3rd shift nursing as a new nurse with no experience

kiszi, RN · Sep 26, 2014

My first job when I was an LPN was on nights. Personally I thought it was a great shift to start on. The pace is generally slower, so there is usually more time to learn to chart properly and figure out where things are, etc. Supervisors can be more helpful too since they don't have quite as many things going on. I think if you can identify a couple of nurses to use as a resource you should do fine.

Good luck!

Scrubs&Sneakers, LPN · Sep 27, 2014

I agree with the previous post. I began my LPN career on day shift and was pretty overwhelmed. I switched to night shift until I got more experience and never regretted it!

litebrightgirl · Sep 27, 2014

As a new nurse night shift is best. You learn the ropes, develop a routine, and build your skills. I started on nights at LTC and it was just fine. You'll have another nurse to bounce ideas off of if you need to.

ScrubsAndSneakers · Sep 27, 2014

Night shift is a great way to break into nursing! Best wishes on your new job!

duskyjewel · Sep 27, 2014

I'm still a CNA (hoping to hear from LPN program for Spring) and can't imagine working any shift but night. I filled in on part of a day shift recently and was strongly reminded of why I like nights. Just too many people around, too much activity, it felt chaotic. So when trying to learn how to be a nurse, night shift would be my first choice.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 27, 2014

Day shift can be fast and furious. Also, too many people pull the nurse in multiple directions. This includes families, managers, social workers, PT/OT/ST, MDS coordinators, PPS coordinators, dietary staff, business office staff, activities director, and the plethora of people who populate the facility during days.

For this reason I am a fan of night shift. It bestows a slower, more relaxed environment upon the new nurse so (s)he can absorb new information.

LTCNS, LPN · Sep 28, 2014

I started out on nights at a LTC facility and learned a lot. It was a great way to learn the ropes and develop skills. You should be fine. Congrats and good luck! :)

Sandy834 · Oct 8, 2014

The night shift is in some ways a lower stress shift to start on, as long as they don't want to put you in a supervisory role.

cowboy up · Oct 19, 2014

NOCS is great shift to get your feet wet. It's quieter your residents are in bed and your med passes usually aren't that bad. Use this time to get your bearings and work thru your new grad nerves. I spent my first two years on NOCS and it helped a lot. Good luck

AheleneRN · Oct 20, 2014

I definitely would go for the night shift. My first job was at a ALF for the 1st shift and I was so overwhelmed and didn't have time to learn anything. When I accepted another position in a SNF working nights, the stress level went way down and there was plenty of time for me to learn and pick the brains of the seasoned nurses. I say go for the night shift :-)

vwellsdreamer · Oct 20, 2014

You should find out how many patients you will be responsible for and if you will be responsible for testing blood sugar and administering insulin. I was responsible for 40 patients, 18 of them were insulin dependent diabetics. I was responsible for testing and giving the insulin. I have been a nurse for many years and it took some organizing on my behalf to keep this from being a rush to the finish each morning with my morning med pass. Noc shift is good for a beginner, normally there will be another nurse to help out if the need arises. Congratulations, we all start somewhere, be confident in your skills. You passed the boards! Now all you have to do is put your skills to work, you will learn as you work. Good luck!