Can I get a nursing job that lets me keep the Sabbath?

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 Hi, I am considering attending nursing school, primarily because I am interested in working in pediatrics. I have a lot of experience with children, including my work at a Summer camp for kids with special needs.my camper had a tracheostomy and a GJ tube, and as her counselor, I provided all her care. This included her feedings, nebulizer treatments, chest physical therapy, administering medications, suctioning, as well as tracheostomy care and changes. I gained this experience after receiving extensive training from her mother and the nursing team.
I also work as a play therapist for a child with multiple medical needs and sometimes step in to help when her nurses don't show up. Additionally, I volunteer for organizations in my community by taking shifts caring for young children, babies, and sometimes teens in the hospital. I have even visited the pediatric critical care unit for a family friend's baby a few times, so I am familiar with handling children in critical conditions.

I am planning to get a tech job in a hospital to increase my chances of landing a nursing position. Given all my experience, do you think it's likely that I could secure a job in a pediatric ward? I am a religious Jew and observe the Sabbath, making it a non-negotiable aspect of my life. I understand that this may present challenges and could make me less desirable as a nurse in many hospitals, but I am not willing to compromise my faith for employment. ward I am a religious jew and keep the sabbath so that is a huge non-negotiable piece and im aware that it will be a very big setback and make me very undesirable as a nurse in many hospitals but I am not willing to breach my faith to get a job 

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10 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

 

Your experience with children, volunteer work, and community engagement, especially those with medical complexities, is wonderful. It sets you apart and may well give you a competitive edge when applying for nursing school.

Tech position

Tech Position as a stepping stone. Starting in a tech role, like a patient care technician (PCT) or nursing assistant in a pediatric setting, is a smart strategy. 

However, you're absolutely right that Sabbath observance can present challenges when looking for nursing jobs. Acute care hospitals rely on 24/7 staffing, and patients rely on 24/7 nursing. 

As with any special request, you could always try to negotiate with the hiring nurse manager. For example, instead of working every other weekend, you could offer to work every Sunday as a tradeoff.

New Grad RN

As a newly graduated RN, you'll be competing with other new graduates for a pediatric position. Since you're just starting out, you won't have much leverage. All things considered, requesting an accommodation makes it that more challenging. 

Balancing Religious Observance with Your Career Goals

However, finding work that aligns with your religious practices is also possible. Here are some considerations:

  • Discuss scheduling upfront. When interviewing for positions, be upfront and honest about your Sabbath observance, but also express your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to providing the best care for your patients. 
  • If you cannot work Saturdays, apply to jobs that don't require Saturdays. Consider non-hospital settings. Various non-hospital pediatric care settings, such as pediatric outpatient clinics, pediatric rehabilitation centers, or specialty practices (e.g., pediatric cardiology or pulmonology clinics), may be more flexible regarding scheduling. These environments often have more regular hours and may offer better work-life balance.
  • Explore Jewish healthcare systems. Some Jewish healthcare networks, such as Montefiore Medical Center in New York, or other community hospitals and clinics with Jewish values, may be more accommodating to Sabbath observance. They might offer shifts or roles that align with your religious needs.
  • Utilize your network. Since you're already involved in the Jewish community and volunteering in healthcare settings, you may be able to tap into your community to find job leads that align with your faith and values. You could inquire at local Jewish hospitals, clinics, or organizations that might support your need to observe the Sabbath.

Recommendations

Reach out to faith-based healthcare organizations. Contact Jewish hospitals or healthcare systems that align with your religious observance and inquire about available positions or their approach to scheduling for staff who keep the Sabbath.

 Connect with other Jewish nurses, either through community organizations or online forums. They can provide insight into how they've navigated the challenges of working in healthcare while observing the Sabbath. For guidance, contact the Orthodox Jewish Nurses Association and your rabbi.

As a religious, observant Jew interested in nursing, there is a path for you, although it may not be clear yet.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

 

 

 

 

Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
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Moreover, I would love the opportunity to work in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) or even the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU). Critical care truly resonates with me. I'm wondering if you think I have a chance of pursuing a career in pediatrics in a hospital setting.

This is a setting that is going to require weekend hours of some sort. Some facilities may hire weekend specific staff, but usually not enough to cover all weekend shifts and the rest of the shifts are filled by regular staff. You're going to need to be prepared to make sacrifices, whether that is trading with someone who would be willing to work your assigned Saturdays in exchange for you working their assigned Sundays or having to work some Saturdays.

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

"Moreover, I would love the opportunity to work in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) or even the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU). Critical care truly resonates with me. I'm wondering if you think I have a chance of pursuing a career in pediatrics in a hospital setting. Also, could you provide me with advice on what kind of job prior to nursing school would give me leverage to secure a better position once I graduate?

Thank you so much for your response. I look forward to hearing from you!" and "Also, do you think with my experience I would be able to land a job in a peds hospital, taking religion out of the equation for a moment "

Dear want to be an RN,

Taking religion out of the equation, as you asked, landing a job as a new grad in a peds hospital depends a lot on the job market where you live.

Working as a play therapist and at Summer camp is beneficial, but it will not necessarily make you significantly more competitive as a new graduate.

My best advice is to get a job in a peds hospital as a CNA or tech. This is because being an employee will give you an advantage once you graduate. Nurse managers often prefer to hire people they know, as they are familiar with their work ethic and whether they are a good fit for their department.

I cover this and a lot of advice for new grads in my best-selling book, "Your Last Nursing Class_ how to land your first nursing job...and your next!" It comes from my experience as a hiring manager and inside knowledge of what nurse managers look for-especially in the case of new grads, where it's essential but challenging to stand out.

Hi! I work at a hospital and two nurses have Fridays and Saturdays off every week for Sabbath. As recommended by others, try finding a hospital that has a Jewish affiliation and the managers there will be more understanding. 

Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

Honestly, I think you will have to get an out patient type job that does not involve weekends, as no in hospital floor job is going to guarantee you every Friday to Sunday off.  In most units, weekends are on a rotation, and it would not be fair to the other employees if you are given every weekend off, even if it has to do with your religious beliefs.  

Best of luck with your search, but unfortunately nursing is a 24/7 type of job, vs 9-5 weekdays.   

Annie

Specializes in School Nursing.

 I believe the Jewish Sabbath is from sundown Friday night to sundown Saturday night. I believe that puts you unable to work during those hours. That is about 4 shifts that you won't be available for. It may be difficult for a hospital position to honor that kind of request on a weekly basis. You may be allowed to try and get someone to switch shifts with you, but if you can't obtain your own coverage for your shift, unfortunately you will be expected to work the shift. I commend your dedication to your faith, I have many Jewish friends and have been with them at Temple services and Passover dinners. I love the traditions and prayer. I think they are beautiful. I wish you the best in your decision making. 

Specializes in med-surg, outpatient.

Hi there

As another Shabbos observant RN who worked bedside for a year before transitioning to an outpatient role this was my experience

1. I did not have trouble getting into an RN residency. When I completed the residency, I was offered the choice of full time with the understanding that I would be responsible for covering my Friday/Saturday shifts myself or per diem. I chose to go per diem as I did not need the benefits at the time. This also allowed me more holiday flexibility. My floor was short staffed the entire time I was there, so I was able to consistently work 3 shifts/week. Be aware that this is not guaranteed and the facility is not required to offer you more shifts that you are hired for.

2. When interviewing, emphasize your prior patient experience. List references who can attest to your bedside manner, dedication, responsibility and other traits that would make you a desirable candidate. Also mention your ability to work Christmas, New Years etc. 

3. Once you land a job, recognize that you will be asking for accommodations from your coworkers and ensure that you are a good coworker yourself. Show up on time, offer to help, stretch yourself to accommodate other nurses scheduling requests, if possible, exhibit professionalism, be open to learning etc.

Hope this was helpful,

Good luck on your job search. It sounds like your prior experience will set you up to be a great nurse!

Specializes in PICU.

I think so much would depend on the hiring manager. I know some who cannot work Saturday and therefore work every Sunday in exchange. This is something you would need to discuss up front and have written in your contract as many are standard contracts. Some hospitals have a two-week rotation for weekends, some have three. There are sometimes Monday and Friday obligations as well. I knew someone who could not work Monday and had to negotiate for the Friday only obligations.  It is the same number but focused on one day.

Maintaining faith is an important part of life. It will be important to talk with your hiring manager. 

Specializes in n/a.

I apologize, I put this in the wrong answer originally. Here it is again

Hello Nurse Beth,

Firstly, I would like to thank you for your response. It was clear, insightful, and respectful of my Sabbath observance. I want to emphasize that I specifically want to work in a hospital setting, as I believe starting there will be a lot of benefit in the future. Additionally, I feel that the skills I have accumulated over the years in my involvement in the medical field would be useful, and I have a passion for using those skills to help the people around me.

Moreover, I would love the opportunity to work in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) or even the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU). Critical care truly resonates with me. I'm wondering if you think I have a chance of pursuing a career in pediatrics in a hospital setting. Also, could you provide me with advice on what kind of job prior to nursing school would give me leverage to secure a better position once I graduate?

Thank you so much for your response. I look forward to hearing from you!

Specializes in n/a.

Hi rose_queen 

Thanks for your reply, yes I would definitely and happily work Sundays if that meant I could get a job 

Also, do you think with my experience I would be able to land a job in a peds hospital, taking religion out of the equation for a moment 

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