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What is your typical schedule or day to day as a registered nurse ?
This is the field that I would like to go in but I had a few questions. Do you get to pick what your work schedule looks like? how long are the shifts? what are some things that you do everyday working?
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Hailey’s Answer
Most positions will let you know when interviewing what their availability is and what they are requiring as far as shifts/scheduling. Sometimes to get your foot in the door, you may have to accept a non desired shift or schedule. Most of your hospitals are 12 hour shifts, some of your skilled nursing facilities are 12 hours. Most often the shifts are either 8 or 12 hours. Your hospital/nursing facility jobs typically require every other weekend and holidays. Physician offices are either closed weekends or are only open a few hours on Saturdays. If you work your way into management, you can typically have more say in your schedule.
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Martin’s Answer
Usually, you'll collaborate with your nurse manager to arrange your schedule. However, it's important to bear in mind that every shift needs to be filled. If everyone prefers the same hours, a bit of flexibility is required. Shift lengths can range from 8, 10 to 12 hours, and this is something you'll be aware of when you first accept the job.
Most newcomers begin with the day shift for their orientation, but since the night shift is less popular, you'll likely spend some time working those hours until you gain more seniority. It's key to remember that nursing is a round-the-clock, year-round profession, so weekends and holidays also need staffing.
For instance, while everyone would love to have Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's off, it's not usually possible. You might have some say in which holiday you'd prefer to work, but seniority often influences these decisions. It can be tough, but it's something we've all managed for a long time.
Your typical day will vary based on your healthcare setting, a topic that's been discussed here several times before, so you should be able to find more information on that. Just remember, your primary role is to attend to the patient and their needs, helping them on their journey to recovery.
Most newcomers begin with the day shift for their orientation, but since the night shift is less popular, you'll likely spend some time working those hours until you gain more seniority. It's key to remember that nursing is a round-the-clock, year-round profession, so weekends and holidays also need staffing.
For instance, while everyone would love to have Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's off, it's not usually possible. You might have some say in which holiday you'd prefer to work, but seniority often influences these decisions. It can be tough, but it's something we've all managed for a long time.
Your typical day will vary based on your healthcare setting, a topic that's been discussed here several times before, so you should be able to find more information on that. Just remember, your primary role is to attend to the patient and their needs, helping them on their journey to recovery.
Updated
Todd’s Answer
As a registered nurse you kinda get to pick your schedule. If three 12 hour shifts are your desire only apply for those. Same for 8's. The key is how much money you want to make. Weekends pay more as do nights. Apply for what you want. So many jobs out there for non-lazy RNs