Going to school: question for nurses

[Jesshallmark]

So actually I have a few questions.

Is it hard to find employment outside of a hospital, such as a Dr. Office?

If you do apply for positions at hospitals, do you ever "need" to work night shift?.. For instance if you are new to the field is that sometimes all that is available until you gain experience?

I am asking this because I have epilepsy that only affects me at night, I have never had a seizure during the day and I won't be able to work nights... Ever.

I have finished all my pre reqs but I wanted to find an anonymous place to ask these questions before officially applying to nursing school to get some feedback.

I have never told an employer or educator about my seizures before in my life but I also don't want to get placed in a nighttime shift for clinicals or anything. I'm beginning to think maybe this is something that i may not be able to do?

Oh and also my meds cause a bit of a tremor, nothing terrible but I am concerned this will be a problem as well.

Thanks in advanced for any feedback!

[schnookimz]

I would suggest speaking to your physician.

[Jesshallmark]

My question isn't about my health at all. It is about the need for working nights in the field at hospitals or if it is hard to find employment at private physicians offices where that wouldn't be an issue.

Maybe I didn't word it clearly.

[mhy12784]

Itll depend on the hospital, but most hospitals ive seen either hire you for the day shift (where you work days) and nights where you work nights. I havent seen anything where they mix and match, although ive heard about people on here complaining about it.

Finding a days only position as a new grad will absolutely be more difficult though. Day positions are in high demand, and as a new grad literally everybody else will have seniority over you.

[Nola009]

If your goal is to work in a doctor's office, you might consider getting a MA certificate/degree as MDs are phasing the nurses out of their offices and replacing them with MAs because they are taught medical records/bookkeeping and direct patient care. You MIGHT be able to secure a first or second shift job as a RN in a LTC, SNF, or LTAC facility. Very doubtful that you would attain a day shift position at a hospital as a new grad. Good luck:)

[RunBabyRN]

There are a variety of jobs out there, and you never know what might be available when you graduate. I have a friend who graduated last year, and she works in public health, and her position is only days. Clinic jobs generally require experience. You may want to disclose this to a future employer (once you secure a position that meets your needs). You would be protected under the ADA. DEFINITELY tell your professors, as they won't want to put you in a situation that risks your health. I know I never had NOC shift clinicals, but I did have PMs during my preceptorship, and some of my classmates ended up on NOCs. Some schools may have PM or NOC clinicals, and you need to be honest, and obviously have MD documentation. Go through the disabilities department at your college, because they will give you the documentation you need and that THEY need in order to make any necessary exceptions.

I agree about getting your MA if you're set on working in a doctor's office. That would be a much more likely path into that setting.

[medsurgrn95]

We have a new grad on my floor who got hired into days. It totally depends on what's out there. (Though most new grads end up on nights in my setting.)

[jallen326]

It depends on the hospital. When I graduated I had to rotate between day and night shift and I absolutely wanted to shoot myself! Thank god where I work don't require that. I think if you can provide medical proof why you cannot work night shift, then you maybe able to get your wish.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

If your seizures are not controlled, this will be a problem in any setting. Most people with this situation have activity restrictions that would probably rule out a lot of nursing jobs in which patient safety could be jeopardized. You need to discuss with your physician.

[RescueNinjaKy]

While you are worried about getting a job, I still feel a need to point out that you should worry about getting your license first. A lot of nursing schools require medical clearance from a physician before they allow you to do clinicals. And in this case, you will have to inform your educator/nursing department about any medical conditions you have that may interfere with patient safety during your clinicals. So I would say that you need to be sure that your nursing school Will accept you first before thinking about employment, which Will depend on your ability to be licensed.