I live close by (not in NC but close enough). My hospital offers different things, part time, full time, PRN. I am part time and am contracted to work only 20 hours a week - as you probably noticed, that can't be divided into 12 hour shifts. I generally work one 12 hour shift and one 8 hour shift a week. 7 am to 7 pm. I've seen everything from a 4 hour shift to a 6 hour shift, to 10 hours to 12. I find that I prefer 6-8 hour shifts, but i'm completely fine with 12 hour shifts. Even if you were to work full time (36 hours a wk) that would be 3 12 hour shifts- giving you four days to recuperate. Usually there's a day in between, but some people (like me) prefer to just get it all out of the way and have that solid few day break in between.

In regards to breaks, she's fairly accurate. It's not uncommon to eat and run. But I work at an ER, so thats not uncommon for the cna's, nurses, or doctors. If you don't get a lunch break, you are compensated financially for that time and many people who do 8 hour shifts prefer not to even take a lunch break (it depends on the day for me, sometimes I break just to get away even if i'm not hungry). Another thing about the hospital (from what i've noticed) is food is everywhere. The ambulances bring candy (they brought brownies and cinnamon rolls last wk), the doctors bring donuts, a nurse will bring cupcakes or breakfast, the lab lady brings fresh fruits and veggies. And just like your friend, if you need to allot yourself a small break to go quickly munch on something - its acceptable (at least, where I work it is). They don't want you sitting at the desk, feet kicked up, plate in hand - but daily a good bit of nurses will go to the cafe and grab breakfast and munch on it between caring for patients. On the day that I don't have time to get a break to munch on food - usually noone has. And we're all hungry and grumpy and empathetic of each others misery (i've got a almond joy in my bag if you want! grab a pack of saltines; its great with pb!, want me to make a fresh pot of coffee?, etc.) I guess it's just something i've gotten used to. If you're a continuous muncher (some days i am but not often), I would simply suggest packing a bag of quick snacks (a can of nuts, some chewy bars, cut up apple slices, pretzels, chips, a energy bar, gatorade, high sugared soda - mountain dew is a common one, a sandwich cut up in halfs, carrot sticks with dip, etc.) That way, you'll be content throughout the day.

I would guess that the hospital offered a sign on bonus because not many people are applying. Maybe they do have a highly rigorous environment that is difficult for many people to function in. Your friend seems to be making it though, so it's not impossible. My hospital did not offer a sign on bonus lol, but it would have been nice . Every business is run its own way though, so it could be that they have greater competition at another city hospital and they want to make their offer more appealing (in which case i'd scope out both hospitals). Also before hiring, my hospital offers a shadow day where the applicant shadows a person of the same position (and its usually random so there no "high energy" liaison there to give you a false picture). The person you shadow gets to know you and offers their opinion if they think you are cut out for the job (did you seem pretty interested or were you texting on your phone in patients rooms, did you seem to understand things pretty easily or were you lost in all the chaos) and you are able to get first hand (without touching) experience on the tasks. That would be a good time to see if the job is right for you. Also, there is 4 wks minimum of orienting alongside a coworker - so there is plenty of time to really evaluate if you like the job or not.

Of course if you have anymore questions you can contact me. That's what PC is for. Again, hospitals aren't your only option - but because of my experience, they are mine. I'm currently trying to get a second job at the childrens hospital here (hard to get in because no one wants to leave lol) and I think that tbh, if I worked full time at my job i'd be pretty exhausted and may not enjoy it as much (it would require 5 8 hour shifts for me).