Is this unrealistic?

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jan 30, 2014

As long as you can get your weekends in synch, it should work out. That's 48 hours of work a week -- I hope for your sake it's 12 hour shifts because otherwise you're only going to get one day off a week.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 30, 2014

Agreed. I can be a workaholic as much as anyone else, but working 6 of 7 days is a lot.

If either/both jobs are 8s...you could pull a double one day a week. That would help free up an extra day off or you, and depending on your facility policy and/or state law, that may even result in a little OT.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jan 30, 2014

did you ask your employer to increase your hours? Guess I am stating the obvious. I wish you well

RNperdiem, RN · Jan 30, 2014

2 part time jobs are a lot to juggle. If one of those jobs was per diem, you might have better control over your scheduling. Are you able to pick up some extra shifts at your current job?

Are there any other departments in your hospital that are short staffed and could use your help covering their shifts?

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Jan 31, 2014

I've known plenty of people who worked 48hrs a week for weeks in a row. I've done it for a few months cause I was too chicken to quit one job before I was sure about the new one. It's not too bad. Hardest part is coordinating the two jobs.

And I echo what the others said, this better be 12hr shifts. I don't know about working 6 of 7 days! If it's 8s, maybe one job would let you work 16s? That's not great either but better than having one day off a week.

allnurses Guide · Jan 31, 2014

The other thing you have to consider is inservices.

What are you going to do when you have a mandatory inservice on a day you have to be at your other job?

So, on top of managing the work schedule, itself, don't forget to think about that too.

I have two jobs, myself, but I made sure my second job was flexible enough to work around my 1st job (which is more important, as it provides my health insurance).

I hope things work out for you two and he gets a job soon... and you don't burn yourself out.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Feb 1, 2014

I've known plenty of people who worked 48hrs a week for weeks in a row. I've done it for a few months cause I was too chicken to quit one job before I was sure about the new one. It's not too bad. Hardest part is coordinating the two jobs.
And I echo what the others said, this better be 12hr shifts. I don't know about working 6 of 7 days! If it's 8s, maybe one job would let you work 16s? That's not great either but better than having one day off a week.

As long as she's resigned herself to working every weekend -- every other weekend on each job, it would seem -- it should not be difficult coordinating the two jobs. Especially if it's 12 hour shifts.

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Feb 1, 2014

I worked 7 days a week for over two years before when money was tight. It got old sometimes, but I put my big girl pants on and made it happen. You can find a way. Some tips from someone who has been there : be clear to your employers which days you can work, get a calendar so you can make sure you know which employer you're supposed to be at, and make sure your significant other knows they will have to step it up too. They will have to clean, do laundry, cook, etc. Good Luck!

calivianya, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2014

It's definitely possible. I've been picking up several extra shifts per pay period lately, so I usually work 4-5 12s a week, though I usually don't work more than 7 12s in a row. Invest in extra scrubs so you have enough that you don't have to do laundry on the days that you work. It's so much easier to do laundry when you have a break.

generalRN2008 · Feb 1, 2014

My fiancé is laid off indefinitely we are not sure when he will be able to go back to work or find work. I have a part time 24 hour evenings position right now, and I'd like to be able to pick up another 24 hour evening position at another hospital (which I have been offered). This means working every weekend, and trying to work out both schedules each month, which I know that won't be easy. Has anyone else tried this and been successful? The opposite experiences shared would be beneficial as well. Thanks![/quote']
It is possible. I am the only one working in family due to a very similar situation. My husband is in school though and getting GI bill money to help. I worked four 12s a week in the summer. But I got really worn out. I need to go back to a over time or two job situation soon.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Feb 1, 2014

It's definitely possible. I've been picking up several extra shifts per pay period lately, so I usually work 4-5 12s a week, though I usually don't work more than 7 12s in a row. Invest in extra scrubs so you have enough that you don't have to do laundry on the days that you work. It's so much easier to do laundry when you have a break.

And I'm thinking if she's supporting the SO, he can do the laundry!