Nurses typical work schedule.

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 9, 2012

I would like to know how many hours a week or days a week a typical nurse works.

Depends on whether the nurse works 8 hour shifts or 12 hours shifts, which seem to be the two most common shift lengths. If full time, it's 5 8-hour days or 3 12-hour days. Then there's all the variations of full time vs. part time. I work with a nurse who is considered a 0.9 FTE who works 5 8-hour days one week of the pay period and 4 8-hour days the other week.

If anyone knows what an average starting salary is that would be good to know also. Thanks.

Major variation depending on where you live and where you work. Salary.com might be a place to look for very general ideas.

jazon77 · Oct 10, 2012

Thanks, i have been hearing that some had the 3 day 12 hr shifts which they say they enjoy. Would you happen to know if you could choose your schedule or if they choose it for you?

8mpg · Oct 10, 2012

We do 3 12hr shifts a week... Ends up being close to 37-38 hours a week as reports take a while and you dont get out by 0715. An extra 4 hours on an 8 hour days inst much. It goes by fast and having 4 days off a week rocks.

OnceMorewithFeeling · Oct 11, 2012

Really, I think hours are going to vary based on the institution. On my Unit most of us generally work 2 eight-hour shifts and 2 twelve-hour shifts per week, for a total of 40 hours per week.

Salary is very regional. I've found that Salary.com isn't very accurate. If you know a nurse in your area, ask her/him about reasonable starting wages.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Oct 11, 2012

Speaking in general terms, night shifts pay more than day shifts. There are usually shift differentials for evening as well; the facility determines the rates and that varies even from one side of town to the other. You'll have to do your research on your own local level to see what's going on.

You should expect to work weekends (every other, or 1-2 month, VARIABLE). You should expect to work holidays (typically every other major one, or 2 summer holidays, 2 winter holidays, something like that). Normally there is bonus pay for working holidays, and sometimes for working weekends--again, very variable. Hospital One in your city may do it one way, Hospital Two does it another. Union or non-union? Makes a difference there, too.

Ask locally for your best answers.