Need Advice on Working 2 Jobs

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Specializes in Forensics, Trauma, Pediatrics,.

Hello everyone! So I have a year before nursing school starts (I start Fall 2010) and I am looking to get a 2nd job to save up. I currently work Monday-Wednesday-Friday at a dermatologist. We start at 9am everyday no matter what, and we are supposed to close the practice at 5pm each day but many times we run late. Because of this I feel that I can't really get a second job for the evening shift because I never know 100% when I will be done with work at the Dermatology office. I am really looking for a job in a hospital, because most of my past experience has been in long-term care.

Now, here is the catch. I have a friend that works at a hospital that can get me a job there. They have a full-time opening in an ICU unit for night shift. I was thinking about applying for the position, but that would mean that I work 11pm-7am 5 days a week, and 9am to 5pm+ Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Because I am not in school I think I could do it, but I would like opinions on it anyway.

Typically if a hospital is hiring full-time and it has rotating shifts, do they allow you to decide what days are which shifts? I'm pretty sure it would depend on the hospital and what they need, but I may be able to do that also- For instance night shift on the days I work at the dermatologist, Dayings or evenings on the weekend, etc.

:heartbeat

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I can do a double shift day to evenings but for some reason even though I'm an overnight worker by 9am I'm ready to die. Since your current job is only three days a week I'd try adding another part-time job so you can make some money, get more experience and not burn any bridges by taking on too much. Just my two cents and best of luck with whatever you decide.

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Specializes in Telemetry, CCU.

Just my honest opinion but that sounds crazy! That means three days a week you'll only be able to sleep from about 6pm to 10 pm then get up and go back to work. Sounds very unsafe to me. I'd look for another part time position that allows you to work on Tue, Thur, Sat, Sun then at least you'd be able to get more sleep. Good luck on your decision

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Specializes in Forensics, Trauma, Pediatrics,.

I agree it would definately be crazy. I have been looking and looking for a job where I can do tues, thurs, sat sun and it seems that nowhere really wants or can be flexible. I have applied at so many long-term care places it is ridiculous, I think I'm going to try hospitals. Although it seems like they would be even less flexible than a long-term care facility. I've never worked in one so I wouldn't know, I'm just frusterated I guess it feels like I've been looking forever!

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Specializes in ICU.

Schedule flexibility can vary widely from unit to unit. My former unit, when I was a PCT, would work around the techs other jobs and schooling. The unit before that had self-scheduling, so you could work whatever you wanted so long as each day was properly staffed. I would recommend that you keep looking around, you might just find a unit that would work with you.

Good luck to you.

:paw:

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