off topic -LONG - anybody work in a hospital?

L

lwseymour

Cathlete
Some of you might remember my post a few months back about my being laid off from my job, so I am starting over at 41. I started going to a vocational school for a medical assistant diploma. I thought healthcare would be a good field for several reasons. I am loving school, here is the problem. I was lucky on my old office job because I got off at 3:30 and my husband goes to work at 4:00, so he picked up our son at school and met me every afternoon with our son. My son has autism (mild) but still he does horrible in any daycare or afterschool care. Not to mention, the girls are only 19ish and I'm not comfortable with him being with such young providers with little or no experience with special kids. (The girls are sweet and do the best they can but there are WAY too many kids.)

Anyway, I'm starting to realize that my working in a doctor's office from 8:30 - 5:00 or 6:00ish is simply not going to work out. (Duh!)

So, I'm thinking about switching to the certified nursing assistant program so I could possibly work nights. But I don't want stuck working every Fri.,Sat., and Sun. night for the rest of my life. I know that hospitals have the 36 hour weekend options. My question is, do hospitals have the option of working 3 (12) hour night shifts between Monday and Friday?

Darn it, why can't I just win the lottery?
Thanks so much.
Lisa
 
Lisa - One of my best friends is a nurse who happens to be a newly single mom of 4 children. The hospital that she works at allows her to work night shifts during the week. They are in such dire need of nurses in the area that she works that she has never had a problem getting the hours that work for her and the kids. It really depends on where you are working though. I would check out a few of the potential locations you might be interested in working at eventually and ask them what kind of schedules they run and what options would be open to you. There are also other places such as assisted living homes and nursing homes that need nursing staff. My sister n' law works at a nursing home that has been really good about being flexible with her schedule - she has a young child.
 
Lisa,

I agree that there may be enough need that you'd be able to negotiate working during the week only. You should definitely contact hospitals in your area to find out what kinds of schedules they offer their CNAs. I understand how you're feeling, at least a little. I'm graduating from nursing school in May and getting ready to accept a job with my local hospital (my town is small enough that we only have one hospital, and I'm not willing to commute to a larger area right now), and I'm working through my own feelings about how my new schedule will work for my family. I'll be working nights, and every 3rd weekend. Anyway, I hope you can find someone who is able to offer something that fits your family's needs! Good luck!

Allison
 
Lisa,
I work in a hospital, where we mostly do 8 hour shifts ans some 12. Working everyother weekend is not an option there, unless you are per diem. If you are per diem you just pick up when you want and you dont get any benifits. I have to work 4 eight hour shifts a week which includes a weekend rotation that is 32 hours full time. Goodluck trying to find a hospital that does not require this. You might be better off working per diem if you dont need the benifits.

Melissa
 
Hi Lisa! Most hospitals nowdays offer 12 hour shifts, usually 7p-7a which is what I do 3 nights a week. I've always loved this schedule and have done it for 26 yrs. My hospital now is pretty typical in that the requirement is to work every other weekend, the weekend being Fri and Sat night. I'd like to agree with the other responders here in that it depends alot on where you live. Absolutely check with the hospitals in your area to find out what they offer. There are some who offer extra incentives to weekend workers and do offer shifts to others with no weekends. There's alot of different work schedules and incentives out there and there may be one that suits your needs.

Also, there is the option to just work PRN, float pool, perdiem (there are many terms for this.) If your DH can cover your insurance needs with his job this may very well be the way to go for you.

I think you'll enjoy being a CNA... best of luck!

ShellyC
 
I agree with a previous post that said to check out the place that you want to work and ask them first what their schedules are. While you're there ask about job availability and get your paperwork together for future employment. This is a great time to make a great first impression. Also ask if they have a scholarship program available for you. Our small hospital has one available for nurses and NA's with the catch that you have to work there for at least 1 year or pay back the scholarship funds. If that is the case, they will definitely have a job waiting for you when you get out of training.

Also, you might want to consider working per-diem at your hospital and then maybe taking a part-time position at a nursing home or home health care facility. There are so many options out there for MA's and nurses. The shortage is going to work in your favor!! Explore your options before you start your schooling so you know what's available. :)

Also remember that persistence beats resistence every time! If you really want a particular job, show up at their doorstep at least once a week and keep bugging them! As an employer, I know this tactic works.

Good luck to you!

Angie
 
>Lisa,
>
>I agree that there may be enough need that you'd be able to
>negotiate working during the week only. You should definitely
>contact hospitals in your area to find out what kinds of
>schedules they offer their CNAs. I understand how you're
>feeling, at least a little. I'm graduating from nursing school
>in May and getting ready to accept a job with my local
>hospital (my town is small enough that we only have one
>hospital, and I'm not willing to commute to a larger area
>right now), and I'm working through my own feelings about how
>my new schedule will work for my family. I'll be working
>nights, and every 3rd weekend. Anyway, I hope you can find
>someone who is able to offer something that fits your family's
>needs! Good luck!
>
>Allison

YEAH Ally!! Congrats!!

Check out my other thread. Hmmm. I am sure you can relate girlfriend. Soooo much to think about right now. I am still trying to just PASS! Aaaarrrgggh.

About the hospital jobs....hospitals are 24/7. They have any shift combo you can imagine under the sun!! You getting those shifts, of course, would depend on demand in your area. But the shifts do exist. You need to check out the hospital websites in your area.

CNA is a good job. AND...once you get your foot into a hospital they would probably pay your tuition to go back to school for your RN if you want. Can't beat that!! Best of luck to you!!
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