Researchers analyzed surveys from more than 4,500 newly licensed nurses in 13 states and Washington, D.C., collecting information on nurse demographics, education, work attributes, and attitudes. Specifically, nurses were asked about their work schedule, daily shift length, weekly work hours, overtime, and whether they worked a second job.
39.4%
is the average number of hours per week that new nurses work.
12
-hour shifts dominate among newly licensed nurses, which is what they prefer and particularly the day shift.
45.6%
of new nurses reported putting in voluntary overtime — about three hours a week is the average.
12%
said overtime was mandatory at their facility — less than one hour per week on average.
13%
of new nurses are working a second job.
18
states in the U.S. have passed legislation or instituted regulations on mandatory overtime in the nursing industry.
