What do you think of working 6-2 & weekend doubles?

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I work 6-2 shift at the nursing home I work at. I'm having some financial issues right now and was offered a job at another nursing home for weekend doubles (Saturday and Sunday, get paid for a 5th shift but don't work it). It will add up to about 60-70 hours a week, I don't work Friday's so that would be my one day off. I'm worried about things like getting burnout. Does anyone have experience working this many hours as a CNA? It would just be a summer thing since I will be starting LVN school in the fall. Any advice or input would be great.

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A lot of my coworkers now work 2 jobs to make ends meet. I have seen everyone fall into 2 distinct groups.

Some of them handle it very well. You would never know they had 2 jobs unless they told you. My favorite coworker works 16 hours a day, 6 days a week and has the strongest work ethic of anyone I know. She thrives on it.

The others' work ethic goes down the tubes. They get burnt out within 2 weeks and start getting annoyed with everyone over everything. They start skimping on care and chores and do whatever to get other people to do their work for them. They are always tired and start hating their jobs.

One of my coworkers did it for 3 months and by the time it was over, nobody could stand to be around him.

So I guess it all just depends on YOU. If you feel you can handle that many hours, go for it. If you know you will get burnt out or stressed easily, it might be better just to pick up occasional shifts as a PRN employee.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I would actually really like those weekend hours.

Work two days a week and get paid for 40 hours? Sign me up!

I don't really have any comment about the weekend shifts as an additional job. Personally I'm not willing to do that as I'm not having any financial trouble. (I'd rather have one full-time job and go to school, which is what I'm doing)

I'd imagine the workload is similar but I think working that many hours may be demoralizing depending on how much you like your job. I really like my job, but I couldn't stand not progressing further in my field.

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg.

I say give it a shot. If you can handle it, great. If not, don't push it.

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Specializes in LTC, Home Health, Hospice.

it will be taxing on you physically and mentally. You must make sure that you are eating properly and getting adequate rest. I did it, It was very hard, but the rewards were great. If it is only for a short time, then you should be ok with a proper diet and possible a vit supp.

good luck. and take proper care of your self, in short, DONT MAKE IT A STANDARD PRACTICE TO WORK THIS HARD.

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