A thank you, and question about shifts at hospitals

[SugarMagnoliaMom]

Hello! I am relatively new here and learning more than I could ever have imagined.

I thank you all so much for being so open and sharing about your experiences. Altho, I worried momentarily about my career choice when I read the "Thing that Freaked you out most" thread (may I ask, what exactly is a trach tube - I noticed there is a lot of phlem involved that freaks me ou ~ LOL, and I have taken note of using vicks vapo rub or wintergreen under my nose, I am terribly sensitive to smells, and a sympathetic gagger --- nobody gags alone around me! LOL)

I am about to begin my nursing education and wondering about my future. My situation is as follows: I have one child (another on the way), I will finish nursing school around the time my new child will be four. Just in time for him to start pre-school. My husband is a police officer with a rotating shift.

I am wondering what type of shifts are available at hospitals? Ideally, I would like to work something after midnight, maybe a 2am-7am or something, is that a possibility? I suppose I am worrying way too soon, and will find something when the time comes.

Are there hospitals where the nurses also have shift changes? How hard is it to find a job that works with such a schedule?

I am blessed somewhat because I live 45minutes from Baltimore, a smorgashborg of hospitals.

Do any of you recommend agency work? I have always thought temp nurse agencies are for experienced nurses, who can easily walk into a hospital or facility with a lot of experience and adapt to the new environments.

If not, I will figure it out!! LOL I am pretty adaptable, even if my fantasy world of a 2am-7am, or such isnt available (hubby doesnt get home till 1am on his afternoon months, he arrives home at 6pm on his day-shift months).

Anyhow, I just recieved copies of my undergrad transcrips from my BA in Communications degree, which I am trading in for an AA in Nursing. I am thrilled they have arrived and am planning to meet with the director of Nursing at our local community college.

Thank you! Sorry if I rambled! LOL It is late, the baby is kicking up a storm, and I should be in bed!

[suzanne4, RN]

Congratulations on your goals.

There are hospitals where you can get striaght shifts, and there are some where you need to rotate. You may find a facility that will let you work around your husband's schedule. Most are quite flexible.

Agency positions require that you have a couple of years experience under your belt. I wouldn't worry about the schedules at this point. You will always be able to find something.

Good luck.............................. :balloons:

[Dixiedi]

Shifts that I personally call "off shifts" are available when hospitals need the staff.

Let me define "off shifts" - a shift that begins and ends at times other than is the norm for a given institution, for most hospitals that would be 7-3:30, 3-11:30, 11-7:30 or 12 hour shifts would be 7-7:30 and 7-7:30. These do vary a lot!

From what I have seen in the yrs I have been a nurse that anyone who wants to work something else may or may not get that wish. All you can do is ask. However, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for it. Bummer.

However, many hospitals allow nurses to pair up or even triple up to cover the hours they are collectively assigned to. Again, just ask! All they can say is no. And, if they do, you can always utilize the day care center many hospitals have these days open for business 24 hrs a day.

Good luck finding something that will work for you.

[Farkinott, RN]

If you are prapared to work those kinds of hours and to work so hard towards your goals you won't have any problems.

More power to you!