New Grads, How much do you work?

[babsy28]

I was just wondering how many jobs new grads are working? One job FT, or multiple PT/Per Diem positions? I've worked at least 2 jobs but typically 3 for the last 6 years and I was wondering if new grads are really finding FT positions or just taking whatever they can get with the market being the way it is.

I'm graduating with my BSN next year, so this maybe a little premature but my fingers are crossed that I'll have one FT position.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I'm no longer a new grad, but I'll go ahead and answer this question. . . I worked full-time 16 hour weekend double shifts at a nursing home when I was a new grad LVN in 2006. Since I had Monday through Friday off, I would work a PRN job during the week to earn some extra cash. When I earned my RN license in 2010, I worked part-time weekend 12 hour shifts at a nursing home. This schedule enabled me to have Monday through Friday off, so I worked three 12-hour shifts per week at a local rehab hospital as a PRN staff nurse.

[babsy28]

Thanks for the response Commuter. I'm used to 12-24 hour shifts and I kind of like having my hands in different "pots"/ aspects of medicine. All of the local hospitals are leaving 12 hour shifts behind and I'm a little curious what options I would have being on an 8hr schedule.

[RNgrad2012]

I'm new-ish, became a RN in June 2012. I was hired at a critical access rural hospital, working 32 hours/week. Out of my class of 16, I was 1 of 3 to get job right away. The rest of my class took 3-6 months to find work. I'm in central Iowa.

[julz68]

I graduated in Dec, passed NCLEX on Feb 4th and started my full time job on a medical floor 2 weeks later. I work 12 hour shifts three nights a week, work every 3rd weekend and every other holiday. Although I'm still in orientation and very overwhelmed, I can safely say that I really like my job. :)

[whichone'spink, BSN, RN]

I work a full-time job mostly 12 hour shifts, but some eight hour shifts I wish I had more eight hour shifts. I've discovered that 12 hour shifts are just way too freaking long. I work mostly 3 PM to 3 AM, but I'm considered flex so I'm placed in whatever schedule slots they need me.

[proud nurse, BSN, RN]

I was hired for a .9 FTE (72 hrs/pay period) on a med-surg floor. While on orientation I've been scheduled 10 days a pay period. I can't wait to get off orientation so I can have my one extra day off.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Hired for 0.9 FTE in PICU. Three 12s, rotating shifts from night to day; every third weekend.

I considered part time, but have full time benefits.

I enjoy only working 3 days a week...anything more is detrimental to me, lol.

I still occasionally work PRN at a pediatric facility that I worked at as a LPN. I am an IC there, so the extra cash helps with student loans and savings, whenever I work there. I make considerably more at my PICU job, including differential; I don't really need a second job, however, it can be a great change of pace. IMO, consistently having a second job in the first part of my career as a LPN helped me not suffer the first year "burnout."

[Racer15, BSN, RN]

I graduated December 2012. I work FT in an ER, 3 nights a week, every other weekend.

[CaptScrubs13]

32 hours/week .. Sometimes will pick up an extra to do 40.

[nursejami]

My position is a 0.5-1.0 FTE, but I'm considered "part time." I usually schedule myself to work 0.8 (5 days one week, 3 the next).

[C-lion]

3 12's per week. I am going to start putting myself on call, probably one-two shifts per month. Where I work, they are very careful about OT pay. Two former classmates of mine are working in a different system, and have been working 60 hours/wk. No thanks, I am still recovering from school...