This is Joshua “Josh” Guisti, RN! Josh is our Night Shift Assistant Nurse Manager in our Emergency Department. Josh offers some unique perspective on being a night shift ER/ED Nurse!

What do you like about working night shift as a Littauer Emergency Nurse?

“I was a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for 12 years, and a Registered Nurse (RN) for 4 years,” Josh said. “So, I have been a nurse for half of my life. My mother was a nurse, too. I have worked every shift possible, and as an RN I’ve always worked nights. I honestly prefer it. There are less people during the night, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. First, the group you work with is smaller, and it feels more ‘tightknit,’ like a family. There’s generally more time to have unique, quality interactions with your patients, too – leading to a more enjoyable work environment as a nurse.”

How is the work/life balance?

“I get to go home and get good sleep, and still wake up and enjoy a good part of the day. It works for me. Being an Emergency Nurse during night hours can be an immensely rewarding and a fulfilling career choice for those who are night owls.”

What are some of the perks of working night shift as an Emergency Nurse at Littauer?

“It’s typically more laid back,” Josh said. “There’s less traffic on your way in, if you’re a commuting nurse. During the course of your shift in the night, the ER/ED might see a mix of patients with varying acuity levels. So, it can also be challenging to handle a wider range of cases, as you never know what your next patient is going to be. We’re also the only hospital right near the Adirondacks, so for a lot of people, we’re their first line of getting the healthcare services they need.”

What’s it like working with other departments during that time?

“Folks that nurses work with regularly – Imaging, ICU/SCU, Lab, Respiratory – they are always within reach, especially for us. At Littauer, our departments are very close to the ER/ED. Usually, the same crew is working the same shift, and so you get to know your people well and share great relationships with them. I honestly think our patients are better off for it. We all feel comfortable discussing concerns, and sharing information. We all have the same goal of caring for our people efficiently and safely.”

What advice would you offer if a nurse was considering working night shifts as an Emergency nurse?

“While it’s certainly not for everyone, it might even seem intimidating at first, but once you have a routine down, and realize that you have the time to do what you need to do during the better part of the day – it’s not as difficult as one might think. Give it a try.”