3rd shift clinical...Will i get enough experience?

I did my preceptorship on nights and loved it. It is true things are a little different on nights. You will probably get fewer admissions on average than if you on dayshift. You'll also see the docs a little less (on the floor, the other services if in ICU) and fewer bedside procedures. However this isn't always a disadvantage. While there were fewer procedure on nights, I was allowed to assist with bedside procedures far more often than those on dayshift. I still inserted foleys, started IVs, put in NG tubes and all the other tasks we do on a daily basis. Also, my preceptor, due to the less hectic nature of nights, also had more 1 on 1 time with me. The final benefit, and the one that has me working all nights now, is that I have more time with my to spend actually with my patient as opposed to running around (usually sorting out miscommunications between our MDs and other services). Good luck, and I hope you enjoy it!

I would think you'd actually get MORE hands-on experience, b/c you won't have your patient gone to Radiology for testing, families visiting, doctors rounding, etc. Nights tend to have fewer CNAs/techs working, too, so you'll do more of the vitals, code browns, etc., as well.

I got the luck of the draw when i registered for classes this fall. The only clinical spot open was 7:00pm-7:30am. So I'm wondering if I will get the same experience as day shifters??? And also is there any advice anyone can give me about what to expect during my preceptorship???

Gosh, we don't even have a night shift clinical possible. I'm heading into OB/Peds rotation and we either had the choice of Monday 7am-1pm or Friday same times; that's it. Perhaps because we're a smaller school..Last semester though, level 2 students (what the OB/Peds is called) had the 3-9p option. I would have loved that honestly.

I know i thought we had enough day shift spots but i guess they added some to our class.

:cheers:Thats great. I'm feeling better about doing a night shift clinical now especially since i will get more hands on experience with my skills. Because there is a lot i haven't done before or have done once or twice.

I wish we had night clinicals....

I did my transition to practice overnight and loved it! Tons of experience!

There are fewer resources at night and the staff take care of each other. Chances are you will learn an awful lot

Some of my classmates had night clinicals for their preceptorship and they loved it...they got a lot of hands-on experience!

You're so lucky! I wish my school had night clinicals. I'm not a 'morning person'.

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Can I just say this as a 30+ year night shift nurse? All the cool people work nights - you're gonna love it. :)

PLUS: I just finished my MSN thesis on how night shift nurses adapt to circadian disruption.