[missyl]

Does anyone work part-time? Is it possible to work just one day a week? I could probably handle two days but I don't want 12 hour weekends. My husband works shift work too and I've got three young kids so I don't want full time. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Yes you can work per diem.. You probably won't get any benefits. No health insurance, no time off, etc. And you will probably be the first nurse called off when the census is low. You will make more and can pick and chose time and days.. Some hospitals have a very rigid per diem plan. i.e. one weekend every six, one holiday in the summer one in the winter. But many hospitals are so short that they will let you work whatever you will give them..

Just have to ask.

WR,,, three commas for Becca

[cassioo]

we have several supplemental nurses on my unit. You pick the days you want to work. You often can't take supplemental as a new grad though

[oh hd rn]

typically one year experience is required in whatever specialty before you can sign on with agency

[missyl]

Thanks for the info! I don't need the benefits and I have several years experience but I've been home with the kids for several too so I'll check into it. Thanks again!

[nursinghumor]

Most nursing agencies (and hospitals that use agencies) will want you to have a few years of recent experience within the past three years before they'll use you.

If you sign on as staff, they may want you to go through an orientation period or refresher course before they'll let you work independently.

You can find more info about refresher courses at:
http://www.nursefriendly.com/refresher/

Refresher courses are usually for nurses that have been out of active practice for five or more years though.

Let us know how you make out.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com

[JeannieTaylor]

I have found that the Travel Agencies and our local hospital are now only asking for one year of clinical experience (that's how tough it is getting for them in the nursing shortage).

Our local hospital gives your $18.50 an hour for a fulltime, full benefits employee but $30 an hour for per diem work with no benefits and you choose the hours.

I have several friends and relatives that are Moms and only work 2 days a week - giving them 24 hours of work and the rest of the week to be with their kids.

[nursinghumor]

[ QUOTE ]
JeannieTaylor said:
I have found that the Travel Agencies and our local hospital are now only asking for one year of clinical experience (that's how tough it is getting for them in the nursing shortage).

[/ QUOTE ]

Geez, that makes me about as nervous as hearing that New Graduates are being trained in ER, ICU and other critical care areas.

With the right orientation, they'll usually do fine. If the hospital isn't equipped (or staffed) well enough to mentor the new nurses, they'll drown or burn out very quickly.

It's not a good position to put a new nurse into. I don't think hospitals are doing new graduates any favors using them to fill holes in their critical care units.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com