Healthcare's definition of 'First Shift'?

Question

I am about to embark on a career change and will soon be attending school (again) this time, to become an RN. However, due to the need of financial assistance, I am trying to get myself back into the workfield after 2 years of being a stay-at-home Mother...the hospital I am hoping to work for after my education & final registration test ends, has a housekeeping position open and I have no problem working COMPLETELY from the bottom in order to get tuition reimbersement, but...WHAT IS FIRST SHIFT? It says:

Full-Time, First Shift, 80 Hour pay period, Must work every other weekend.

Could someone sort of explain to me how this would work?? I understand the every other weekend, etc...but what is first shift and how should I prepare myself for such a drastic scheduling change from being at home??

Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

Probably the most common definition of shifts in healthcare is as follows:

1st shift (days): 7:00am - 3:30pm

2nd shift (evenings): 3:00pm - 11:30pm

3rd shift (nights): 11:00pm - 7:30am



These hours might vary an hour or two in either direction, but this is very likely what you will encounter.

Answer 2

First shift is customarily the shift the first shift of the business day....meaning....the shift that most closely mirrors the 9-to-5 business day. (Second shift is evenings, Third shift is overnights).



Some first shift workers start as early as 6am, others as late as 10am. Health care workers often begin first shift work at 6am or 7am. When you have a chance to interview with them, ask them when the shift starts. Try to ask them in a conciliatory way - "A morning start works well for me. What time does your team start their day?"



For the description:



"Full time, First shift, 80 hour pay period, must work every other weekend"



What this means is that you will be working 40 hours a week. You will most likely be given a specific start time (say, 7am), you will be expected to start at 7am every day you work, and you'll be paid every other week.



Good luck to you! Sounds like you have a very exciting future ahead of you.

Answer 3

First shift is usually midnights second daywork and third shift 3-11.