Schedule flexibility question

frannybee · Feb 20, 2003

Probably not the best choice for neonates, but agency nursing would fit the bill just right if flexibility is what you're after.

sjoe · Feb 20, 2003

Agency or per diem work should fit your needs and wishes.

RNforLongTime · Feb 20, 2003

I agree with the above poster. Most hospitals are not this flexible. Primarily due to the nursing shortage. Most places will only let a nurse take a few weeks vacation in the summer. My hospital allows only two weeks off in the summer between Memorial and Labor Day.

MrsK1223 · Feb 21, 2003

I have found it hard in nursing to find much flexibility anywhere...except in a physicians office...and only if i have the time built up. Agency nursing I hear is good but I am a fairly new grad and without that floor experience I'm not in high demand in that area I'm sure. Make that one of your must be's when looking for job...have some things you must have and some like to have's and go from there.

Dublin37 · Feb 21, 2003

Thanks all! What exactly is per diem work? And I didn't think agencies would hire new grads. Do they? Although I want a good year or two experience before even thinking of agencies. I am planning on working only part time. I wonder if that helps? Thanks everyone. Heather

Tweety, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2003

Our hospitals allow the per diem nurses to make their own schedule, but there are different levels of commitment. Per diem nurses work on as "as needed" basis, which is most of the time. They get no benefits (which you probably don't need). Perhaps you can find a float pool position that is "per diem" and set a schedule.

Finding a job as a new grad that lets you leave "a couple" of times during the summer, for 2-3 weeks at a time (you might as well be looking for the whole summer off. LOL) is going to be difficult.

Some agencies here in this county are hiring nurses with very little experience. I know of an LPN that has six months of experience and is doing agency in nursing homes. But to do agency you need to be independent. As a new grad, you should be looking for a place where you can precept and learn.

I take 2-3 weeks off a couple of times a year, just not that close together as you are thinking of. But I've accrued a lot of time over 10 years.

Good luck!

Dublin37 · Feb 22, 2003

It sounds like the per diem is what is called here, on-call position. I don't need the benefits, and I would totally be willing to make up the hours at other times. Well we'll see what happens. Once my husband hears how hard it will be to get the time off, he's gonna be even more annoyed that I chose not to go back to teaching! ah well whadya do? Heather