Working Two Jobs - New Grad RN

[TheGrittyNurse]

Hello,

I'm seeking some help with a decision. I am a new grad RN, I graduated with my BSN in May and received my license in August. :) I started a part time position (24 hrs/week, two 12s) in September (18 weeks orientation) on a Trauma Stepdown Unit at the hospital that I worked as a student nurse extern and I love it! I was recently offered a full time position (36 hrs/week, three 12s) on a Progressive Coronary Care Unit at a different hospital (8 weeks orientation). I'm debating if I should accept the full time position or not... My rationale for working two jobs would be to pay down my debt sooner (i.e. student loans, car note, credit cards) and save. I plan on moving into a critical care setting next year and going back to school to become a CRNA. The extra income and experience in these settings would help me towards my long term goals.

Working two jobs, 60 hr weeks would be a temporary situation... I foresee lasting no longer than 3 years. But I feel that I am young, and don't have any dependents that it's a smart decision financially.

So now that you know the situation here are my questions: Do you think it's wise for a new grad RN to work that many hours? What things should I be considering? (i.e. Work/life balance, fatigue, etc.) I look forward to hearing your opinions.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Not wise for an inexperienced RN. You need to focus on learning how to be a nurse. Having two competing specialties is not going to help. If you want to take the full time job, then I would advise leaving the part time job. That 60 hours is what you'd be scheduled to work; it doesn't reflect the number of hours you'll actually end up working, nor take into account the time for commuting. It will also take a heck of a toll on your body.

[secondlifenurse, MSN, RN]

Let's make the leap and presume you have the stamina to work two (new) nursing jobs and 60-hours per week, every week without burning yourself out while simultaneously learning all that you need to in each position *and* keeping your sanity. I totally get your desire to pay down your debt. It's definitely commendable.

One thing that makes my head spin, however, is the logistics of scheduling. Even just getting through the initial couple weeks of HR and unit orientation at each job would be a circus trick.

Take one bite of your elephant at a time: get a roommate (or roommates) to help carry the burden of rent and utilities; clip coupons, buy food stuff that's on sale, and skip non-necessities (e.g., expensive trips to the movies, satellite TV, new clothes) while using cheap entertainment (DVDs from the library, hanging out with friends, hiking, etc.) to pay down your debt. If in 6-12 months you want to take on a second job and you feel like you can pull it off, then go for it.

By that time you will have already been using frugal economics and you'll know if you want/need that second job. And if you decide to take it, you'll already be used to pinching pennies so you'd potentially throw all the $$$ from that second job directly at the debt.

[MierKat]

I wouldn't do it. Talk to nurses at your current job and find out how hard it is to get overtime shifts in that hospital (some places it's very easy to do) once you're off orientation. Or wait until you have six months' experience and get a per diem PRN job at an urgent care center or a hospice or home health. Then you can accept or decline shifts based on that current week's schedule and how much energy you have.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Stick with one or you are setting yourself up for failure.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

As a former new grad that had two jobs; depending on the specialties, it may be doable, HOWEVER, the way employers are in terms of staffing, scheduling, and today's healthcare climate, I would suggest sticking to the first position and getting a base before taking on another position. If you currently enjoy your position, and you are in a specialty (trauma) that will greatly benefit you in critical care, enjoy the generous orientation, then at least next year look for a per diem position where there is less commitment and help pay down your loans that way.

Gone are are the days in the Philly area where you can have a full time job and a part-Tim/per diem job together without conflict at most places; most jobs want weekends and holiday commitments, the facilities want loyalty and care little about your situational goals, regardless of FTE.

[versican]

My opinion: No, not 2 jobs. You may think "just 2 shifts at one and three shifts at the other", but in reality you'll have mandatory meetings and education requirements at both. You'll be unable to reach your potential at both jobs. Stick with one. Do one well rather than two not-as-well.

[chacha82, ADN, BSN]

Pick one. I would go with the one with benefits and get a retirement account going.

[TheGrittyNurse]

Thank you for all of your opinions. I appreciate the honesty of everyone in this forum!

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

I have a full time job and a PRN job, and I find it a challenge to coordinate staff meetings, continuing educational requirements, etc for both of them. I couldn't imagine the amount of work required for a FT and a PT job.

Nah. Just stick with the FT job.