Weekends

NedRN · Oct 14, 2014

I don't work weekends! Operating room - probably not an option for you of course. Probably a rare thing for most specialties in acute care hospitals but it never hurts to ask.

But why? A day off is a day off. Some stuff like outdoor activities may be better on weekdays. Unless you want to attend weekend cultural events, what's the dif what day off you have?

raindrop · Oct 15, 2014

I've had assignments where they put me on every weekend. This never bothered me, especially if my assignment was far from family. In fact, I really wanted my last assignment and during the interview, I told the manager that I am open to every weekend if it will help. She immedietely told me the job was mine and she would be calling my recruiter ASAP. My schedule was every Th, Fri, Sat. It was perfect for me. But nonetheless, you are there to help them. You have to be flexible :)

perfexion, ASN, RN · Oct 15, 2014

You're going to have 4 days a week off. Unless you're working nights that's more than enough time to enjoy the city you're in. I find the lines to attractions are shorter and some have off peak prices on weekdays. Even when I was staff I preferred working Friday, Saturday and Sunday so I could get the rest of the week off to run errands and such. Flexibility is important. I don't think a hospital will be too eager to extend your contract or write a reference if you have too many schedule demands.

bagladyrn, RN · Oct 16, 2014

Asking for every weekend off is extremely unreasonable - and if you were to get a contract with that condition, sure to set up resentment from the regular staff who would be covering the extra weekends.

What I do request is that if possible I like my shifts "clustered" so that I have stretches off to enjoy the area, regardless of what those days of the week are. Most places will go with this when possible.

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2014

I just got my schedule for the next 2 months from the NM on my assignment, and she said she placed me on shifts where I would be needed the most. I actually don't think she did a bad job :) so I'm obviously going to stick with it. Some half weekends in there, but no big deal, and I'm off Thanksgiving, which might mean I'm on Christmas? Wont know yet. But like I said, whatever ... Especially this being my first assignment. I don't want to rattle and roll a nurse manager from a prestigious hospital who could very likely be a great reference later on :)

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stella789 · Oct 25, 2014

I actually met a traveler at my last assignment that requested on interview she only work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday...it was more of a must. They accepted (I think out of desperation as this particular facility was 95% agency/contract).

I dont mind mind working weekends at all. I much prefer conducting all of my business and anything I might want to do during the week. I guess when I worked nights I got so accustomed to grocery shopping in the morning after work before I made it home to bed or at 2 am when there was no one out and I couldn't sleep, I can't hardly stand the crowds anymore.

But I agree with others, keeping your schedule as flexible as you can is your best bet. Most require every other weekend or so many a month. But I haven't worked anywhere that didn't allow me to essentially make my own schedule.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Oct 25, 2014

You can have a better time as a tourist being off during the week.

During the week, there are less crowds, often lower fees, easier to use mass transit. The stores are less crowded. I loved being a tourist during the week. And working the weekends are sometimes easier than the weekdays. Less bureaucracy to deal with.

Most travel assignments, barring OR or OPS are going to require some weekend shifts.

pedsnurse112 · Oct 25, 2014

I understand all of that, but I am traveling to places where friends and family live who don't work weekends. Since I am traveling by myself, I want to be able to enjoy my time there to explore with them. Thanks for the input though!

BD-RN, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2014

Unless you're working in a clinic or in the OR... Expect to work some weekends or holidays. This is as a staff nurse or traveller. I do speak up if I'm scheduled every weekend, however.

Whenever a family member or friend complains about my working weekends I simply reply, "you're right. We should kick all the patients out and lock up every Friday night." I say the same to you now. Do hospitals close? No. Expect to put in your share of weekends or nights like everyone else.