Active Duty work hours?

PurrRN · Apr 4, 2007

I can't say what the med corps does specifically, but as a former soldier and wife of a Drill Sergeant, I will say that "normal" work hours don't apply as civilians know them. My husband goes to work at 0430 and often isn't home before 2000-2130 and "normally" gets only sundays off (If that). I've seen him work 11-14 days without a day off. Hope someone can give you more personalized view about how nursing staff hours work. But keep in mind that the mind set of the military is that you are a 24/7 asset that can be utilized at the needs of the Army/Air Force/Navy/Marines.

Most civilians who haven't been exposed to that type of staffing, find it hard to understand unless they've had experience first hand, or have had family or friends in the military.

Good Luck!

P.S. The Army was the best thing I could have done for myself when I was younger. I learned alot about myself and am proud that I was able to serve.

allnurses Guide · Apr 4, 2007

Hello all, I am really thinking about going active duty once I finish my BSN and was wondering if they work 3x12, or the normal 5x8. Can someone please give me an idea of their work schedule.
Thanks!
-Frank

It all depends on what area you work in. If you are a shift worker we usually work seven 12hr shifts in a 14 day period. Non-shift workers usually work Mon-Fri 8-9.5 hr days. Those are your scheduled days to work. It doesn't include your extra duty days for other military activities, etc. Depending on where you work and what is going on plan on about a 50hr work week in general.

Jarnaes · Apr 5, 2007

There is no set standard, some places do 12 hour shifts others do 8. The unit you work on will have a mix of civillian, contract and active duty staff. As military you are pretty much "free labor". They will try to give you a 40 hr work week, but if a civillian calls in sick- guess who will cover their shifts...

You are government property, your only entitlements are 3 meals per day and 4 hours of sleep per night. Of course, if they held people to that standard all the time, people would not stay in or join. The goal is a 40 hr work week, but if you are told that you will work more- you will.

navynurse06 · Apr 6, 2007

As stated above, it varies depending on what area of nursing you work in. For example, most of our floor nurse (military) at NMCSD work 3 to 4 12 hrs shifts, depending on staffing. And most floors do rotating shifts of 2 months days, 2 months nights. I got lucky and was able to go to permanent nights after workign 6 months on my unit. I hate being at the hospital during the day! So I work from 1845-0700 (or whatever time am report is over).

If you work in a clinic than you will work 8 hr days, Mon-Fri...usually office hours.

PhWanC · Apr 7, 2007

Awesome! Not the work hours but to all that replied so I have an idea of what to look forward to.

Thanks!

-Frank