I'm a career changer and was wondering if this was true - can RN's work 3-4 days/wk and make a good salary? All I need is about 50K and I'm golden! I have a degree in Biology and I'm considering, like a lot of people, RN/NP (Yes, I know there's a difference) vs PA vs MD. If I become a nurse, I'll do a direct entry, masters program and maybe make my way to being a NP. Eh...not sure.
So, basically, are these works hours reasonable? I'm all about having a flexible job that'll allow me to partake in my lovely hobbies. I'm hoping you guys can help me with this...
Also, how hard would it be for a new grad to get a job at a children's hospital? I've have helathcare experience and I know, for sure, that I ONLY want pediatric patients. Working in an adult hospital isn't an option.
To answer some of your questions, YES it is a tough market here in San Diego, especially if you ONLY want to work with children. At my hospital, over 600 applicants applied to only about 30 available jobs. At my New Employee orientation last month, only 2 people were hired into L&D, and they both already had Masters degrees. All my friends who applied to anything children-related (NICU, L&D, Postpartum, etc) did not get ANY phone calls or interviews from ANY hospital in San Diego (Rady's, Sharp, or UCSD). A lot of my nursing school friends are now trying to get into ANY openings they have out there whether it be in MedSurg or at a SNF. This girl I knew in my nursing program actually worked at Rady's during nursing school and was "promised" a job after graduation. When graduation time came, there was no opening for her. She didn't apply to any other programs because of that "promise," so sadly she is now without a job. One of my friends got a job at UCSD, and now there are rumors he may be facing an 8% salary cut. Some new grads at UCSD even got let go already because they didn't have enough preceptors for them. Can you imagine....already getting a pay cut or laid off in your first month of work!? =(
It IS possible to get the day shift as a new grad, but only a few people I met at orientation got that shift. I'm a night person, so I actually requested the night shift. But, I'm currently doing the day shift for my first month with a preceptor. On the day shift you deal a lot more with the family, doctors, discharges, transfers, etc. It's very busy, but luckily the day goes by much faster!
In terms of salary at my hospital, new grads can make between $65-$70 if you have a BSN and work the night shift. BUT... that salary doesn't take into account all the income taxes they take out! =(
The scheduling is pretty good...I currently do three 12-hour shifts in a row per week. I actually have 6 days off next week! Time to catch up on laundry! =)
It's true when they say to not get into nursing for the money. I've only been an RN for a few months so I'm still with a preceptor, and it's HARD work even with the both of us working on our patients!
I don't want to sound negative, but with your stipulations it WILL be hard for you to find a job here in San Diego. Hopefully by the time you get into a school and graduate, our economic situation and the job market will have changed. Good luck!
I work 3 12 hour 7p-7a shifts a week and make 59,200 base then add in overtime. It is good money if you ask me. And gives me time as a single mom to work my Master's in with my Daughter and work!
Actually, yes, it can be that bad and even worse. Some of the kids aren't even deathly ill, and mommy and daddy are screaming that they and/or their child needs this, that, or the other.
Also, without RN experience on the floor, you may not get into an NP program, as most graduate programs want 2 yrs experience. I don't know about your school in particular, but check it thoroughly. Also, some facilities won't touch you as an NP without experience. This market is tough, so make sure you have all of your facts in line before spending a bunch of money. And don't let anyone "promise" you a job. You've heard from a couple on this thread that promises were broken....do some research before you get into this costly profession.....
Thank you for all of the responses! Well, it sounds like working in a Peds hospital will be doable, as long as I structure my training around it...which I'd do b/c I know that's where I want to work. Thing is, I'd be working in Southern California; San Diego. Do you think that's a tough market? A few of you guys said Peds is a specialty that a lot of people want to work in...not according to the hiring mang at the SD hosp I talked to. She said, "...Peds is always hard to fill b/c not a lot of people want to work around kids all day." I'm assuming you guys disagree with that statement?
Also, I've heard a lot about new grads not being able to find jobs. I don't want to change careers, work my butt off in school and not be able to find a job. I know I'd improve my job opportunities by moving but I don't want leave San Diego. Clearly, who would? So, moving is not an option...
So, am I drastically limiting my options when I said I only want to work in San Diego and for a childen's hospital? I'm thinking no...as long as I work at a children's hospital during school, volunteer and do anything I can think of that would boost my resume. Agree or disagree?
Oh! And someone else mentioned that people are pretty much lining up to work the night shift b/c it pays more? I thought people were lining up to work the day shift? I'd only work the night shift if they made me. With that said, do you think it's unrealistic to go into nursing only wanting to work the day shift? I don't care how much money I can make working nights; I'm not interested.
*Yes, I know I have a lot of stipulations :chuckle
I'm not a Nurse-yet, but I am doing my peds clinical this semester & I am very excited because this is a great area of interest..........then, I find out that we only get 2 weeks (4 total clinical days) in peds. They used to do 5 weeks, but we were told that this was the only children's hospital in pinellas & they had to make room for other schools. It is very disappointing to say the least. I love the specialties, but they just don't let us get enough of any of it. I also applied as a tech in Tampa at the peds hospital. I got offered a job on an adult med-surg floor. I figured its experience & at least I'm in because they have a great children's hospital. We do management experience our last semester & we can go to the children's hospital, but there are only 2 spots or something crazy so you can imagine how competetive that is. Just wanted to say that you really can't specialize until you are an RN- at my school anyway. They want you to have med-surg ALOT, which I understand b/c you will be tested on NCLEX in this area more than any other. I love it anyway & will get where I want to be eventually :) Good luck to you!
I have a degree in Biology and I'm considering, like a lot of people, RN/NP (Yes, I know there's a difference) vs PA vs MD. If I become a nurse, I'll do a direct entry, masters program and maybe make my way to being a NP. Eh...not sure. 
I know I'd improve my job opportunities by moving but I don't want leave San Diego. Clearly, who would?
RN_SD1979
8 Posts
Hello Artistic...
To answer some of your questions, YES it is a tough market here in San Diego, especially if you ONLY want to work with children. At my hospital, over 600 applicants applied to only about 30 available jobs. At my New Employee orientation last month, only 2 people were hired into L&D, and they both already had Masters degrees. All my friends who applied to anything children-related (NICU, L&D, Postpartum, etc) did not get ANY phone calls or interviews from ANY hospital in San Diego (Rady's, Sharp, or UCSD). A lot of my nursing school friends are now trying to get into ANY openings they have out there whether it be in MedSurg or at a SNF. This girl I knew in my nursing program actually worked at Rady's during nursing school and was "promised" a job after graduation. When graduation time came, there was no opening for her. She didn't apply to any other programs because of that "promise," so sadly she is now without a job. One of my friends got a job at UCSD, and now there are rumors he may be facing an 8% salary cut. Some new grads at UCSD even got let go already because they didn't have enough preceptors for them. Can you imagine....already getting a pay cut or laid off in your first month of work!? =(
It IS possible to get the day shift as a new grad, but only a few people I met at orientation got that shift. I'm a night person, so I actually requested the night shift. But, I'm currently doing the day shift for my first month with a preceptor. On the day shift you deal a lot more with the family, doctors, discharges, transfers, etc. It's very busy, but luckily the day goes by much faster!
In terms of salary at my hospital, new grads can make between $65-$70 if you have a BSN and work the night shift. BUT... that salary doesn't take into account all the income taxes they take out! =(
The scheduling is pretty good...I currently do three 12-hour shifts in a row per week. I actually have 6 days off next week! Time to catch up on laundry! =)
It's true when they say to not get into nursing for the money. I've only been an RN for a few months so I'm still with a preceptor, and it's HARD work even with the both of us working on our patients!
I don't want to sound negative, but with your stipulations it WILL be hard for you to find a job here in San Diego. Hopefully by the time you get into a school and graduate, our economic situation and the job market will have changed. Good luck!