Did I screw up here?

Nurses New Nurse

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Ok I accepted a job at the hospital of my choice, on the neuro floor PRN. The Nurse manager told me I would be able to work as much or as little as I liked, and I'll know my schedule in advance by at least a month. I will also make 2.17 more an hour for being PRN. No Benefits, But my husband is a railroad engineer and I don't need the insurance. Nurses @ the hosp I've talked to who are PRN said if they wanted they could work 4-5 shifts a week. But Also they never have to ask for time off. Since I have 5 kids I figured PRN would be more flexible for me with making appts and special days etc. The NM called tonight to offer me a Full time job on another floor (ortho ick) it would be 3 shifts a week 7pm-730am 2.17 less an hr because I'd get benefits which I wouldn't be using. My rationale is I'll make more money, have flexibility and actually get to work more if I want. I turned it down. I'm just worried by turning it down, even though I explained it to her and she was very nice and she said totally understood and that it made sense for me to, that I messed up somehow? Anyone else work PRN can tell me what it's been like for them?

She also told me when I took the PRN job that after orientation I would be able to shift around to diff areas and get more experience if I wanted. This isn't a float position, they have floats too, diff thing.

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I think you have every right to choose the position that is the best for you. It sounds like you did so in a professional manner, so you have done nothing wrong.

My husband works PRN at my facility, and it has worked out wonderfully. He can set his own schedule month to month and makes $4 more an hour than he would otherwise. He's on my insurance so the benefits are not an issue. Don't sweat it- you did the right thing.

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Specializes in Med-surg; OB/Well baby; pulmonology; RTS.

It sounds like you did fine. ;)

I work PRN at my facility too and I work as little or as much as I want too. My NM has told me on some days to call and see if they need me to come in for 6 hours or so. PRN works better for me and my family right now although the only thing is I pay for the insurance as it is ridiculous under my husband's job, so I pay $$$ out of pocket pretty much-ick.

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Thanks :)

My dad and husband were arguing with me that I turned down being a "real" employee to be a temporary one. I really think they are equating PRN with Float or temp. I mean with PRN I will know my schedule way in advance, not like I will be sitting around day to day waiting for the phone to ring and them asking me to come in that day to work, or at least that is how I understood it, is that how PRN generally works? I'm really nervous to find out how scheduling shifts works.

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I think you have every right to choose the position that is the best for you. It sounds like you did so in a professional manner, so you have done nothing wrong.

My husband works PRN at my facility, and it has worked out wonderfully. He can set his own schedule month to month and makes $4 more an hour than he would otherwise. He's on my insurance so the benefits are not an issue. Don't sweat it- you did the right thing.

Hi Lori Alabama,

I am military so I am very unaware of how much insurance cost in the real world if you don't mind me asking can you clue me in (approximately) how much insurance cost thru the hospital. I am sure it will be different depending on the hospital but I am just curious on some of the rates.

Thanks in advance

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Specializes in Operating Room.

I think that's the great thing about nursing....so many options!

Also, there will be other full-time positions in the future should you need to try for a full-time job.

Just think of it as a confidence builder....the hospital liked you well enough to offer you a full time job too. :D

Congrats & good luck! :balloons:

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