PRN /1hr before call? Cnas pls

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

Hi , here I am again with one of my Q!! I was hired as Prn at a LTCF and I was told that they'll give me a schedule to work on the day they need me. So they did.

I sign all my schedule without fail any day . But today they called just an Hour before that come to work . Because somebody called out.

I don't understand why this people changed everything as I was explained from the beginning. I asked them" will I be on call ? At any moment? How many hours before will get a call if there's any ? The director said . You will be notified several hours before. Or a day before . Never right at the time . This is a per diem position not on call .

Ok. Finally when the other coordinator called she said . You are on call , and you have to come at any time we need . It's as needed .

So so she combined all of those terms and I felt like she got pissed because I refused the shift she want me to go . It's the one I applied for. But was not notified at least 2 or 3 hrs before .

Do you guys think that they might used that against me so they won't put me on a schedule anymore??

do I have the right to say no. When they call me whenever time they want.?? I am confused now . Since it's my first job as CNA . Thanks now

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wait so you were working that day and they asked you to come 1 hour early?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

No, I did not go to work . I told her it was too short time I needed to call my babysitter several hours before . I don't live across the street of the facility. They need to consider that I'm per Diem but I also have things to do .

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work the 2 shift . And they called a very short period of time just right my shift start . And I couldn't make it. I don't know if I make myself clear . On my post :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neurosciences, stepdown, acute rehab, LTC.

That's awful ! I haven't heard of per diems that have to come in when they're called anyways .. I thought that was optional .. Just mention it to your boss ? The one who said they would call you in advance ?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I was working PRN at a jail & my boss called me in at the start of shift. I live over an hour away from the jail.

I told him yes I would work but that I had to get dressed, pack my lunch & get there.

I was so shocked as to why he didn't call someone else who lived in town. But he was always doing stuff like that to me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My understanding of "per diem" has always been that that position is "as needed" meaning there is no set schedule. They call you when they need a spot filled. If you are PRN then I don't see an issue with giving only an hour's notice because it would be reasonable to expect a call any time before the shift starts. I believe this is why per diem is paid a bit more because you are essentially on call and have to be willing and able to go in when needed. But maybe I'm misunderstanding your post?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

I don't think anyone could be expected to be available to work, at any moments notice, 24hrs a day 7 days a week. I don't think it was wrong that they called you with a hour notice, since most likely someone called out and they have to find someone to work, its also not wrong that you weren't available and told them so. Are you the only PRN? I'd imagine there is more then one person. Where I work we have several per diems, they cover vacations, PTO days, as well as call outs, but none of them are required to come in. They sign up for the shifts they want.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Long term care.

In my opinion, there is a difference between per diem and on call...you were hired per diem. If they wanted you to be "on call" then it is typical that they pay you for the time that you are on call. Usually a set day or days that you HAVE to be available at a moments notice.

With per diem, or as needed, the employer typically gives you shifts to fill in without any promise of a set schedule or set number of hours.

However,

They may hold it against you for not coming in....because it seems they were desperate and they could possibly take their frustration out on you. If I were you, I'd go directly to your supervisor and clairify again what exactly is expected of you. Find out if you are in fact expected to come in at a moments notice.....and if it IS expected, then I'd sugguest you reconsider this position if they don't pay you for "on call" and you can't meet that "moments notice expectation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Per diem is "as needed" but that does not mean you need to feel obligated to accepted to say yes every time they call and offer you a shift. You can not get in trouble for saying no. That would be silly. How could you live your life if you were virtually on call every day. I am sure they will make you feel bad if you say no, that is very common.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi all, thanks all for the input I definitely went to the supervisor and expressed my feelings to be on call or Per diem . She told me well you are not required to come if you can't . You are doing us a favor to come and fill any call out . But don't feel like you have obligated to come.

I Also told her that the person in charge of giving me the schedule always gets me wrong when I say no. And make me feel they will put all against me when they need me And I don't go.

The supervisor explained to me and now I handl it.

Theres nothing like asking yourself when you doubt or feel uncomfortable with these type of situations .

Thanks everybodyyyyyyy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I[/img]kmom

M

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment