Normal shift hours

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Just wondering what the normal shifts are at our local hospitals. I have read that there is normally a good shift differential for working weekends and nights.

If I remember right, most of the nurses work 10-12hr shifts.. is this correct? What are night shift hours? And if you work nights/weekends does the shift differential get combined?

My goal is to get my ADN and keep going to school to get my BSN, then get into a specialized field. I figure if I can work weekend nights, this will give plenty of time for school...and the pay is better :D

Thanks

Tim

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Specializes in Mother-Baby.

Hi Tim,

Yes, most nurses work 12 hour shifts - and those are 7am - 7pm or 7pm-7am. Some hospitals still offer 8 hour shifts, and those are usually 3pm-11pm.

As far as shift differentials - that varies from hospital to hospital. Most hospitals pay $2 -$4 more for any hours worked from 11pm-7am. Weekends usually bring another $4-$9 per hour as well.

Getting your ADN first sounds like a great plan to me - that's what I did. I graduated in May, and have been taking courses towards my BSN. Also, something you may enjoy hearing about is tuition reimbursement. Almost every hospital offers tuition reimbursement for their nurses - and from what I've seen or heard, it varies from full tuition, tuition & books, or set ammounts (either per semester, or a "cap" where you continue to get money up to a set ammount). Usually the hospital requires that you sign a contract stating you will work there another year or two after you're finished.

Presbyterian Hospitals offer AWESOME tuition reimbursment - for all current employees of any kind (valet, cafeteria, nurse aide, etc.) who are working towards a health related degree. It's something to consider if you plan on working while going to get your ADN.

Good Luck & God Bless!:balloons:

txpixiedust

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Specializes in Critical Care.

What is a "normal" shift in nursing!?!

Many of the nurses in my hospital work a 7 on 7 off schedule. I personally work 7a-3p M-F and 7a-7p Sa&Su and then have the next week off. I LOVE IT! That SA & SU shift is tough but it keeps me going knowing I have 7 days off coming up.

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Hi Tim,

Yes, most nurses work 12 hour shifts - and those are 7am - 7pm or 7pm-7am. Some hospitals still offer 8 hour shifts, and those are usually 3pm-11pm.

As far as shift differentials - that varies from hospital to hospital. Most hospitals pay $2 -$4 more for any hours worked from 11pm-7am. Weekends usually bring another $4-$9 per hour as well.

Getting your ADN first sounds like a great plan to me - that's what I did. I graduated in May, and have been taking courses towards my BSN. Also, something you may enjoy hearing about is tuition reimbursement. Almost every hospital offers tuition reimbursement for their nurses - and from what I've seen or heard, it varies from full tuition, tuition & books, or set ammounts (either per semester, or a "cap" where you continue to get money up to a set ammount). Usually the hospital requires that you sign a contract stating you will work there another year or two after you're finished.

Presbyterian Hospitals offer AWESOME tuition reimbursment - for all current employees of any kind (valet, cafeteria, nurse aide, etc.) who are working towards a health related degree. It's something to consider if you plan on working while going to get your ADN.

Good Luck & God Bless!:balloons:

txpixiedust

Thanks for the reply..

My neighbor actually works for Harris Methodist and is kinda helping me out. Im trying to get my foot in the door with the THR program. I applied to become a surgical tech and this should allow me into their nursing program through El Centro. She said that Harris employees get 40 slots per semester at El Centro and for the last couple years, they have never used them all. So with all hopes, I will work with Harris Methodist until the Fall 08 nursing school starts at El Centro.. Cant be 100% paid nursing school

Thanks again

Tim

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