Working 48 hours a week

[jhopper]

Hey guys and girls. Got a question about working while in school.

I just finished my general education requirements and will begin the ASN program this Fall. I am an EMT Basic. I worked 48 hours a week through my gen-eds taking 7 credit hours each semester. I'm at work twice a week - we work (2) 24 hour shifts.

Our program is 9 cr hours a semester. I'll be in class two days a week taking Pharm, Fundamentals, and two clinicals. Has anyone else worked a schedule similar to this while in nursing school? What was your experience?

Thanks!

[k_girl153]

I dont understand why you need to ask us if going to clinicals after a 24 hr shift is a bad idea. You are dealing with people's lives. Period. You shouldn't have to ask us what could go wrong after being up for 30 hrs straight. It's just common sense.

I would definitely report it too. Sorry to be harsh but possible deadly mistakes can happen, even when one is well rested.

[shay&lynn, ASN, RN]

Agreed.

Going in after a 24 hr shift to A & P is one thing... Going to clinical after a 24 hr shift is totally different.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Check your state there are laws that govern how many hours in a row can be worked when involved with the care of patients..

[Stephalump]

You should be concerned about all the rules you're given in NS. Programs are notorious for being sticklers for the rules, and breaking them is only asking for trouble.

ESPECIALLY rules involving clinicals. If you leave the program, it will continue on just fine without you. Without clinical locations?? An NS ceases to exist. If there's any possibility the hospital had been made aware (or has to be made aware because of some sort of agreement), I wouldn't be surprised if you were kicked out of that site, if not the program . If only your school know, MAYBE you'd get by with jus being sent home for the day, but that's pretty heavy, too.

[jhopper]

Thanks for the feedback. I understand the concerns and I appreciate everything that was shared. However I disagree with the statement about reporting someone in this situation to the state board of nursing.

@Matt's Girl and k_girl153: Are you familiar with anyone in the EMS community? We routinely work 48 hour shift while calculating dosages, running emergency vehilces, triaging, assessing, and talking on the radio to boot. Although infrequent, I have worked 72 hours at a time. I am aware that the probability for error increases with less than 6 hours of sleep, but this occupation has worked this schedule and will continue to do so indefinitely.

Another point to consider would be Med School students. Residents may be expected to work 100+ hours a week, yet we trust these people's judgement. I am not attempting to disregard your concern; however, this kind of schedule is not uncommon in the real world.

[norcalsurfer77]

[quote=

Another point to consider would be Med School students. While working as "interns" these students regularly work 24+ plus hours at a time. I am not trying to disregard any persons concern; however this kind of schedule is not uncommon in the real world.

Yes, but an internship is the 1st year AFTER you've completed medical school.

[k_girl153]

Yes I am familiar with with your occupation. I have a lot of friends who are EMTs or paramedics. One of the guys in my clinical group is an EMT and he barely passed the semester. He failed one clinical last semester.

As for what you said about residents...if you've read the news lately, organizations are setting limits on the amount of hours for residents. So, no, it doesn't look like everyone trusts their judgment to take care of patients after a 24 hour shift.

If you do plan on working the night before your clinical, you should be adult enough to notify the school of what you're doing. You are practicing under someone's license. I would imagine they wouldn't want to risk it as I expect you wouldn't either (if it was your license).

good luck.

[Matt's Girl]

Jhopper, after reading your response it appears you have already made your decision. Nothing a stranger says will change your mind. Whether you agree with myself or anyone reporting you is irrelevant. The state board will not ask for your opinion nor will the school or clinical site. Every program is different. My school absolutely would not allow what you are proposing. You will find out very soon what your parameters are. Best of luck to you. :-)

[jhopper]

Thank you for the thoughtfull response k_girl153.

Matt's Girl: I am considering the possiblity of reducing my workload to accomodate nursing school. And I do agree, such a schedule is not ideal. I do appreciate your conviction for workplace and patient safety. I value both as well. There is nothing worse than an impaired coworker.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I understand the EMS system very well. By state and Federal regulations you are "allowed" to work those hours, as are residents, because you are "allowed to sleep" and have "expected downtime". Nurses, however, are not allowed to sleep at work and there are no real "expected downtime" break periods when calls aren't coming dispatched. NUrses afre expected to be "on" the entire shift.

There ARE Federal and State regulations, as well as Nursing Board/Nurse practice Acts, that stipulate the maximum amount of time a nurse maybe on duty, atthe bedside, in non-mass casualty situations.....as well as required in-between time to return to work. To work outside these parameters is considered illegal and negligent. Your nursing student insurance may not cover you if you intentionally violate these laws.

The least of all these issues is your school. They say it is prohibited. They find out they will kick you out. Nursing programs do NOT have a sense of humor for students that willingly and openly disobey the rules and regs. Nurses are all about the rules and regulations and have little tolerance for those who don't.......for that makes them a liability.

I wish you the best.:paw:

[jhopper]

This is true, that in EMS we may have extended durations of downtime. The problem is I've worked many shifts with 30 minutes of downtime every few hours with steady calls through the night. This equates to frequent breaks with no sleep.

In regard to Federal and state regulations: I have been searching my state's nursing laws on this topic. At this point I can't find anything touching on this subject, though it may be covered in our labor laws.

As for my nursing school - they are sticklers for rule keeping and policy compliance. I attend one of the more exclusive nursing programs in my area. Admission at this college is very rigorous. Anyone leaving, or asked to leave, the program can be replaced very quickly with another student on the waiting list. I definitely don't want to miss out.

I don't want to break the rules - that's not me. I work because I have obligations and responsibilities. Anyhow it may be better to drop half of my shift at work in order to be better prepared for my clinical the next day. We'll see what happens.

[jhopper]

Just spoke with my employer. They have re-worked my schedule, and I will not be working prior to my clinicals. The world will be a safer place...