How flexible is a nurse's/RN work schedule?

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Specializes in Med-surg, home care.

This question might be premature as I am not even a nursing student yet (I currently work in another field and hope to start taking pre reqs in the spring :)) but I have a concern about the the work schedule for an RN and how it would fit my family life (I have 3 children currently ages 2, 3, and 8). My husband, while supportive, works a varied shift (both night and day) so working a 12 hr shift might be difficult since he sometimes has to be work by 6 am (day) or anywhere from 7 pm-10 pm (night). My husband also works most Saturdays all day. My current job schedule is 9:30-5:30 p M-F but I do not like it since I work a lot of OT and barely have time for my family during the week, although my schedule does allow me to drop them off to daycare/school in the morning and pick up in the evening (daycare close at 7 pm) if my husband is unable to pick them up. I am also off most holidays/weekends. As far as working day/night, weekened, etc is concerned it doesn't bother me much as long as 1) I can spend some time with my family and 2)my childcare is well situated. Assuming that I get in a ABSN program in a couple of years, I will be an RN in about 4 years (my kids will all be school aged by then) so perhaps my dilemma will be easier then. I would like to hear from all nurses with children but particularly those who significant others have unpredictable or varied work hours or "unique" situation. Thanks.

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Specializes in Med-surg, home care.

i see no one has replied to my post yet...

anyway, I have done some searching on this site and it seems that the best thing for me, other than a 9-5 nursing job (which is unlikely) is to do per diem or PRN? Can any per diem nurses explain to me how this works? Again I know I am asking questions very early but I want to know what I am getting into before I take a big risk and change careers (which would also mean eventually leaving my current job). Thanks

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Specializes in ED, trauma.

I worked as a tech before starting nursing school, so this is coming from what I have seen, not first hand experience.

1) An ABSN stands for Accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nursing. These programs usually are reserved for individuals with a non-health Bachelors degree seeking a nursing degree. Typically they last less than 2 years.

2) Do you already have an AA? Do you have your pre-reqs completed? That all factors in to how long it will be before you are eligible for NCLEX.

3) typically nursing is in 12 hour shifts, sometimes 8 hour shifts - this varies by facility, department, manager, etc. 12 hour shifts are usually 7-7, and the 8 hour shifts are 7-3, 3-11, 11-7. They aren't as common but can be found.

4) Shifts are typically schedule as 3-4 days/week. How I usually saw it was 4 days the first week, and 3 days the next week for a total of 7 shifts or 84 hours/week. Some places do 2 twelves (24) plus 2 eights (16) for a total of 40.

5) New grads follow the schedule of their preceptor. So you will not have much say in the beginning. With orientation lasting roughly 6-16 weeks depending on unit, you will essentially be full time (36+hrs/week). Per diem/PRN work is usually reserved for those who don't need orientation, such as a nurse with 2+ years of experience.

6) Working nights can be a nightmare for babysitting if you don't have help to watch your children, and many new grads find the job market tough and have to take a night shift position until they can find day shift placement.

7) There are jobs for nurses outside of acute care (hospital) such as health department, doctors office, long term care. These are areas you may find 8 hour shifts 9-5 Mon-Fri. There is also community or public health. Those hours can vary based on availability and position.

Also, home health can be based on your availability as you will travel to your patient's homes. Some may choose to do specifically a type of home health like hospice, geriatrics, pediatrics, or general. You will be exposed to many things in home health also.

I hope this answers some of your questions.

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Specializes in ED, trauma.

Oh. Also, school nursing. If you can suck it up for a few years and get pediatric experience one way or another...perhaps school nursing would be best. You would have the holidays off as well and be home with your kids on all their breaks.

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Specializes in Adult/Ped Emergency and Trauma.

For my first few years, as flexible as a Concrete Brick. Over the years though, I moved into more flexible scheduling jobs-some that you made your schedules(3 days week one, 4 days week two.)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

PP is correct - the schedule for nursing school & early years in a nursing career is not flexible at all. Oddly enough, it is difficult for nurses to get time off as well - taking 'sick time' (unscheduled time off) can be very difficult due to managers' pressure to maintain staffing 24X7. You need at least one or more years of experience before being hired as a PRN nurse - because they are expected to be 'good to go' in just about any situation or setting - note: specialty PRN nurses are a separate breed, they have to have demonstrated competency in that specialty area before even being considered as a PRN.

PRN means that you do not have a set schedule, and you have more control of when you work - in terms of whether you say 'yes' or 'no' when requested to work. However, in most organizations, PRN nurses are also obligated to work a certain number of shifts, including weekends and holidays. Most of the time, PRNs are called 2 or 3 hours prior to the beginning of a shift (after someone has called in sick), so you don't get much notification.... those 4 AM calls are just peachy. It is possible for PRNs to arrange a schedule in advance - if the staffing 'holes' are known ahead of time. But, PRN nurses are always the first to be cancelled if the patient census drops.

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