NPs with two jobs in S. Cali?

The_Physicist · Dec 9, 2016

Anyone?

Atl-Murse · Dec 9, 2016

Why such a question?. You might get a better response if you asked what you really wanted to know

The_Physicist · Dec 14, 2016

Thank you for the response. Okay. It is the question that I want to ask. No hidden messages.

Here is, hopefully, a more detailed question.

I would like to know how many NPs out there in Southern California have 2 full time jobs that are 12 hours shifts. Why do I ask this question? Because in the future, I want to become an NP. I know RNs that have 2 full time jjobs hat are 12 hours shifts. As such, I want to know if this is the same for NPs and if it is common among NPs.

Since I haven't gotten much response, I wonder if all the NPs are not responding since they are busy with their jobs and don't have time to post on forums like this?

guest769224 · Dec 14, 2016

Physicist,

That type of situation probably exists, but more-so in the acute care setting where NP's do work 12 hour shifts as you describe. Many more NP's work a typical M-F 9-5 gig. However, there are quite a few NP's that do moonlighting. This means that they work PRN in other facilities.

So to directly answer your question, yes I'm sure there are some. It is possible. But less common than it is for an RN I imagine.

guest416560 · Dec 14, 2016

I have two jobs and work in Cali. I work a regular 8 to 5 job and then on the weekends if I want I pick up a shift or two at the urgent care. If I'm in the mood to work a ton I pick up a night shift at the urgent care during the week. It just depends on how much money I want to make that week.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Dec 14, 2016

I'm not in Southern California but I have a per diem job in addition to my full time job. I work 3 12-hr shifts a week and pick up about 4 12-hr shifts a month at another facility. Both are ICU NP positions. Two full time jobs with 12-hr shifts would be too much and even if I were younger, I wouldn't do it.

The_Physicist · Dec 15, 2016

Hi,

Okay, a follow up question. So reading the replies, 2 3-12hr shifts are possible for NPs. My aunt for example is an RN and does 2 3-12hrs shifts. That is considered two full time jobs yes? I know she doesn't have a life and we don't even see her at family parties.

So, why is having 2 3-12hrs shifts not common in NPs as it is with RNs (putting aside wanting a life outside of work)? It is because the way how the industry is laid out for NPs vs RN. It is like ICUMan, pointed out the acute care settings are the only settings that will allow an NP to work 2 3-12hr shifts?

I did look on the jobs boards and I must say that I didn't find many NP 12 hour shifts.

Thanks again for the responses.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Dec 15, 2016

We don't typically have the moonlighting restrictions in the acute care/hospital setting. However, you have a commitment with your full time job to be available as would be needed. While there is a degree of flexibility and self scheduling, the needs of the service will take precedence.

The bedside RN's I know who hold 2 full time jobs typically have fixed schedules - 3 12-hr shifts back to back here and then the other 3 12-hr shifts back to back there. I also know of some who would finish off 6 12-hr shifts back to back then have the rest of the 8 days in the 2 week period off for another job. I guess than can be doable for an NP as long as your team can afford to have you pick your schedule if someone else (another NP) can take over for the days you are not there.

Personally, it's not the physical work I'm worried about if I do that arrangement. It's the constant having to use my brain to figure out my patients and come up with a plan of care, the constant calls from nurses to address issues, it's the constant dealing with unstable patients, speaking to families, etc. It's not mindless repetitive work that becomes routine at some point. It never does and you have to be on the lookout that you don't fall into that trap of thinking something is just straightforward that you become lenient. That's a set-up for burn-out and mistakes.

I'm not judging RN's who have two jobs but as someone who worked at the bedside, I'm not going to lie that my impression of those nurses are that they tend to not really work that hard when they're on and pace themselves slow enough that it affects their efficiency. I really think there's a limitation to what we as humans can do.

Trauma Columnist · Dec 15, 2016

Yeah - I echo Juan: being an APN is not all routine (if it was I would be looking for another job!). Although I work 4 10's - I do get calls on my day off (occas). I'm also the Lead APN so I do have some paper pushing that must be done - I try to do this during work hours but again occasionally it falls outside that time.

I am salaried and so it is expected that I answer emails also and though its not required that I do so on my days off, the bosses appreciate it as do the physicians I work with - which makes me a more valued member of the team.