Second Job Dilema

Christen, ANP · Jan 27, 2011

How long have you been a nurse? I'd start off by trying to pick up OT in your current job, and once you're cruising and feel comfortable in that role, then it's time to think about finding a PT / PRN job somewhere else.

merlee · Jan 27, 2011

Don't be in a hurry to get a second job. Also, you should have plenty of patients with 'medical' problems/issues, so you can maintain your knowledge and skills.

Wait at least 2-3 months of being on your own, and seeing what your schedule will be before you try jamming more in.

Best wishes!

ItsTheDude · Jan 27, 2011

start looking when u want to, most nurses i know work 2 jobs or even more, it's not unusual.

if u want another job and a 2nd employer wants to hire u, enough said.

GM2RN · Jan 28, 2011

It sounds like you are working in a hospital. If so, I kind of agree with the poster who suggested you try to pick up extra shifts with your current employer. They can be on ortho but can also be on another floor. If you do that, you will get time and a half for OT. If you find you can't get extra shifts with your current employer, you can then look for a PRN job somewhere else.

NYRN1160 · Jan 28, 2011

I was a nurse for 2 years at another hospital, it was much smaller, but I had such a variety of patients. I also would float to different floors that were medical patients or pick up time on other floors. The hospital that I work at now is all ortho and mostly elective surgery. Of course there are somethings that I did not do at my other hospital that I do now, but I still feel like I need more of a variety of patients for my resume. Thank you for the comments so far.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 28, 2011

op: you are experienced; pick up another job as soon as you can. by the way, why do you think you need to use your current job as a reference? it is too new. use your old references if they are good.

i am applying to other jobs and i did not use my current employer as a reference. i use my past employers because my co-workers and supervisors are trustworthy. besides, they have nothing to lose when i get another job.

NYRN1160 · Jan 28, 2011

That is a good point on just using my old references. Should I mention that I do have a full time job at my current hospital but tell them that I didnt want to use them as a reference because I am so new, or just not even mention my current position?

GM2RN · Jan 28, 2011

That is a good point on just using my old references. Should I mention that I do have a full time job at my current hospital but tell them that I didnt want to use them as a reference because I am so new, or just not even mention my current position?

It sounds like you may be confusing references with the fact that you need to list your current and past employers on your application, which are two different things. You get to choose your references, which tend to be individuals and not your employer, so if you don't want to use them as a reference, just don't include them. If asked if they can contact your current employer, say no. That's completely reasonable and understandable and they should respect that. No explanation is necessary and you shouldn't feel the need to offer one

Up2nogood RN, RN · Jan 29, 2011

I did use my current employer and that it was ok to contact.... It can help you get a job when they are scarce. But I also talked to my current NM to let her know what's going on, that I'm not leaving and that this is my primary job. It is tough to find a second job that will work around your primary job schedule. I give my second employer the days I'm available and since agency is used a lot I get the shifts I want.

GM2RN · Jan 29, 2011

I did use my current employer and that it was ok to contact.... It can help you get a job when they are scarce. But I also talked to my current NM to let her know what's going on, that I'm not leaving and that this is my primary job. It is tough to find a second job that will work around your primary job schedule. I give my second employer the days I'm available and since agency is used a lot I get the shifts I want.

That's ok too if you choose to go that route, but don't feel required to use your current employer for a reference if you don't want to. Besides, if you have just started with them, they can't really say how good of an employee you are yet, in my opinion.