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'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.
I wonder if you realize how varied a nursing career can be? In the last five years I have done peds, L&D, childbirth and breastfeeding education, and medical floor nursing. I've taken PALS and ACLS, and I'm taking 1-2 classes a semester on line to finish up my bachelors, after which I will probably start on my masters. I'm on our facility's waiting list to take the Med/Surg nursing certification course.
I think you also need to consider that there are other aspects to life besides work. I spend a significant portion of my spare time with my family, reading, gardening, knitting, and exercising. I volunteer to teach CPR, First Aid, and Safe Sitter classes at my daughter's junior high. I guest teach in some of the local elementary school and junior high schools when the topics of health or nursing come up. In the past I have volunteered at the local humane society, the salvation army, and the low income medical clinic. I am also currently auditing a foreign language class at the local university, and next semester I'm planning on auditing an art history class. Just for fun.
There are a lot of ways to fill your free time, and there are also a lot of ways to burn out completely on nursing. I find that a combination of wasting time, intense learning, learning something completely "useless" but totally interesting, and outdoor activities by myself or with the family help keep me from being bored. Always advancing my nursing knowledge helps tremendously, as well.
Good luck finding some balance! It's a continuous battle, for most of us.
'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.
Again, thanks for the responses. :)
LMAO!!! "Don't do it for the money." ...Why do people work? For money. Surely noone on this board works as a nurse to not get paid right? If that were the case, we would become volunteers. Nursing is a middle class profession so I can't understand why people say this. I know an immigration attorney making over $300,000 a year. Maybe I should have done that instead.
Just remember poster, you have to factor in family time. Don't sacrifice that for anything. There are many options. Just do it and of course...treat your patients the way you are suppose to! The right way!
jessi1106, BSN, RN
486 Posts
I work 24 per week. Full time mom and small business co-owner.
Lots of options in nursing...but as a new grad you may not be able to pick the exact hours you wish to work.