Working NOC shift alone - thoughts/experiences?

[betm, CNA]

Hey everyone,

I recently moved and I've been interviewing for positions in this area. On Monday, I interviewed at a cute little 20-bed ALF about fifteen minutes from my apartment. The interview went really well and I feel I may be offered the position shortly. I found out their facility operates the NOC shift with only one CNA from 11-6am (the shift is 11-7am, but I would get an AM worker at 6am to help with one of my cares).

I would have all 20 residents under my care (a load I'm used to from previous jobs) who range from independent to completely dependent, a typical NOC chore list (cleaning, restocking, laundry, etc), and access to one of the two aides who work at the building down the road should I need assistance. I would have three AM cares (compared to the 4-6 I'm used to), I will get orientation, and there is an on-call RN. I would have PRN meds and one 0400 med to give and they use a computer system to chart medications. Four residents have alarms, but the system is very advanced. If someone sets off their alarm, it doesn't shriek (and wake everyone else up), it just lights up on a switchboard as call lights do.

I'm an introvert and used to keeping my own company when my fiancé isn't around, so being alone wouldn't be horrible for my sanity. Plus, I've worked NOCs with other aides who never lifted a finger to do the chores list with me, so it will be a breath of fresh air to do it myself because it's solely my responsibility, you know? I would be able to do light homework (I'm in nursing school) to keep myself focused/awake after chores and between rounds and call lights. And I may not have to work the shift alone for very long, as the new Resident Director wants to hire more NOC workers (I won't hold my breath, though).

Has anyone worked (or know someone who worked) as the only CNA on the NOC shift? I'm interested in hearing your experiences and opinions!

[verene, MSN]

I haven't worked NOC but at our facility the NOC shift is alone from Midnight until 7am. We are a 35-bed facility with most residents independent/semi-independent on care. One of our NOCs has done this shift (similar job duties to what you described above) working alone for the last 10 years and says it is just fine. The only time it is stressful is if there is an emergency, in which case she has on-call RN, on-call admin, and a sister facility 5 blocks away that can send staff. The only time she complains is if swing shift leaves a big mess (dirty dishes, laundry, no-prep etc) for her to deal with.

[betm, CNA]

Thanks for your response, verene! I accepted the position this morning and I'm very interested in seeing how I'll do.

[verene, MSN]

Congrats! I hope everything goes well for you. :-)