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

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

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

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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want to be an rn

17 Posts

Specializes in n/a.

Apr 16

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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want to be an rn

17 Posts

Specializes in n/a.

Apr 25

thank you all for your answers, I appreciate it

I'm going to be applying to nursing school and I can't wait I love medicine and everything about it, from the information to the hands-on I just love to learn about it im not sure if this belongs here but its another question I had so I guess ill put it here do you guys hate when the people staying by the patient ask questions? I go to volunteer for patients in my community and stay with them in the hospital all the time, mostly peds. I'm wondering if nurses find the questions I ask annoying.

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