I've been considering being a nurse AND something else. Not because because I'm an overachiever, but because I'm the type of person who gets bored easily. If I had to work as a nurse (or any other job) all the time, I'm pretty sure I'd consider a career change within five years.
The other job I'm considering is going to be from Monday to Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm. To be honest I think I like doing this better than being a nurse, but face it: it's not going to make me enough money.
In keeping with my rambling mode, there are several things I have on my mind:
- How many hours per week does a nurse typically work?
- How many hours per week does a nurse typically need to work to be able to pay rent and stuff?
- Is it possible to hold two jobs at the same time without killing myself?
I work 3 12 hr shifts a week (5-5:30)...usually works out well, and it feels ok. However, I'm usually wiped out by the end of a shift...there are always things to do...help answer lights, check patients/orders/etc....
However, once my orientation is over...I'm thinking about picking up 4 PT shifts a month either in LTC or the hospital as needed....just to pay some extra debt down. But, I feel comfortable that my job will provide more than enough excitement.
I would second the thought that if you're going into nursing for the money....don't. It's a living, and pays some bills...depending on how much your expenses are(mine run about 2k a month.)....You have to care enough for the patients...
Wouldn't be opposed to picking up a per diem job, once I get over the anxiety of starting my first nursing job and getting experience under my belt. One thing at a time.
I swear after this month I'm not picking up OT for a couple of weeks. I'm already feeling the burn. Tomorrow is 1 of 3 day shifts in a row. I'm going to bed very very soon...
In keeping with my rambling mode, there are several things I have on my mind:
- How many hours per week does a nurse typically work?
- How many hours per week does a nurse typically need to work to be able to pay rent and stuff?
- Is it possible to hold two jobs at the same time without killing myself?
That's all for now. Input is appreciated.
As a new ICU nurse, I worked 36 hrs a week in the unit, and had a part time job at a SNF working two 8's. It sucked, and I only did it for about 18 mos. Most nurses that work full time, work 36-40 hrs a week. Many of them pick up OT shifts. I worked a LOT of OT in the last three years before I left ICU, which probably contributed to my burnout, and me leaving hospital nursing.
These days, I work 40-70 hrs a week as a DON. Closer to 40 most of the year, closer to 70 when we're in our survey window.
'Kay. It looks like I'm on the right track then. Thanks for the responses.
Regarding "don't do it for the money": Sadly, I have to. My first choice was being a nun (no, really), but I have an entire clan who will be depending on me to eat and to keep a roof over their heads. It's not like I'm completely heartless and have no conscience at all - I will treat my patients like I'm supposed to. I just need to weigh in other factors.
I want full time, but can't get it, however, my scheduled hours average 32 per week (although I'm ONLY a 24/hr per week employee) - It's not unusual for me to work 40 scheduled hours with part time benefits. We get OT every week because of having to take call, that can vary anywhere from 4 hours to 30 hours of OT per week.
I work 36 hours a week. I also pick up some OT some weeks. I did work 48 hours a week for over one year and had to stop due to feeling burned out. I only did it because DH had lost his job. Now he is working again and I don't need to keep up with the OT. I will be starting some soon to have extra money for the holidays.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I work a weekend-only schedule at my primary job. I work 12-hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday, receive 32 hours worth of pay per week, and have Monday through Friday off. If I feel like earning extra money, I will pick up extra shifts during the week at my part time job.
I've been considering being a nurse AND something else. Not because because I'm an overachiever, but because I'm the type of person who gets bored easily. If I had to work as a nurse (or any other job) all the time, I'm pretty sure I'd consider a career change within five years.......
The great thing about nursing is there are so many areas to go into. If you get bored you can change areas without having to change careers.
locolorenzo22, BSN, RN
2,396 Posts
I work 3 12 hr shifts a week (5-5:30)...usually works out well, and it feels ok. However, I'm usually wiped out by the end of a shift...there are always things to do...help answer lights, check patients/orders/etc....
However, once my orientation is over...I'm thinking about picking up 4 PT shifts a month either in LTC or the hospital as needed....just to pay some extra debt down. But, I feel comfortable that my job will provide more than enough excitement.
I would second the thought that if you're going into nursing for the money....don't. It's a living, and pays some bills...depending on how much your expenses are(mine run about 2k a month.)....You have to care enough for the patients...