Slow nursing jobs? So I can go back to school.

[countrygirl1234]

Was wondering what slow paced nursing jobs may be out there? I'm interested in getting masters degree, and would like a slower paced job to possibly be able to study every once and a while.

Any help would be much appreciated!

[River&MountainRN, ADN, RN]

Do you need full-time hours? Otherwise, per diem---where you're able to set your schedule around classes/assignments---might work. Or the weekend-only option. Otherwise, someone else's suggestion of overnight Assisted Living/stable LTC might work. Like in anything in nursing, it wouldn't be a guarantee, but it would be better then a high-acuity floor.

[caffeinatednurse, BSN, RN]

There are none. A lot of my coworkers who are also students make the mistake of believing that the facility I work in (which is LTC but a short term rehab unit) is one of those places where the pace is "slower" than other jobs. It's not, and those who think it is, aren't doing their job the way that they should. It shouldn't be underestimated that working as a nurse (in any capacity) and going to school at the same time is hard work, but totally possible.

Me, personally? When I decide to go back to school, I plan to snag a twelve hour shift x3 days a week gig. It's MUCH easier to schedule those 3 days in than it is to schedule 5 days of 8 hour shifts (I say that as a current 8hr shift x 5 days/week nurse). Or go part-time. But that's just me.

[smartnurse1982]

There are none. A lot of my coworkers who are also students make the mistake of believing that the facility I work in (which is LTC but a short term rehab unit) is one of those places where the pace is "slower" than other jobs. It's not, and those who think it is, aren't doing their job the way that they should. It shouldn't be underestimated that working as a nurse (in any capacity) and going to school at the same time is hard work, but totally possible.

Me, personally? When I decide to go back to school, I plan to snag a twelve hour shift x3 days a week gig. It's MUCH easier to schedule those 3 days in than it is to schedule 5 days of 8 hour shifts (I say that as a current 8hr shift x 5 days/week nurse). Or go part-time. But that's just me.

That is not true.

Private Duty Nursing is an option.

I suggest the OP head on over to the Private Duty Nursing forum.

[caffeinatednurse, BSN, RN]

That is not true.

Private Duty Nursing is an option.

I suggest the OP head on over to the Private Duty Nursing forum.

I personally do not want a private duty nurse taking care of me who wants to do their homework on the clock, instead of tending to my needs. I have seen way too many LTC 11-7 nurses scoff and roll their eyes when a resident calls out for a PRN because it interrupted them from their homework. Nurses who want to complete homework on the clock often forget that they're at work and have a job to do. If that is what the OP is looking for, she's better off going part-time and allowing herself extra time to complete her homework while she's not at work, than risking a client's health and wellbeing.

[Vespertina]

What kind of jerk nurse rolls their eyes when a client is in significant distress requesting a PRN? That's just terrible. But yes, it exists.. While at work, no matter how much downtime you may have and how you personally choose to spend that downtime, your job is still #1 priority always, for as long as you are on the clock. I think this should be obvious enough without mention.

[elijahvegas, ASN, RN, EMT-P]

All the snark is coming from insecurities that someones spefialty will be considered "easy" or "slow" so everyone will jump to talk about how hard it is where they work and how fast everything is.

Cant roll my eyes harder.

Off the top og my head id say a clinic. Even busy days arent (especially) consistent. If they have normal operating business hours you can count on sundays being slow. Mondays kind of suck everywhere haha

[compassionresearcher]

Even if you don't study on the clock, a slower paced (less physically demanding) job will leave you with more energy on your days off. I was a school nurse for 2 years and there are downtimes in between the rushes, depending on where you work of course. I worked as a float for a year, different school every day and as a regular for one year. Both left me with far more energy than inpatient nursing.

[Workitinurfava, BSN, RN]

Is that really an option? I am currently in orientation for my new critical care job (new to this role by the way), being trained on the floor, in the classroom along with finishing up my bachelors degree. I hope you can find a way. The jobs you are speaking of are non-bedside jobs. Problem is once you are away from the bedside for too long, it may be hard to get management/bedside-ish positions.

[chacha82, ADN, BSN]

Are you able to get a float pool position where you can make your own schedule? Or a 9 - 5 where you have enough energy at the end of the day to study. I agree with other posters here, most facilities aren't really conducive to sitting and studying. We had two staff members who routinely did that with me on nights...it irked me because as I was drowning in an admission or a rapid call, they were flipping pages at the desk, not watching the rest of the floor. Do you have to be full-time? Or can you go Weekend Exclusive? If those are options, give it a try. If you do 2 - 12s on the weekend you could have M - F for all school.

[BSN16]

Is that really an option? I am currently in orientation for my new critical care job (new to this role by the way), being trained on the floor, in the classroom along with finishing up my bachelors degree. I hope you can find a way. The jobs you are speaking of are non-bedside jobs. Problem is once you are away from the bedside for too long, it may be hard to get management/bedside-ish positions.

Not necessarily true. I also work night shift in a CCU. There are many nights where i do bring homework to work, as do my co-workers.

[caffeinatednurse, BSN, RN]

All the snark is coming from insecurities that someones spefialty will be considered "easy" or "slow" so everyone will jump to talk about how hard it is where they work and how fast everything is.

Cant roll my eyes harder.

Off the top og my head id say a clinic. Even busy days arent (especially) consistent. If they have normal operating business hours you can count on sundays being slow. Mondays kind of suck everywhere haha

With that kind of question, would you really expect any other type of answer on here?

No worries though. My short term rehab floor is anything but "slow." Those who try to do homework on the clock usually find that they suddenly have PLENTY of time to do their homework...at home.

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

Some ideas: Endoscopy, doctor's office, night shift in NICU or other women's services. I used to see NICU nurses studying school and reading magazines all the time when I worked there. Even where I work now, in ICU, some nights are slow and some of the nurses work on their NP schoolwork.

You must not have seen nurses in a busy level 3 or 4 NICU, I wish we had down time like that. And there is ALWAYS something that needs done.