Truth on the night shift.

MsLotus · May 8, 2009

I am a new CNA and getting ready to start applying for jobs. My personal shift preference is 11-7am because I have worked this shift in previous jobs and had no problem with it. Some of the other CNA's have told me that it's an easier shift because everyone is sleeping and others have told me it's harder because they don't sleep! I'd just like an honest opinion from someone who works the night shift, maybe routine things you see on that shift and not so much on others. Any comment would be really appreciated. Thank You! :heartbeat

Hello LauraCNA,

This definitely depends on where you work. Honestly, very ill individuals that are in pain do not sleep:nono:. Patients that are one assist and in need of help do not sleep throughout the night:nono::zzzzz. If you are working in a hospital, people do not sleep because they are constantly been woken up for meds to be passed, in nursing homes the patients probably do. The night shift has definitely destroyed my sleeping pattern:eek:..the extra pay is a plus:hrnsmlys:. But everyone is different, I have just never encountered anyonet that likes this shfit.. :yawn:

Katie89 · May 9, 2009

Hey there;

That's actually great that you like nights; it'll be easier for you to find work and the differential works in your favor.

In a hospital, most of the patients actually do sleep in between being woken up, or if not, they usually just like to relax and not be bothered, so that's kind of nice. Also, the CNAs go into the rooms (for vitals, etc.) at the same time as the RNs to avoid waking them up more than necessary. For the most part, nights are definitely slower and calmer, and also there are no managers, supervisors, etc. except the charge nurse, so less stress. Also, there are not as many doctors, social workers, NPs, VISITORS, etc. floating around. Less stuff for you to deal with. I like the slower pace although it can get boring/take forever...I usually bring homework.

Hope I helped!

ImMrBill3, RN · May 9, 2009

I have worked as a CNA in LTC and it is NOT easier workload wise. We had a half a floor per CNA (up to 30 pts) and they all needed turning and skin care every two hours and full updating of computer documentation every two hours, very busy night most nights. I loved it though, kept busy and not so much hassle. Pts generally slept so dealing with the difficulties of LTC patients was kept at a minimum. And best of all mgmt was home in bed not in my hair. On the whole we didn't have to bathe or feed but did a lot of changing with very few staff. Great comraderie every body on nights is like "we are in this together, let's get'r done!"

I prefer nights.

texastaz · May 12, 2009

I agree with MrImBill3. The night shift - you do stay very busy because of the patient load=I think Day sift people do not actualy realize this, but I garuntee you staffing does and staffing is going to get the work out of you. Night-shift is nice because there is not as many staff members running around with their own agenda and activities going on-so night shift is in general a quietier routine. No pun to staff - I wish at night we could send some people to OT, speach or whatever. There are also the nights when patients have the flue, need bathed, the Princess stays awake and there are the routine Sun Downer Night Demons, floor floppers, the BM artist and BM eaters. Night shift is quieter - the work load - still heavy.

nkara, CNA · May 12, 2009

The night shift is definitely not the easier shift.. people all say "well you have it easy the patients sleep" NOT! I worked in LTC first and you have the alzheimers patients who don't sleep and the incontinent patients who you have to do 2 rounds on every night.. then you have the patients who have to have help going to the bathroom.

now I'm at a hospital and you do the same thing.. only add to that vitals, blood work, ekg's, physch patients trying to bite you ... yea... not an easier shift people. LOL

but I love it. I love the people who work on third shift actually.. seem to be a great bunch of workers and get along well. Less people mulling around in the facility also.. not alot of "extra" staff walking around to get in your way. :lol2:

care_baer · May 12, 2009

I think it really depends on where you work, the residents/patients, how cognitive they are, and there care level. Some nights it gets so crazy, and I think to myself this is insane that I'm the only person here, and other nights (if the people actually sleep, which is rare) I can't wait for the laundry to come out of the dryer so I can fold it. I think the point to remember is that these are people, no day will be like another.

shy_wolf101 · May 13, 2009

I work nights at a LTC facility, and I think its easier in some aspects like the lack of tray passing and no showers(yay!), but my hall is rarely quiet, the sweet little old ladies of the day turn into demons of the night, lol, and the men decide its fun to pee their names on the floor. But I love night shift, the people I work with are amazing, we are like a tight knit family and its easy to find someone to help you out during nights than it is during any other shift, and we rarely have to deal with a family member. The load is tough because I can have anywhere from 26 to 32 residents, most of which need to be changed several times throughout the night. But all in all sometimes you get anough down time to eat and do your charting, but dont ever leave a call light beeping for more than a few minutes because non-ambulatory people experience a miracle great enought to have them believe that they can walk again....and they cant. Good luck!