Stuck In A Pickle..

[michelle4698]

would you rather work 2 night shifts a week or fulltime am's? i have two job offers and im debating where i want to head. i know the tasks are much different. To my understanding its alot easier at night because there really isnt much to do and you get paid more. is this true?

[miss81, BSN, RN]

I like nights. But not because it's easier! Sometimes it's harder where I work because there is no Doc in house. BUT there is also not some many other professionals around "bugging" you either! haha. God love them, they are such an important part of the healthcare team but when the PT, OT,RT SW, Dietitian, Case management, Intern, Resident, manager etc, etc are looking for you to answer their questions along with all the family members, it can drive you crazy!!! Some ppl find nights can really mess with your body, but I wouldn't trade them for the world! Have you ever worked nights before???

[michelle4698]

I like nights. But not because it's easier! Sometimes it's harder where I work because there is no Doc in house. BUT there is also not some many other professionals around "bugging" you either! haha. God love them, they are such an important part of the healthcare team but when the PT, OT,RT SW, Dietitian, Case management, Intern, Resident, manager etc, etc are looking for you to answer their questions along with all the family members, it can drive you crazy!!! Some ppl find nights can really mess with your body, but I wouldn't trade them for the world! Have you ever worked nights before???

no i have not, this would be my first CNA job, but ive worked in dietary for almost 2 years now at an assisted living.. my mother had suggested it would be easier for me to do nights.. but i just dont know what to do!

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

two night shifts per week vs. full time ams....with equivalent pay? I'd much rather work two shifts than five!

[miss81, BSN, RN]

As a CNA in most facilities you would be responsible for bathing pts/residents so perhaps nights may be a little easier on your body, with all the lifting. But that being said, usually there are 2 or more CNA's on days and only 1 on nights so you are busy on both shifts. I would still pick nights, but that's just my 2 cents...Good luck with whatever you decide!

[RNperdiem, RN]

It depends on the type of patients you have.

A day shift CNA will pass a lot of meal trays, feed a lot of people if your patients are disabled, and do baths.

I stayed very busy as a CNA on days.

At night, I was the only CNA, but there were no meals to assist with, no baths and less time spent on the run. Patients still needed help to the bathroom, incontinent care and vital signs done. I liked nights, but I was tired all the time from sleep loss.

[mykidzmom]

some people get used to nights...i never did. never adjusted. the thing that got me was that 1 shift was technically 2 days. you go in on friday but leave on saturday. you start your shift writing august 3 then the second part writing august 4. both the day of and the day after your shift is spent preparing your sleep and awake schedule. so 2 shifts effects, at minimum 4 of your days. many people who adjust to night shift wouldn't trade it or anything. it isn't a big deal for lots of folks. try it for 6 months. also, meetings and inservices and the occasional administrative gift of ice cream is often not available to nights.

the last place i worked, the night CNAs were responsible for weighing the patients and a certain amount of the baths. try it--you might love it!

[Goingthere]

Mmm, pickles....if I were you I would make my decision based on what I could do longterm-just incase the market changes (again) and a better offer comes along or there are no better offers. Take the position that fits your life-which can change. Although that night differential can buy alot if pickles..I mean ALOT!

[chuchie, ADN, BSN, MSN, LPN, APRN, NP]

Personally I would take night shift and since this is your first CNA job it might be a little easier to get orientated to your job. How much of a morning person are you? If you are the type of person that goes to bed early and wakes up early consistantly and have been that way for many years then maybe it would not be the best choice. Also, are you planning on going to school at all? This could be a big determining factor as well since many colleges have the majority of their classes offered in the am.

[sophiadawn7]

I would do the night shift because day shift would be too much work good luck

[chicookie, BSN, RN]

I love pickles!

if it were me. I would do day shift just because sleep is sacred to me and I couldn't stand night shift.