Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner Schedule Options

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I am a new grad np who has taken a job with a small to medium size hospital whose hospitalist program has two mds and two nps on days and one md and one np on nights. I was hired for full time days and they would prefer I work 7 on 7 off 10a-10p.... I am just not sure that schedule will fit with my family's schedule (mom of four with husband who owns small business). So, I was wondering if anyone on here works with a hospitalist program that doesn't do 7 on 7 off? It seems to be the norm for these programs but I am searching desperately for an alternative solution. Thanks!

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The hospitalist NP/PA I have known all did 7 on and 7 off with the newest people getting the worst shifts to include rotations. I have seen 3p-3a, 12-12 and 1-1 along with 7a-7p. Some people love having 7 days off in a row and have no problem with the 7 12s in a row.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
The hospitalist NP/PA I have known all did 7 on and 7 off with the newest people getting the worst shifts to include rotations. I have seen 3p-3a, 12-12 and 1-1 along with 7a-7p. Some people love having 7 days off in a row and have no problem with the 7 12s in a row.

I have privileges at 3 hospitals and they all do these types of schedules. This is one of the rubs when NPs expect Mommy friendly schedules. Who said we can have it all? :(

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sometimes u gotta do things that are a little tough. bringing up the need for mommy schedules as a new grad is a good way to get them to drop you and look for other applicants without further questions being asked

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your right but thats life. some people are gonna have to take awful shifts to get experience. i always liked the crappy shifts. got paid a lot more :)

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
i always liked the crappy shifts. got paid a lot more :)

Lol, thats why I love weekends. In general the Docs seem to appreciate that I'm willing to take call and work whatever shift is needed like they do.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
Yes, I can see that is true. I will know more within the next few weeks, but I may have a few, but enough options that I shouldn't have to go that route.

I can do anything for a little while, but my biggest concern with that schedule is my well-being. I know how I struggle with 4 12-hr shifts in a row. I want to be able to well for myself and those for whom I'm responsible.

You should have plenty of options and knowing this about yourself can direct the area's you explore. It might not be like this everywhere but in my experience inpatient schedules both in psych and for the hospitalists I know can be grueling.

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This reminded me of the nursing students who use to follow me as a ICU & ED nurse.

Me: "where would you like to work when you graduate?"

Student: "I want to work in CVICU or SICU"

Me: "sounds ambitious, what shift?"

Student: "Oh, I will only work days and no weekends or holidays."

Me: "yeah, good luck with that!"

They would actually believe that they could waltz into a hospital and demand Monday thru Friday dayshift without weekends or Holidays. This was not just one student.

When you decide you want to work in a particular area or speciality you research what it requires and being the newbie you are bottom of the totem pole and you pay your dues and if that is not acceptable there is always the clinic life.

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Specializes in Cardiology nurse practitioner.
Thank you for your input. There are plenty of other reasons besides family or having children that lead to the desire to not work a schedule deemed untenable.

Remember, you are addressing people who work these untenable” shifts. That definition is purely your own. Pattients don't stop coming, and most of the people who will interview you have been there, done that, and don't have empathy for your situation.

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Somebody has to work nightshift for them 3 am emergency tick bites that come in the Er lol

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
It

It is undesirable and untenable to me. I'm not imposing that opinion for others to share, merely expressing my own. And I know the racket of patients coming like through a revolving door. I live that every day in my current role. In my area it seems that is the going standard hospitalist pattern of scheduling. And now that I asked the question, it is apparent that it is much more common elsewhere as well. Information seeking, that I am, is not asking for empathy from anyone and if I implied that, forgive the miscommunication.

You seem to have a knack for remaining cool headed. It will serve you well. :up:

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The hospital where I work has multiple options, because they are served by 2 groups. The main group of hospitalists works the 7 on-7 off option. there is also a second smaller group that is mostly NP/PAs and just a few MD/DOs, and they all work a 3-12 option! Some work 1p-1a, 6a-6p, and a 10a-10p option. I'm glad that those are all present. My initial plan is to move back to my hometown and take on a family practice role, however if I don't find what I like, I'm going to look closely at this option because I really love working 3 days/nights a week.

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