I work in SW Virginia, fairly rural area with a nursing shortage and a lot of turnover. (I'm an LPN working towards my RN) I've noticed a lot of nurses where I work have at least 1 other job part-time. I wondered if that was a national trend. So: my question to RNs & LPNs out there: Do you have a second job in nursing? and if so, why? and most importantly, does the fatigue from working two jobs affect the quality of your work?
I would really like to know-appreciate any responses:nurse:
Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.
Where I work most nurses have a second job. I don't because I'm new and still learning. Plus I've signed up for classes next semester so won't have time for a second job. :)
I've worked 2 and sometimes 3 jobs since losing my primary job in 94. Sometimes because I had to and sometimes because I enjoyed doing 2 different things at the same time.
Now I just do ER nursing but I work for several agencies to make sure I can get enough work. Things are getting very tight right now and am thinking I may have to take a staff full time job just for a stab at security.
If I do, I think I'll take an ICU job because I would really like to have that skill set.
I work 3 shifts a week on a orhto/neuro floor in a hospital, and then I also work prn at a LTC skilled unit. The LTC is a welcome break...not quite as hectic as the hospital. However, it is nice to have just a med pass or two, and then wind up taking a little break.
It's inspiring that some of you have a completely different second job- I'm going to nursing school after being an English major, and have also found I really love the hard science lab classes. I've thought about trying to fit working as a research assistant in a lab in to a career as a nurse but wasn't really sure if that was possible/done at all.
I work 2 jobs myself, one in LTC and Rehab and the other as a home health nurse. I had the home job first but wasn't getting nothing in pay and felt like I was losing what I was taught in school. So I took the second job as part-time, which should of made one full time job but I have ended up working full time @ the Ltc b/c seems nobody every wants to work. I have thought about quitting the home job but I have gotten really attached with my client.
Faeriewand, ASN, RN
1,800 Posts
Where I work most nurses have a second job. I don't because I'm new and still learning. Plus I've signed up for classes next semester so won't have time for a second job. :)