New CNA & Night Shift

[melie23]

Hey everyone!

I'm a new CNA that just got an offer to interview for a LTC/Rehab facility. The shift choices were 7-3, 3-11, and 11-7 with $9/hrs with a $1.25 shift differential and weekends only. I'll be starting nursing school in August. I was wondering if anyone has worked this shift in nursing school and how did you function goi g to class that Monday after working 11-7 on Sunday? I would have class 8:30-2:30 with a 30 min lunch. Is this something that doable? Sounds scary but I feel it's the best to give me time to study and work at the same time. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[blaundee]

Maybe you should post this in general nursing students? :)

[All_night]

Hi Melie,

I currently work full time as a night shift CNA (36 hrs per week). While going to school right after night shift isn't ideal, it is doable. I have gone straight from work to a 3-4 hr class several times (going home just to change and eat if there's time). My school is also ~1 hour away from work/home depending on the traffic. If you relax/sleep in the hours before your shift starts that will be even better. Make sure to eat every 4-6 hours to keep up your energy. I love night shift. Good luck!

Edit: I forgot to mention that I do 12 hour shifts.

[melzyo]

My biggest thing is to try to get myself on some type of schedule. My school is also about 40 mins or so away from me as well. So then there's to drive to factor in while working. I was too afraid to to nights Monday through Friday cause I didn't think I'd have time to study.

[All_night]

Me too! At first I was working Friday and Saturday nights so I wouldn't have to go to class after work. The third day was a weekday, but I made sure it didn't interfere with classes. But then my friends were hanging out without me on the weekends, and I wasn't having any fun. So now I leave Friday or Saturday night free to chill. There's more to life than work and school

Edit: grammar