JOBS only with 2 YEAR NIGHT SHIFT COMMITMENT!!

futurecnm · May 25, 2008

I just had a previous post regarding what job to choose. I interviewed in the ER, MICU, ans SICU for an IP position at two hospitals in Los Angeles. They have no day shift positions at all and if I want to go to the ICU I have to make a two year commitment to work at night!!! Turns out Im just going to stay at a Telemetry floor that can offer me day shift. I cant work night shift since I have a brand new baby.Did any one else have this problem?

Have not heard of that. At the hospital I am going to be working at, they offered me 2 different shifts (day/night or straight evenings) but I am allowed to apply for any shifts that they post so no one is really "required" to stay in a certain shift for a specified time.

Sterren, BSN, RN · May 26, 2008

I think the 2 year commitment is fairly standard, if you get a sign-on bonus. I had to commit to several years on the floor I signed on to for my sign-on bonus, so I don't think that's unique all by itself. I can switch to days (I'm doing night shift) if a position opens up, though.

I think it's also fairly common for new grads to be "stuck" with night shift because many experienced nurses don't seem to want to do nights. I'm not crazy about night shift, but I'm not terribly upset because I got the unit I wanted to work on and I will be able to switch back to days eventually so I wanted to just get in the door on the unit and go from there. I can't imagine doing overnights with a newborn, though, so I don't blame you for taking the day shift! After you have some time on the tele floor, hopefully you'll be able to transition to the ICU.

nursegreen · May 28, 2008

I believe it is a pretty common practice for facilities to require a two year contract in the ICU's. My facility requires a two year contract but it is to the facility not a specific unit. I just took a critical care position and they did ask for a two year commitment to the facility( I have been there for 10yrs). As long as you stay at the hospital for two years it's ok. You can work on day or night(which ever is available) and are not held to a specific shift for the two years. I think one of the main reasons many GN's and RN's new to a facility are given the option of nights only is because of current staff. If a day position is coming available(atleast at my facility) and a current nurse on night shift is interested the position would be offered to them first before an outside applicant(meaning outside of the facility or outside of the unit). I agree it would be very hard for you to work nights with a brand new baby. My situation is the opposite, my son is going into junior high this coming school year and they don't start until 9am (9a-4p). I am probably going to end up having to work nights. Wish you luck!!!!

:nurse: