Can nursing be begun as a career at night?

pinkiepie_RN · Jul 18, 2008

I think typically new grad programs like you to orient during the week and on day shift because there's more going on and more people around and things to do. This is just what I've heard. I know even people who get hired to work evenings or nights may still have an orientation period on days. Good luck!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2008

i don't understand your post. are you saying you found a nursing school where you can attend nursing classes at night? that's pretty rare.

or, are you asking about the first job out of nursing school as a graduate nurse? new grads generally have to orient on the day shift for a short length of time. but unless times have changed, many facilities are willing to stick new grads on the night shifts as soon as the minimal orientation period is over because night shifts are often harder for them to staff. working at another job at the same time depends on two things: (1) the facility doesn't have you sign a contract that requires you not to work for any other hospitals while you are working for them, and (2) you can tolerate the stress. the new grad period is very stressful. when you graduate from nursing school you are not ready to work as a full-fledged rn. your first job is a continuation of your learning--you are just getting paid. you will come home from many shifts needing to look things up in your textbooks. it takes about a year of working experience before you begin to feel less stressed and that you have a good handle on the rns job.

brittney140 · Jul 18, 2008

i don't understand your post. are you saying you found a nursing school where you can attend nursing classes at night? that's pretty rare.
or, are you asking about the first job out of nursing school as a graduate nurse? new grads generally have to orient on the day shift for a short length of time. but unless times have changed, many facilities are willing to stick new grads on the night shifts as soon as the minimal orientation period is over because night shifts are often harder for them to staff. working at another job at the same time depends on two things: (1) the facility doesn't have you sign a contract that requires you not to work for any other hospitals while you are working for them, and (2) you can tolerate the stress. the new grad period is very stressful. when you graduate from nursing school you are not ready to work as a full-fledged rn. your first job is a continuation of your learning--you are just getting paid. you will come home from many shifts needing to look things up in your textbooks. it takes about a year of working experience before you begin to feel less stressed and that you have a good handle on the rns job.

i attend evening classes!

mntgrl · Jul 18, 2008

I am starting nights and weekends in Sept. while working full time during the day. It is a hosptial based diploma program, but I know there are others in my area that offer nights and weekends for BSN. They are more money, so I will stick with my diploma program and then do the RN to BSN. I went to my community college for my preqs, again nights and weekends. Try making an appointment with an advisor at your local community college, they were a great resource for me and very happy to help.

I am not done school yet so I can not help with the question for new grads. Good Luck!

kcochrane · Jul 18, 2008

In our facility you orient on days, no matter what shift you are hired for. That gives the nurse manager/charge nurse a chance to make sure you are sufficiently trained. Usually after 6 weeks you can move to your shift.

I have yet to hear of a facility in our area that would not allow someone to work another job, as long as they could perform their nursing duties safetly.

nurse2btracy · Jul 18, 2008

I think that most nursing schools offer a night program. Once you finish pre-reqs I am positive that you could find a nursing school that offers courses at night. Good luck...

Perpetual Student · Jul 18, 2008

Absolutely, it can be done--my first job (as an LPN, but I could be doing the exact same thing as an RN, and will be after I graduate from the LPN to RN program) was nights. Whether it can be done in the setting you want in your area is another matter.

futurecnm · Jul 18, 2008

You should have no problem getting a night shift job after RN school. The first few weeks at least would be days (orientation/training etc) then you would most likely move to the shift you were hired for. You could probably find a straight weekend job if you really wanted that. I can't imagine working full time during the week and nursing nights/weekend. When will you sleep???

And yes, there are evening RN classes. I just graduated from a night/weekend program. These are becoming more popular as people with kids and jobs want to attend RN school. I know there are a few around where I live that offer this choice.

jnc0713 · Jul 18, 2008

my school has a evening program as well as a day. you have classes 2x per week from 5:30-9:30 and your clinical 1day per week at any hospital of your choice (that's in their list) from 3-11pm. so that is the program i am going for. i have heard the evening program is a popular one. still doing my pre-reqs so i have awhile.

sarahb9177 · Jul 18, 2008

You can definitely take nursing classes at night...I work full time (40 hours/week) and am going to start my classes 9/15 - M-Th nights and Saturdays...I can even do my clinicals at night/weekends. :yawn: HAHA!