New CNA wondering which shifts to start with

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hi everyone, I am a second year BSN student who was working as a home health aid, but recently got a job as CNA in a local hospital. I was asked by the staffing agency which shifts I'd be interested in and I honestly have not real preference. I am nervous and excited about this job as it is and based on things I've read on this site as well as what I've heard during CNA and BSN clinicals I know that there are different tasks involved as well as different types of people that work, for example, the day vs NOC shifts.

I am wondering if any old pros on this board can provide insight about the various shifts and what a newbie can expect from each. Any advice about what to expect as a newcomer in an acute setting would be great also.

Thanks!

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Take the shifts that coincide the best with your school schedule. I reserved my jobs for night shift (primary job), and PM shift (secondary job), while I went to school because that is what worked out for me. Some people only work on the weekends. Whatever works out. Good luck and congrats on the hospital job. You now have a chance at lining up your first RN job!

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Take the shifts that coincide the best with your school schedule. I reserved my jobs for night shift (primary job), and PM shift (secondary job), while I went to school because that is what worked out for me. Some people only work on the weekends. Whatever works out. Good luck and congrats on the hospital job. You now have a chance at lining up your first RN job!

Thanks caliotter3! I appreciate the encouragement and the advice. I do plan on adjusting my work schedule to fit with school but my program doesn't have class in the summer so I'm totally free for the next few months and want to get as much work experience (and earn some money) as possible. I'd like to take advantage of this summer free time to get exposed to everything. Any thoughts on how the different shifts differ significantly, any distinctions between the two (other than one's at night and much quieter than the other)? Thanks again!

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If you're fresh out of clinicals, most places will put you on 2nd shift. You get a good mix of day shift routine and night shift routine. There was no way I could be doing what I do now had I started on day shift. It is fast paced and demanding. Night shift wasn't an option for me due to factors with my family, but I have stayed over for a 12 when needed on NOC.

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Specializes in PCT, RN.

My favorite shift was 2nd (3p-11p).

As for what to expect, it just kind of depends what unit you're on since they all have different routines.

But yes, focus on a shift you'll be able to manage in nursing school.

For me, I'm about to pick up a 2nd shift job because nursing school for me will have classes in the morning and then one clinical a week, which I will work out not to have to work on that day.

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Thank you for the suggestions. My availability is definitely going to wane once my 2nd year starts but I have the summer off and it's a per diem job so I can pick which shifts I want to start with. I am leaning towards 2nd shift. Thank you!

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Specializes in MedSurg, Tele, ER, ICU, Float.

When i started at the nursing home i worked Saturday-Sunday 16hr shifts at night. I'm at a hospital now and i work Friday to Sunday on night shift. Great shift differentials and i can focus on school Monday to Thursday, Friday as an off day/library day.

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Thanks to everyone who chimed in! I'm loving 2 and 3rd shifts.

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Specializes in Post Acute, Med/Surg, ED, Nurse Manager.

Dont start on night shift. Seriously, when your new you will have questions, need help, and nights are notorious for far less staff. Day shift is very fast paced in most places. If your brave you can jump right in. Its overwhelming at first. But i started as a float on days and was greatful for it. Evenings are a little mellower because there is generally one meal instead of two and there is still generally a decent staffing ration. So if you need a two person assist you have a hall partner. If you have the chance floating is a great way to gain experience.

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