If you are pondering a career in nursing, one of the common questions that often comes up is: do nurses work on weekends? It’s important to understand that the answer to this question largely depends on factors such as the type of job and role, where you work and what kind of shift pattern you have.
In this blog post, we will look in-depth into weekend shifts for nurses, exploring what it entails and why some people accept them. So here, we’ll break down everything you need to know about weekend obligations for nurses and how they could affect your future career.
Table of Contents
Do Nurses Have Weekends OFF?
Nursing is a diverse field, so it’s essential to understand which specialities are likely to require weekend work. Generally speaking, nurses in acute healthcare environments such as hospitals and emergency departments are more likely to be asked to work weekends than in primary care settings like GP surgeries. This is because these areas often need extra staffing during peak times.
Besides critical and emergency cases, nurses may get weekends off as per the pre-scheduled routine. Most of the time, it depends on the availability of staff and the volume of patients.
What Types of Shifts Can Nurses Do on Weekends?
Weekend shifts for nurses can vary depending on the role and setting. For example, in hospitals, it is common to do a 12-hour day or night shifts, while others may opt for 8-hour shifts over a two-day weekend period. Nurses may also be asked to cover a 24-hour shift, particularly in emergency departments where staffing needs are often highest when it’s least convenient for nurses to work.
What Are the Benefits of Working Weekends as a Nurse?
Although working weekends can be challenging for many nurses, there are some potential benefits. It can open you to broader job opportunities and career progression. Busy weekends also allow nurses to get more experience in their field as they take on additional shifts, which is the potential to earn more money, as weekend shifts often attract a higher rate of pay than regular shifts. This could be especially beneficial for those in part-time roles or needing extra income.
Additionally, some nurses find that working weekends offers them more flexibility and can positively impact their work-life balance. For example, I work weekends as a nurse. You can arrange for your partner or other family members to look after the children on those days, freeing you up for more leisure activities during the week.
What Are the Drawbacks of Working Weekends as a Nurse?
Although working weekends can offer many benefits, there are some drawbacks to be aware of. For instance, weekend shifts often involve long hours in a fast-paced environment, so nurses may need help maintaining healthy energy and motivation. Additionally, suppose you have young children or other commitments on weekends. In that case, it may be difficult for you to poise your work and home life.
Final Words
Overall, understanding what it entails to work weekends as a nurse is essential to make an informed decision about your career. Consider the benefits and drawbacks carefully before deciding whether or not working weekends is suitable for you. Remember, ultimately, the choice should be based on what works best for you and your family.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.