Performing all the tasks that need to be completed at night in the face of encroaching tiredness can feel like a superhuman effort, but over time many learn to manage it – and some even grow to prefer working at night. It can fit in with family life, you can work more autonomously because there are fewer staff on duty, and there are also penalty pay rates.
One young member of HelloCare’s Aged Care Worker Support Group, who was just about to work her first night shift, recently asked the group for advice.
We hold a certain respect for those who work the night shift. The work is difficult, but it is absolutely essential for the care of older people, both in residential care and at home.
So, what advice did our poster receive? How do experienced night shift workers do it?
Tip #1: Sustenance
Tip #2: Workflow
Tip #3: Get organised
Tip #4: Preparing for sleep
Tip #5: Prepare for sleeping during the day
The original poster who asked for advice said the feedback she received was extremely beneficial – and she ended up enjoying night shift so much, she has put her name down to do more!
“The suggestions about what to bring and what to eat were most useful.
“I was nervous, but as the nights went on I was less nervous about working and more nervous about falling asleep!
“I am was blessed to be a good day sleeper so the nights were easier than expected.
“I often had to pace back and forth drinking my energy drink to stay awake.
“I checked my patients regularly and, because of the type of people I was caring for, I mostly had someone awake all night, keeping it interesting!”
Early days are interesting. You are running on adrenaline in any new job and want to do the best you can. Night shift is great if you have always been a night owl. But yes by night 3 you really come down. Extreme tiredness. Sometimes I have felt physically ill and have almost had to go home. I find it can be dangerous especially when you have dementia residents with all different behaviors all extremely challenging when you are tired. And if you feel you are being forced to give showers by RNs at a time of the morning when you are extremely tired it is a very dangerous situation for all. Don’t live too far away from work is my advice as aged care is extremely physical work and mentally exhausting at the best of times. Not to mention all the courses are designed around day shift workers only! So be.prepared to go in at 1.30 in the afternoon for manual handling and fire training etc. It is never boring and you can vent with others that only people in the Industry would umderstand where you are coming from. You will laugh as well as there can be some hilarious situations happening in aged care. The staff are Interesting as well all ages and different nationalities can be fun. And some interesting personalities. This is what keeps you there. The friendships. And some residents. Don’t forget all the paper work on computer and all the site checks of 15 to 1 hrly site checks. Could have up to 10. Be honest with your checks as it can be a.legal situation to deal with if so.eone is found after your shift face down on the floor and you filled a list out saying this person was checked an hr earlier when I.fact the person has been there on the floor for hours or worse rigor mortis has set in. The pay does not reflect the huge responsibilities of the AIN as there are so many responsibilities put on staff. So good luck. Hope anyone thinking of going into the industry lasts more than 6months. But if you stick it out and make good friends and pick up good ideas and ask ask ask how do do something as people will not always help unless you ask
Very informative information and I liked what I read. As a caregiver working night shift for 5 years now, I find very challenging, busy, with plenty to do. But at times when we are short of staff, we rely on the registered nurse to be our fill in for caregiver’s role. We also have to prioritise our cleaning duties, to cater for the busy moments that overwhelm us when dealing with the residents.