nurses working overtime in hospitals

ertravelrn · Mar 10, 2007

I worked an overtime shift last night. The hospital had a need and I wanted the money. Simple as that. I used to work OT because I felt like I needed to pitch in and help. Now, I only do it when I want the extra hours.

dansamy · Mar 10, 2007

I will do one extra shift per pay period. That's the most I am willing to do.

medpsychRN · Mar 10, 2007

If they can't get anyone, someone is forced to stay. We try to rotate it so it's not always the same person.

bill4745, RN · Mar 10, 2007

I do four 11am-11pm per week (ER). The hospital benefits by getting one of it's own nurses and for less cost than an agency nurse. I benefit with a large paycheck ($115k/year).

spiceyqueen · Mar 10, 2007

definitely for the money!! i doubt if many do it for the love of the job

angel337, MSN, RN · Mar 10, 2007

what do you mean by "why"?. i think it is pretty obvious if the didn't need the money they wouldn't do it.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Mar 10, 2007

Why are nurses working overtime in hospitals,

Because not just anyone can do the nurse's job, not just anyone would want to do the nurse's job, ergo the hospital is short of nurses, so other nurses take advantage of the opportunity to make a few extra dollars.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 10, 2007

what do you mean by "why"?. i think it is pretty obvious if the didn't need the money they wouldn't do it.

I agree. If the question is "why is there overtime available in hospitals" that's a totally different question as to "why nurses are drawn to do overtime".

I do overtime because I need the money. Unfortunately since my recent divorce and lack of another person's income to share my mortgage and other expenses if I am to do anything above and beyond the bill paying I need to work overtime to pay for it - things such as dental bills, vet bills, vacations, Christmas are now going to have to be paid by overtime if I'm to avoid spending my savings.

Usually one 8-hour overtime shift a pay period does it.

I work in med-surg, and there's a constant revolving door. People move on to the ER, ICU, other jobs, pregnancies, etc. Plus, it's our busy winter season so there's overtime available.