Working overtime at job vs 2nd PRN job elsewhere

caseyuptonurse · Jun 4, 2015

I've tried both here and I make the most working per diem at another job. My work pays the same way as yours with the 36 hours and 8 going to make 40 for both weeks and then just 4 left for overtime pay. My experience is that even though overtime at my place of employment is time and a half, once your check increases the amount of taxes taken out increases. So with this happening I actually make more from my per diem job since my paycheck isn't as high there and less taxes are taken out, also no 401k funds taken from the per diem check. Also a lot of places pay higher rates for per diem nurses so you might even have a higher pay right at your per diem job than your full time job. I only get a whopping .50 cents more but it still makes more for me in the long run to work extra shifts at my per diem job rather than my full time job.

ArmaniX, MSN, APRN · Jun 4, 2015

If you work at a per diem, don't you somehow end up paying more on taxes come tax season each year?

I'm no genius when it comes to taxes but my (probably wrong ) understanding is that say with the PRN you make $20,000 for the year in addition to the $60,000 you made with your primary job. The entire year you should've been taxed for some $80,000 bracket .. right?

I was always under the impression that with a PRN I would owe more in back taxes when I file. Is this wrong?

Also I can't believe both of your jobs implement such a terrible system. If I pick up a shift then those 12 hours go for THAT week (giving me 8 hours of OT). What your employers do sounds illegal.

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · Jun 4, 2015

You may have a point with the PRN as second job in that it will catch up with you at the end of the year but since most other deductions are percentage based like 401s, ss and medicare taxes it might still be worth it in getting more pay up front.

At my full time job I get paid for all my time, I just referring to the point at which time and a half begins being on a 2 week pay cycle. I dont think its illegal I will double check that on one of my paystubs.

Can others weight in on this as to when your time and half rates start, is it after 40 hrs or after 80 hours when on a biweekly pay??

My hospital does have nursing union even though I am not part of it being new, but I doubth they will let something like this slide under the radar.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jun 4, 2015

PP is correct about tax consequences. It's important to make sure that sufficient taxes are deducted for PRN work. On the plus side, you may end up getting a bit of a break because of excess social security tax paid when you work multiple jobs.

PRN work can be very lucrative if you have specialty skills so it may be worth you while to obtain extra certification (e.g, CCRN, CEN, etc) to earn the premium dollars. Make sure that you always put your primary employer first, schedule-wise. Only do PRN with a reputable, established company - there are a lot of Mom & Pop shops that aren't run very well - so you don't have to fight with anyone to collect your pay. I really liked the agencies that could do 'instant pay' after each worked shift because this indicates that they are well-funded rather than operating on a tenuous financial shoestring.

Please don't do too much PRN. I know the money is very tempting, but make sure that you aren't working yourself into the ground.

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2017

Well, just updating. Took a couple of years to get my experience up but I found my ideal PRN job. Its based pay will be more than my current overtime pay and its a float pool which means I wont be stuck to one unit which I like. I am only required to do 4 12 hrs shifts per month, shifts can be cancelled which I'm ok with and its a major hospital system that is closer to me by like 1 hr (yep I commute pretty far) Anyways this will also be a foot in the door to get in full-time years down the road when I am tied of the commute at my current job and its a great way to find out if I would like this hospital without the full commitment.

Just.Blessed.RN, BSN, RN · Aug 26, 2017

Glad you came back to update your post! I'll take your advice and find a reputable company to pick up PRN hours!

chris21sn, BSN, RN · Aug 27, 2017

I do the per diem route. I work at my hospital - do my shifts. And then I go to my per diem job. I prefer this route because firstly I get a taste of how different nursing feels like and plus per diem tends to give you more. At my hospital I get paid 36.50, and my per diem job pays me 46.50. If you overtime in the hospital you're sort of not given chances to explore other areas, and plus TAXES taking all your hard work

Piorf · May 19, 2018

if you're into money, less hassle and consistency, then just do OTs. 1.5x salary, so if some is earning $36.5, after 40hours it'll become $54.75 compared to $46.5. You have to look at the whole picture. first, do not think that 401k deduction is bad. that's free money. If you don't deduct you 401k from per diem, where does it go? to the taxes. dont be blinded by the up front salary. if you just want to change how much you're getting per pay check, then just change your w-2.

tax bracket

24%$82,500 above = tax 19800, 62700 take home

32%$157,500 above = tax 50400, 107100 take home

35%$200,000 above = tax 70k , 130k take home

37%$500,000 above = tax 185k. 315k take home

the more you work, the more take home youll get, the bigger 401k contribution, and more tax means more help you give to the US. now if you hate your primary job, i'd suggest you get a travel nursing job instead of PRN. it pays more, pretty much everything is paid by the agency. goodluck