[Christine950423]

After reviewing the salary thread (which was very helpful by the way), I was wondering on average how many hours a full time nurse works? I am changing careers from teaching into nursing, and I am well aware that teachers put in far more hours than your average 40 a week. Except teachers don't get paid for that overtime (although, we do get two months off so it equals out in the long run).

Most nurses that I talk to say that you can work as many hours as you choose, but I am curious how many hours I will be expected to work if I want to work "full time". Thanks so much!

[neneRN]

Typically full time in a hospital is 36 hours (three 12 hour shifts). There are weekender options (just working weekends). Overtime available if you want to work more.

[zacarias]

I work 36 hours a week at a new job. I can't possibly imagine working more. I'd like to to because the money incentive is great. When I am working though, I give 150% and I need somewhat of a break from it during the week.

[BJLynn]

40 scheduled. OT at least once or twice a month.

[rn undisclosed name]

I work 36 hours if I get out on time but that is what I am scheduled to work. I don't pick up any extra shifts. I think I may start to since I am starting to feel a little more comfortable being a nurse.

My hospital pays an additional $15.00/hour for any shifts you pick up plus overtime if you're over 40 hours for the week. I'm curious what other hospitals pay for picking up extra shifts. I went on an interview last week and the recruiter told me they pay you 20% extra to pick up shifts. That would be an extra $5.00/hour. That's a pretty big difference in pay compared to the current place I am at.

[TazziRN]

36 per week for me. Overtime is available if I want it but I do not have to do it. Usually my overtime is not getting a meal break, or having to stay over to finish my charting. The former is much more common than the latter.

[miko014]

I'm full time, but I do 32 hours (four 8s). We don't get anything for just picking up a regular shift, but if they have a lot of holes, they will offer incentive pay, which I think is $5/hour extra, and if they are desperate, they will offer crisis pay which comes out to about $10/hour. But that's rare. And they don't want us to work overtime. Budget, you know.

[TeleRNer]

I work 3 days and nothing more, because I do not wish to become burnt out. Money's one thing, but free time with friends and family is everything.

Met up with a nurse today, had to float to ICU...people are great down there in ICU, but I must say, keep me out of there, it makes my bones ache and my mind queezed, jeeze! Anyway, this male nurse worked 76 12hour nocs straight, no kidding! Worked with an agency: three at this hospital and four at another...I would definitey go stir crazy! This Man is a man of all men's men according to me a male nurse. Whoh, retire at 40 might be his goal, but is it worth it?!!!

[WestWingFan]

I can't answer your question as I'm just starting nursing school. But, I'm also making the switch from teaching to nursing, and just wanted to say hi! I'm hoping to just work weekends, or work 3/12 hour overnight shifts Fri night, sat night and sun night--- we'll see.

[gonzo1]

as a hospital staff nurse you can usually work as much as you want. some of us work 55 or 60 hours a week. the great thing about nursing is there is so much variety, in location, jobs, hours etc. the sky is the limit.