Are you considering a career as a youth worker, or have you recently started your journey in this field?
If so, you may have heard about something called an “Active Night Shift.” In this post, the Healthcare Australia team explains what an Active Night Shift involves, what is expected of you, and why following a clear code of conduct matters. This code is designed to protect the safety of both you and the young people in your care, and it sits at the heart of our commitment to care, compassion, and excellence.
What Is an Active Night Shift?
An Active Night Shift, often abbreviated as NS (Night Shift), is a crucial part of youth work. It is a responsibility that involves staying awake throughout the night to safeguard the wellbeing and safety of the young people in your care. It is important not to confuse an Active Night Shift with a Sleep Over Shift, where Youth Workers are permitted to sleep. Knowing the difference helps you prepare properly and step into each shift with confidence.
Code of Conduct: Your Guiding Principles
As a youth worker, you will be expected to uphold a clear code of conduct. This code is more than a set of rules. It is a commitment to your duty of care and to protecting the safety and welfare of both the young people and the communities you support. Here are four aspects of the code of conduct that are especially important during Active Night Shifts.
1. Staying Awake and Aware
During an Active Night Shift, you must remain awake and vigilant. This is non-negotiable, because it is the only way to ensure the safety of the young people in your care. Staying aware of their movements and your surroundings helps you maintain a safe and settled environment throughout the night.
2. Detailed Shift Notes and Hourly Observations
One of the most important parts of an Active Night Shift is keeping detailed, accurate, and factual notes. These notes are legal documents, and they provide a clear timeline of events should any unexpected situation arise.
You will be expected to record hourly observations throughout your shift, as well as complete end of shift notes. You will also have access to your dedicated Healthcare Australia support team, who can offer timely feedback and guidance to help build your confidence in writing great shift notes.
3. Completing Shift Tasks
You will have specific tasks and duties allocated to your shift. It is important to complete these tasks and to work as a team with your colleagues.
That said, there may be legitimate reasons why you cannot complete every task, such as managing a lengthy escalation. In these cases, hand over any unfinished tasks to the next shift and provide a clear explanation. This simple step reduces misunderstandings and helps everyone stay on the same page.
4. Responsible Use of Personal Phones
Your personal phone should only be used for direct work-related purposes and genuine emergencies. Activities such as personal phone calls, social media, streaming music or shows, or using earbuds are not permitted during your shift, as they take your attention away from the young people who rely on you.
You Are Never on Your Own
Support matters, especially during overnight shifts. Healthcare Australia Youth Workers have 24-hour access to a supportive team they can contact for guidance whenever they need it, so you never have to feel alone. It is also worth remembering that Active Night Shifts are not a mandatory requirement of being a Youth Worker with HCA. One of the major benefits of being a casual Youth Worker is that you tell us the days and hours you would like to work, and we match you with one of our community services clients.
If you are ready to make a real difference in young people’s lives, visit www.healthcareaustralia.com.au to learn more and take the next step in your youth work journey.
