Seriously thinking about Nursing

Nurses Career Support

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Hi all-

I'm seriously thinking about nursing and have even spent some time job-shadowing an ER nurse. But I need more questions answered. What are the hours like for hospital nurses? I was told I could work a 3-day, 12 hour per day, work week. Do you find that this is true where you live? I'm looking to spend time with my family while working as well. Is this really feasible in nursing as you know it? Also, do nurses get to complete any procedures? Any stitching of wounds, that kind of thing? Or is it just left for MD's and PA's?

Any help you may have would be appreciated.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Suturing is indeed a practice for Nurse Practioners, PA's and MDs.

Three days a week 12-hour shifts are practically the norm for nurses these days. In fact where I work it's mandatory but for a few units like PACU, OR and med-surg, but all the other units work 12-hour shifts.

You have to sacrifice those days with your family but you have four days off a week to spend with them. Remember also you're probably going to work every other weekend as well.

Good luck!

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Specializes in RN- Med/surg.

It depends where you live. I'd call around hospitals and ask. We work 8's. The few who are willing to work 12's...it always ends up being extra hours, not so that we have an extra day off.

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our hospital offers different hours for different departments. Many are 8 hour shifts, usually 7-3, 3-11, 11-7.

Critical care is 12 hours from 7-7. Most nurses start out on the night shift.

We have a different rotation of days in CC. We work 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off, 2 on, 2 off then repeat. That's a 2 week rotation that gives us 3 day weekends every other week. I started on nights and after 16 months went to days.

Some hospitals offer weekend only shifts; you work either 2 16's or 3 12's.

Procedures can include pulling central IV lines, inserting IVs, removing sutures and such. We assist with quite a few bedside procedures in ICU as well.

Good luck, and do your research to decide if you want to become a nurse. I love my job and can't think of anything I'd rather do.

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