am,pm or graveyard shift? which will you prefer?

eeffoc_emmig · Apr 29, 2014

I only work 12s so I can't tell you which of those are the best in LTC. I have worked days and nights in LTC. Nights are much calmer as far as number of people interrupting you (families, admin). I guess it depends on whether or not you want to pay for child care.

I now work nights only so that our little one doesn't have to go to day care... and so most of my pay doesn't go there with him. I often work with little sleep but it's better for my family.

marinesgirl · Apr 30, 2014

do you still have time to sleep though?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2014

I prefer 12-hour night shifts for the following reasons:

• I can work three shifts per week and have four days off.

• Family members generally go home at night, so they're not around to pester me.

• Most, but not all, patients will be sleeping.

• Management is not there to pull me in multiple directions.

• Night shift workers just tend to have a closer camaraderie than the day shift.

djameslpn365 · Apr 30, 2014

I have been working in a LTC center on nights now for a while, and I prefer it. Maybe it's because I worked nights as a CNA also. I think its mainly because its more laid back and there are not a lot of family members there. Plus by the time I get here all the Physicians have made their rounds and I really don't have to deal with them unless a resident goes bad and I need to know whether to send them to the hospital. It also works better with my three girls.

eeffoc_emmig · Apr 30, 2014

do you still have time to sleep though?

I nap on the couch while my little one plays...I'm a light sleeper. On my work weekends, my husband is home so that's when I get some real sleep.

NOADLS · Apr 30, 2014

3-11 and 11-7 are a lot easier in my experience compared to 7-3.

7-3 shift has to deal with families and management.

3-11 has to deal with minimal amount of families and management.

11-7 gets a break from families and management unless someone dying.

The 7-3 shift is also at another disadvantage as they are often pressed for time in the early morning. 3-11 shift is almost never pressed for time. 11-7 shift is nice because you're never worried about time. In LTC, the 11-7 shift (for those that can stay up all night) is nice; however, hospitals have the 11-7 shift being a lot more involved.

SWM2009 · Apr 30, 2014

I work the PM shift...more admissions, more falls, sundowning, the bosses aren't around to ask questions if things come up. If I had a choice as a new grad, in my facility at least, I would not choose to start on the PM shift. Having said that, at almost 3 months in, I am handling it and getting the job done as best as I can.

NurseQT · Apr 30, 2014

I have worked all three shifts I like nocs except for the part about being away from my family at night. But I like that I'm actually home during the day, if I have a sick child that needs to stay home from school I don't have to take a sick day myself. With summer coming up I will be able to take the kids to the pool or drive them to summer school or camp. And when I sleep during the day I get the whole bed to myself and not have to fight my husband for the blankets!!!

eeffoc_emmig · May 1, 2014

I have worked all three shifts I like nocs except for the part about being away from my family at night. But I like that I'm actually home during the day, if I have a sick child that needs to stay home from school I don't have to take a sick day myself. With summer coming up I will be able to take the kids to the pool or drive them to summer school or camp. And when I sleep during the day I get the whole bed to myself and not have to fight my husband for the blankets!!!

You are away from your family...but most of the time your are away they are asleep. I try to think of it that way though I'd much rather be at home snuggling with my sweet 2 year old.

whatdidigetmyselfin2 · May 2, 2014

I prefer working 12 hour shifts 7a-7p. I know it sounds crazy lol! Yes, I'm constantly running and being pulled in every direction I'm a newer nurse and I feel like I get more experience and learn more working during the days. I also have a charge nurse and management around if I need to ask a question so I can learn for future reference. I also have a good support system and my son is in preschool. So I can coordinate someone to pick him up on my days that I work.

jodyangel, RN · May 2, 2014

I've worked nights for 7 years. I'm now doing days and Omg I feel so much Better!! Nights has it's advantages but it will wear you Down!!