Two Jobs: Full-time night, Part-time day

[ADNRN2016]

Is it reasonable and prevalent for nurses to take on two jobs: one full-time night shift position (3-4 shifts/wk), and one part-time day shift (2 shifts/week)?

I expect to schedule my part-time position around the full-time job.

Is it expected that I informed my supervisor regarding this?

To give you context: I am single without children, and blessed with a ton of debt.

[chare]

No, it's not reasonable to try to work a full time night shift and part time day shift. First, you are going to find it difficult to schedule yourself enough time to recover moving from nights to days. And more importantly, I think you will find that neither job is going to be concerned with the fact that you are trying to coordinate two schedules, and they are going to schedule you based on their needs, not yours. Taking a per diem position or picking up overtime at your full time job, if possible are likely your best options.

Best wishes.

[SaltineQueen]

Prevalent ? Prudent, no.

[JadedCPN, BSN, RN]

I'm curious as to why you would go about it this way? I understand you have debt of course, but this just isn't the most logical approach. Find a full time job, regardless of shift, that has overtime opportunities and just pick up your extra shifts at your job. You'll get time and a half pay, be in a familiar environment, and not trying to juggle the requirements (i.e. weekend/holiday requirements) of two different facilities.

Also, just remember to do what you can outside of work in addition to working your overtime if you truly are trying to decrease your debt. What I mean is that I see a lot of newer nurses picking up and working 5-6 shifts a week to put towards their debt, but then blowing money on all the latest electronics, ordering food out al the time, etc. If you are really interested in decreasing your debt as quickly as possible, make yourself a budget.

[JKL33]

Better to try to pick up part-time work on the same shift you're already working FT.

[RNperdiem, RN]

This is not a common arrangement.

The most common for nurses wanting to work extra is to pick up overtime in their same department. It is often available, doesn't come with the extra problems and pays more than a part time job would.

If overtime isn't available in their department, some nurses will pick up overtime in a similar floor in the same hospital; somewhere they have floated to in the past and know. For example, the Medical ICU is open to Surgical ICU nurses who want to pick up extra work to cover holes in staffing.

Next in popularity is nurses who have a second per diem job. The per diem rate is usually good and comes with true flexibility you don't find in a part-time job. The working requirements vary, and you usually have to work a summer and winter holiday, so you might work all the holidays between the two jobs. I have often seen nurses who work in a non-bedside position work a per diem shift now and then to keep their skills current.

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

I concur with previous posters. Don't do it.

Pick up an extra shift if you can or come in early if they need someone. (Staying late after working nights is torture...)

[humerusRN, BSN]

This would never fly at my facility because while we self schedule, we also have to balance.... so you get moved around. It would be unrealistic to expect everyone else to shuffle their schedule *except* for you because you work nights somewhere else. Nope nope nope.

[caliotter3]

It is common and prevalent, yes, but not recommended. It helps when you can get away with sleeping on night shift as stated by a nurse I met recently who has two full time and one part time case with three different extended care agencies. Even though she admits to sleeping at one of her jobs, I don't see how she can logistically manage this feat.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

I think it is unrealistic. Your full time job even with self scheduling will not guarantee you specific shifts. Your choice in working a second job would need to be scheduled around your first. The second job also isn't going to care about your full time job. Both positions are only going to be thinking of staffing needs and not your want to earn more money.

Best way is to pick up a few overtime shifts every now and then. Be careful as it can lead to burnout and fatigue if you don't have any downtime for yourself.

[B52, BSN, MSN, RN]

A colleague worked full-time and per diem jobs, different shifts. He was caught sleeping on his full-time day shift job and was terminated.

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

People who make bad decisions like this often end up burnt out and depressed really quickly. I know you are desperate to start repaying loans but slow and steady will probably get them repaid quicker.