In facilities where elderly people reside, there is not only daytime work but also nighttime work. Work during the day is called day shift, and work at night is called night shift. If you know the differences between daytime and nighttime work and the conditions of the elderly, you will be better prepared for whatever time of day you choose to work.
Contents:
What are the differences between day and night shifts?
There are two main differences: 1) the way caregivers work, and 2) the condition of the elderly. The day shift is an eight-hour work from morning to evening. For example, there is a dayshift from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (including 1 hour break), and a night shift is 16 hours of work from evening to the next morning. For example, there is a working shift from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. the next day (2 hours if you can take a nap)
In many nursing care facilities, when you work the night shift, you are paid what is called a night shift allowance. (There is a slight difference in the amount paid by each facility.) The number of employees also varies greatly. For example, when taking care of about 30 elderly people, there are four staff on the day shift and two or one staff on the night shift.
As for the condition of the elderly, there are those who feel unstable at night and those who cannot sleep and walk around all the time.
If you feel anxious about working at night
You may feel uneasy about night shifts due to the long working hours and the small number of staff. In many facilities, you start working night shift after you experience working day shifts for a certain period of time. If you work the night shift, you will not be alone at first. You will start working together with other caregiver staff who teach you with lots of experience. You will be able to receive support from other staff until you get used to it.
What to do when an elderly person's health suddenly deteriorates
Elderly people may suddenly become ill because of their declining body functions. If you are on the day shift, you can call for immediate help as many facilities have nurses.
Even if there is no nurse on the night shift, you can call a nurse at home for instructions. Many facilities are affiliated with hospitals, so you may be able to get help from a doctor if you need it.
