What shift in ltc do you prefer?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 29, 2009

I prefer working the weekend double shift in LTC, which consists of two 16 hour shifts every Saturday and Sunday. I'd rather have more days off per week.

If a weekend shift is not available, I prefer to work the night shift. There's not going to be any belligerent family members, rude visitors, or intrusive managers bothering me during the 11 to 7 shift. Therefore, I can usually accomplish the job without any interruptions.

BreeLPN2RN · Dec 29, 2009

I prefer 3-11 and that's the shift I work. Years ago I worked Baylor, I LOVED it. But, they did away with that.

DogWmn · Dec 29, 2009

anything but nights...I'm not a night person.

itismemonica · Dec 29, 2009

When I worked in one, I preferred 11-7. In my experience, I actually preferred night, weekend option because that was the ONLY way I was able to handle all of my facility's ridiculous demands. I worked 7p-7a.

EmmyBee · Dec 29, 2009

I preferred 11-7. There is always a large amount of meds due on every shift at LTCs, at the exact same times. But nights had the least (where I worked). And with 30+ residents, it seemed to be the only time I was able to get everything done. It was also easier to find residents, because they were in bed, not off playing bingo, receiving physical therapy, smoking on the patio, out at appointments, etc. And finally, there were less "big wigs" to deal with at night.

montinurse, BSN · Dec 30, 2009

I prefer 7-3 because of my family. My husband works during the day, two kids in elementary school and one in daycare. I like to get off work when they're finishing school, get dinner started, homework, etc. I still work every other weekend, but it's not bad since I work day shift.

A few years ago, I worked 3-11, and hated it. Seems like I didn't have quality time with the family, and EVERYONE's family members came in during those hours, and it's impossible to please everyone, especially afterhours. I did plenty of midnights in the military, don't want to do that again. I might be a little stuck in my ways. Of course, that's the joy of nursing!

Midwest4me · Dec 30, 2009

When I used to work LTC, I liked dayshift the best as it was fast-paced, so the time flew by and I was off shift before I knew it.

nursinger · Dec 30, 2009

I preferred 11-7. There is always a large amount of meds due on every shift at LTCs, at the exact same times. But nights had the least (where I worked). And with 30+ residents, it seemed to be the only time I was able to get everything done. It was also easier to find residents, because they were in bed, not off playing bingo, receiving physical therapy, smoking on the patio, out at appointments, etc. And finally, there were less "big wigs" to deal with at night.

All of the above!

MississippiLPN09 · Dec 30, 2009

7a-7p time goes by fast and I only work 2 days one week and 5 the next

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Dec 30, 2009

I'm a CNA and I like 7-3 the best. It seems more relaxed because you have less people on your assignment, but it also goes by faster because you have no downtime. Plus there are less visitors and the ones we do get seem less judgmental and intrusive. I give better care on first shift because I'm not rushing so much. On second shift everyone wants to go to bed at the same time. In the morning if you leave people in bed longer because you're taking your time with someone else, they don't object!

teeniebert, LPN · Dec 30, 2009

I work 3-11 and have picked up/swapped for a few 7-3 shifts. I'm not sure which I like better. 3-11 works better with my circadian rhythms, but 7-3 felt better in terms of getting everything done and getting out on time.