Acute Care NP Schedule?

[jyan, BSN, RN]

Hi,

I looking to go for an advanced degree, but I like the critical thinking and quick problem solving that comes with critical care. Anyone have experience with what a typical schedule would look like for an Acute Care NP? Can you work as an Acute Care NP and have a "regular" schedule?

Thanks!

[guest478081]

What’s a regular schedule

[Subee2, BSN, MSN, CRNA]

If the OP is asking.the question, I'm sure they will be disappointed in the answer:)

[bbcewalters, NP]

Very few NPs truly have an 8-5 M-F schedule no weekends, no holidays, no call. This is healthcare after all. That being said this is probably easier in the outpt setting. In the hospital it will vary. I know in my area, if you work for the hospital, most are 7 on 7 off with rotating holiday schedule. If you work for specialty and do hospital consults it will depend on the needs of the practice. Hope this helps. I do think many students think that NP will give them more days off and flexibility while paying more..... win win. The reality is you have much more responsibility which increases your workload, even if it is not physical hours, most are constantly "working/learning".

[guest478081]

Yeah the idea of instant six figures with a mommy 9-4 job is unrealistic in most fields of Np

[AutumnLeaves, MSN, RN, NP]

I have been an acute care NP for a long time. I have had several types of jobs but have never held a M-F day hrs position. The job I have now is inpatient/outpatient-I work for the hospital as the only NP in vascular surgery.My hours vary from day to day, some days I am out by 5 pm, sometimes 7 or later. I start every day by 7 am. We also take call. Truthfully, I like this job a lot, but I do average 55 hrs a week,sometimes more. My last job was also inpatient/outpatient and we worked 4 12 hr shifts a week, alternating days/nights.Hope that answers your question.

[adventure_rn, MSN, NP]

Certain procedural areas like cath lab might give you more of a consistent M-F 8-5 type schedule. However, a lot of your time 'off' is still spent on-call, so you might still occasionally have to come in at 2 am on a Tuesday.

That said, many outpatient NPs who work M-F 8-5s also have to be on-call, so that may be as close to a 'normal schedule' as you get.

[jyan, BSN, RN]

Thanks so much for all the answers! It definitely helps give me a better idea of what to expect.

[Freedomsong, NP]

I'm acute care in Neuroscience. I work 7 on 7 off 12 hour shifts.

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

I work CTICU, I do 3 x 12's, 6a-6p. Most days I get out around 6:30, at times I am there til 8pm. It was my choice to switch, I used to do 4 x 10's and did 6a-4p. No call. No holidays. No weekends. Although - I feel like it's coming as they are moving towards 24/7 APP coverage.

[core0]

For our ICUs it all 3 x 13.33 usually 630a to 800p or the reverse. Usually get out by 730 but sometimes there until 9. Most of our specialty APPs are Monday through Friday 8 hours although some are going to 4 x 10s with rotating weekends. Most of the floor staff is 3 x12 hours .

[Dodongo, APRN, NP]

My group does 6x12s and an 8 (that is always a 12) every 2 week pay period. Rotating, weekends, holidays. If you want to work CCM then you're not going to have a M-F 8hr schedule.