sr.shirley

Hi Lisa, It is difficult to get your internal time clock set without having to set it at a consistent time so you can imagine how it will be to do so when you work these hrs. My question is, are you given at least two nights off in a row..or are your nights off four in a row? I have worked the night shift for about 8 years, but I have no children to look after. I find that if you are given at least two nights off in a row I feel better, but i have worked weeks where I am on for three, off for one and on for three, depending on when your week begins and your weekends on. I work a 32 hr. week and most of the time I find that I am on 6 out of seven days with a three day stretch off following somewhere in between. I work a 8 1/2 day. You will have a heck of a time sleeping, even with dark curtains, especially on weekends when your neighbors and their children are out and about. There's always someone mowing their grass, Plowing snow (remember you have to go in, no snow days) children playing LOUDLY and the fact that you have to sleep on a beautiful day or a holiday!) This shift allows you to be there for your children but it is very hard on your health...as documented in the Nursing Journal. If at all possible get your experience on this shift (you will have many learning and trying times, but you will feel more capabable as each goes by, obviously your employer felt that you could handle the medical situations that will arise on the late/night shift.) Make youself known, and get on a better shift....Mainly for yourself...this is a very hard shift! Sincerely, Shirley Burton LPN (Charge Nurse- night shift)

I appoligize to LovePeaceJoy, When I first read your comment, I thought you had suggested working as a CNA or LPN I was incorrect...Please pass on my thoughts to those who gave you this advise. Sincerely, Shirley Burton

Hello, Im new to this site so bear with me. I take offense to lovepeacejoy's suggestion of aquainting yourself with nursing and working as a CNA or LPN. Both levels take education and differ greatly. I have been an LPN for over 8 years and it's not an introductory into the nursing field...You are expected to do all required by an RN except Iv push and pronounce someone deceased...unless you are specialized. I have taught RN's fresh out of school, the technical skills of performing their job, which as an educated LPN you are allowed to practice and become skilled at before graduating, but as a graduating RN you are not. LPN schooling is a relatively short but intense schooling and it does not come cheap or overnight, you are also regulated to a class of 30 per year...which makes it very difficult to be accepted into the program. It is a great introductory into the field of medicine and will challenge your mind for further advancement but you have to want to be a nurse first! Sincerely, Shirley Burton LPN (Valedictorian of class 1996-Dean LPN Program, Holyoke MA).