psych job 3-11 shift?

So not too bad is what you're saying? Thanks for the quick reply!

I'd agree with what Meriwhen wrote. I found it especially nice that there was more time to spend with the patients during evening shifts than during daytime shifts. That's when I could made a difference by interacting with them as a human being rather than as the pill-pusher and paperwork-doer.

I work the pm shift and it's usually pretty intense although I do get my work done and am out on time. I figure this is pretty good for a newer grad. I deal with young to older patients so I see some sundowning and then the unit usually takes off from there. I work in whats considered long term care but not elderly ltc so I get to see the same pts everyday. I love the pm shift! I don't get alot of admissions but it's usually never boring. Good luck to you!

I work the 3-11pm shift...I personally find that it is not conducive to having a social life, a life outside of work, or heck a life at all lol...but I like the shift and the pace itself.

During day shift, the pts at my facility at least are in and out of groups. During evenings, they are more available for assessments and interventions.

Also..administration leaves pretty early in the shift. The less my nurse manager is there btching and micro-managing, the better!

The doctors leave early, but when we need something it is not a hassle to contact the on-call doc. The problem is that we are bombarded with orders right before they leave.

I think that overall this shift is more laid-back, and there is better teamwork since less disciplines and administration are around.

Good post... I an considering a change to a State facility and wonder about what to expect on this shift..It will be a new area for me from OR ...

I'm about to start my first 3-11 shift today

I've been orienting on days, so I'm curious as to how different evening shift will be. Some nurses on our ward say it's more laid-back, some say it's more hectic...I guess it depends on who you ask!

I'll let you know how it goes...

I worked the 3-11 shift for quite a few years. I loved it except it sure cut into family time. Good parts are you get more time with the patients--you get to know them better; the noise of lots of people being there is gone because most staff leaves by 6. Bad parts are that sometimes what seems adequate staffing on daytime shift suddenly becomes inadequate when there are several admissions which take a long time and you're the only one who can do that as well as everything else; patients can and do "act out" more on 3-11 because they're not as occupied with activities, or they've had enough sleep already during the daytime...

There are other pros and cons, but suddenly my brain has gone to Albuquerque.

OK, so I survived my first 3-11 shift...

It seems like the pts are all amped up between 3-7pm because they just came back from their groups and want their snacks and coffee, etc. I had a cup thrown at me and splashed with water.

I felt like I had a little bit more time to read charts and behavioral plans and also spend time out in the milieu. Everything gets quiet by the end of the shift because pts are winding down, or already in bed. So I do feel like I have more room to think and do paperwork...

Was wondering how this went for you... I am looking into options for myself and wondering about inpatient Psych at a State Facility... I too like the 3 to 11 shift..

Now looking online at their site, it states starting pay is a level 14 but that range is pretty wide.. also, it states pay is by education and experience.. I am wondering what to expect. I have 36 yrs exp with a BS and not BSN so anyone have an idea of what to expect pay wise..

Thanks

What field is your BS in? Some facilities may give you differential pay based on having that BS - when I was doing clinicals at the local teaching hospital there was a nurse with an ADN who had a BS in Public Health and was applying for the differential. See what they say.

Things were a little chaotic in the beginning of my shift last night. And not in the fun, interesting, "good" stress kind of way. You know, I don't think psych nursing is for me...