The hours a CNA works

Published

I am currently a nursing student and I would like to work as a CNA as I work towards my degree. My question is my nursing classes are scheduled that I don't get out of class until 3:30 pm, would I still be able to work a second shift somewhere that they would help to work around my school hours or do CNA's strictly work first, second, or third shifts?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in None yet..

I'm dealing with this question right now. For my large facility, there are no opportunities to work outside the three standard shifts. If I can work at all, I'll need to give up my half-time job (with benefits) and work per diem (without benefits.)

:(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in hospice.

Maybe look for somewhere that runs 12s. My employer allows us to join the float pool and then customize our schedule around school. I already work NOC 12s and plan to continue when I'm in school. I don't really have a choice. From what I understand of the schedule for the LPN program I'm waiting to enter, I shouldn't have any problem carving out three nights a week for work. It'll mean some long days where I go to school during the day then work at night, and weekends where I don't see my family much, but it will be doable. And thankfully it's only a year, and by the time I'm done with prereqs and ready to bridge to RN my kids will be older and I'll have another driver to replace the one leaving for college next year.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in None yet..
Maybe look for somewhere that runs 12s. My employer allows us to join the float pool and then customize our schedule around school. I already work NOC 12s and plan to continue when I'm in school. I don't really have a choice. From what I understand of the schedule for the LPN program I'm waiting to enter, I shouldn't have any problem carving out three nights a week for work. It'll mean some long days where I go to school during the day then work at night, and weekends where I don't see my family much, but it will be doable. And thankfully it's only a year, and by the time I'm done with prereqs and ready to bridge to RN my kids will be older and I'll have another driver to replace the one leaving for college next year.

I admire you and the others who have done this for pulling it off! (I haven't seen any 12-hour shifts in my area except at hospitals and those don't hire brand new CNAs.) Best wishes on your path!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My work has what's called a .6 where they work 60% of a scheduled work week (ours works 4pm to 930pm 4 days a week). We also have an on call pool where you just tell them what days you can work and they schedule you based on need. Hope this helps!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Long term care.

There is always per diem shifts. You can choose to work weekends/holidays and any days you have off from school/

You could also do home care where you can pretty much make your own hours.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in None yet..
There is always per diem shifts. You can choose to work weekends/holidays and any days you have off from school/

You could also do home care where you can pretty much make your own hours.

The CNAs at my job who had a home care background all agree that homecare is easier. You're taking care of only one patient as opposed to 24 on a unit (with 6-8 your personal assignment.)

However... you are also completely on your own in home care and may have to deal with family even more than at a facility. You may also not be able to practice and improve many of your skills: ostomy bags, lifts, two-person transfers, bathing and more. You could end up doing lots of cooking and cleaning instead. I wouldn't have liked that as a new CNA. I wanted to learn from experienced CNAs and to find out whether I could cut it in a health care environment where I'd need to work as a team member and manage a big patients load. Both have been invaluable so for.

If you don't need benefits, per diem does pay more per hour and let you fit your work to your school schedule.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with 12 hour shifts. Where I work there are a couple of cnas that come in only on weekends. Two 16 hour shifts. Yikes!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics.

I work Flex hours, which basically means I can take whatever shifts are left after the full time people schedule their hours. So I can pick and choose when I want to work. Its great for students! See if your hospital or care center has flex/float/variable positions! I am in school full time and will continue to work at least 1 12-hour shift through nursing school as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

I've pretty much only seen traditional shifts (am, PM, noc)

I used to work on call registry as a CNA while working on prereqs. I mostly worked nocs or weekends.

I didn't really work while in nursing school. My program was 9-5 or 6:30-3 x 5 days a week. Good luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

Most places are the standard 3 shifts. I work for a small facility that does overlaping shifts. So for second shift first person comes in at 3pm and works to 11pm, and the second swing person comes in at 4pm, when the second day person leaves, and works until midnight. Graveyard comes in at 11pm when first swing person leaves. It works for us, but it is not the normal schedule as far as most places go.

Most of the students I know who are actually in nursing school work either per-diem or home-care for the flexability in hours.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Like what the other person said, try home care.

It might take time to find the right client that will fit your schedule but you get to choose your work hours.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion