3p the best because it went by really fast, due to it being generally busy during this shift.

jojo489 · Oct 21, 2014

Every shift has its pitfalls. 7-3 I wouldn't suggest becaus in LTC it's just nonsense all day and you need to be able to keep up. It's Drs, orders, complaints, labs, family, crazy.

3-11, while having two large med passes, is slightly calmer than 3-11 with the nonsense but you will probably have admissions rolling in and depending on the facility they may or may not be the floor nurses responsibility.

11-7 is wonderful where the med passes are concerned, usually a small one at night and then in the morning everyone gets one or two pills and lots of blood sugars but it's pretty manageable. The downside is that usually in LTC one nurse is responsible for 60 pts on the floor and the floating supervisor isn't readily available so if you run into a problem with a resident you might be on your own for a bit. A lot of the new nurses I trained were worried about being alone 11-7 without someone to ask questions readily available.

But you can adapt to any shift. I started working 3-11 and after 4 months of hell, (I should've been a paralegal, this is not the job for me, I know I'm smart but I feel like such an idiot, did I do the right thing there??!? ) I started to settle in and get used to the crazy and actually switched to day shift at 8 months.

You just have to know at the beginning, you'll feel lost. But if you are conscientious and pay attention when people answer your questions, you'll find your way. Try to stay calm! Haha. I wish you the best.

LPN.in.Miami.FL · Oct 21, 2014

Thanks jojo489 ! Good info!

caliotter3 · Oct 21, 2014

In terms of every day duties, work load, requirements to hit the floor running, time management, etc., easy goes from night shift, to swing shift, to day shift. You will have more time to learn what you are doing in the quieter night environment. Then you can shift to the PM shift where you have, what can be, a slightly less hectic version of what goes on during the day. The hardest shift to survive when starting out is the day shift.

jojo489 · Oct 22, 2014

Any time. :)

wanderlustnurse88, RN · Oct 22, 2014

I started working mostly nights which was nice to get to know the residents on a smaller scale. We use to do 12 hours, so I had the hs med pass for 60 residents and then the small 0600 med pass. I did a few day shifts and they were hectic. Now, I prefer the 8 hour night shift because it is less busy. Evenings are less busy than days but I'm not productive in the morning before I go in. Days are nice since you get off at 1500, but I feel like I'm running all shift.

LPN.in.Miami.FL · Oct 22, 2014

Thanks guys!

any suggestions on what to ask for in an interview?

what is what is the standard pay for an lpn in Florida etc., ?

caliotter3 · Oct 22, 2014

If you aren't prepared to take what the interviewer/person responsible for hiring decision is offering you as available, then be prepared for them to take your paperwork and phone number and wait for them to call you when they have an available position that meets your request. Sometimes this works out, most times you don't hear from them again. You should ask them if you take, say, the night shift because it is available now, when can you expect the opportunity to transfer to your preferred shift. They should be forthcoming and tell you if the nurses on day shift were there when the building was constructed and will be there when it is demolished. Or, if Suzy will be stepping out for maternity leave in five weeks and you can have her position temporarily. If they are closed mouthed about this, be prepared for a general lack of cooperation.

SWM2009 · Oct 22, 2014

I would pick first shift over second because as busy as first is, you would have more folks around to help. IME second shift is harder with sundowners, more admissions, more families, and less resources around.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Oct 22, 2014

1st shift is good if u want administrators to be available to ask for help.

3rd shift is nice because the pace is slower. I actually feel like I can take my time and do almost all of my tasks each night.

Then again, on 1st you have everybody watching you as there are way more nosey people. You are also called with more concerns r/t pt care. And on nocs you may be all by yourself, which can be intimidating during acute situations.

3rd shift is ok, a mix of both, since you have admin there for a few hrs and then hopefully things get quiet after the clients hopefully go to sleep.

LPN.in.Miami.FL · Oct 22, 2014

thanks ! all your comments help soo much !