I recently graduated from a BSN program and am going to start working in early April! At a recent interview the nurse manager told me in a rude way, "you are aware that as a nurse you must work every other weekend, and as a new grad you'll have none of the holidays off...you will also be expected to work mandatory overtime without question!" I was shocked by her tone, but upset at the information she was telling me.
I had been a full-time nursing student and full-time mother/wife for the past three years, and something inside of me at that moment wanted to scream at the nurse manager, "when can I finally have time for my family?". But, of course I just nodded and told her that I understood.
How do Nurses handle the demanding work hours? Will I end up being that mother that doesn't attend all the T-ball games, PTA, or any other Extracurricular activities my son will be invloved with because of work?! Will I always be missing on Christmas day when my family is celebrating and my son is joyfully opening his gifts? Will I miss once in a lifetime milestones?
It truly makes me sad, to even think that all this is my future as an RN. That, along with so many other reasons, is why I'm pursuing my passion to be part of the School System as a Counselor, Psychologist, or even Teacher...at least I'll have weekends, summer, and holidays off!
"How does a nursing student not know the expected work schedules?" some ask. Well, why would a nursing student be assumed to know the expected work schedules?
Students these days only spend one to two days per week on a floor and usually not even for an entire shift. Yes, if one's planning to work in a hospital, it would seem that weekends would be likely be part of the bargain at some point, but some might think it would only be once a month not every other weekend.
And for someone who has worked full-time in their life, the realities of the workplace can come as quite a shock - from the amount of taxes taken out to the reality of not having any extended breaks or vacations like in school.
Also, nursing student recruiters emphasize the wide variety of nursing positions out there and that it's not all just bedside floor nursing. Recruiting material for nursing students emphasize the flexibility of nursing. They don't generally qualify that by saying "after a year or more of being stuck with bad hours and no holidays."
Angel337, I'm not sure how to "pm?". What hospitals would you recommend in the Chicagoland area?
pm stands for private message. some good hospitals are rush presbyterian and northwestern memorial which are both in the city. hinsdale, edwards and good samaritan are considered good places to work but they are in the west suburbs.
The attitude of the Nurse Manager you saw, is probably why that unit is short staffed (mandatory overtime? I don't think so......).
Most hospitals have a long (3 month) orientation for new grads on days, and if that hasn't been mentioned, you should inquire! Starting out without the necessary information and help and being resentful/unhappy about the hours is the wrong direction to go.
When I started working as a grad (in the darker ages) I was thrilled with my new role at the hospital where I'd trained. Most managers (then called Head Nurses) were fair about holidays, and you can request time off at a specific time for a special occasion - find out where and what the forms are that need to be completed to do that.
There are always sacrifices any profession requires of new personnel, but a witchy boss is never required. That always portends disaster. Do find another opportunity, where you can feel free to voice your concerns.
I personally love the hours! I work every 3rd weekend, and 1 out of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years; and then 1 out of Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day.
Other than that, the schedule is very flexible. I can plan my weekends WAY ahead, because I know what I'll work, and also that I'll have Fridays off before my weekend. I am taking 36 hours of vacation next month, and will have 14 days in a row off. I frequently have 5-day weekends without taking vacation time.
I do sometimes get jealous of my 9-5 friends, but I don't have to wake up early 5 days a week either:)
to even think that all this is my future as an RN. That, along with so many other reasons, is why I'm pursuing my passion to be part of the School System as a Counselor, Psychologist, or even Teacher...at least I'll have weekends, summer, and holidays off!
jjjoy, LPN
2,801 Posts
"How does a nursing student not know the expected work schedules?" some ask. Well, why would a nursing student be assumed to know the expected work schedules?
Students these days only spend one to two days per week on a floor and usually not even for an entire shift. Yes, if one's planning to work in a hospital, it would seem that weekends would be likely be part of the bargain at some point, but some might think it would only be once a month not every other weekend.
And for someone who has worked full-time in their life, the realities of the workplace can come as quite a shock - from the amount of taxes taken out to the reality of not having any extended breaks or vacations like in school.
Also, nursing student recruiters emphasize the wide variety of nursing positions out there and that it's not all just bedside floor nursing. Recruiting material for nursing students emphasize the flexibility of nursing. They don't generally qualify that by saying "after a year or more of being stuck with bad hours and no holidays."