[jaylynn67]

I am about to graduate with an ADN. I was wondering if it is possible to have a full time job as an RN in addition to working for an agency. For example, if i got a job working 3 12 hour shifts, could i pick up agency work one or two days on my days off? Does anyone do that? Thanks.

[browneyes21]

i work at a hospital in texas and here we have several people that are agency and full time but you just cant work for the same place. if you work full time at place A, you cant be an agency nurse at place A. hope this helps.

[caliotter3]

Many nurses do this. That is how they pick up extra money if they can't get OT at their primary job, and they can network and find out what is up at other places of employment. The biggest advantage is that you can work as little or as many extra shifts as you want.

[jaylynn67]

Thank you for your replies. How much experience do you have to have before an agency hires you? Do they hire new grads? Thanks.

[caliotter3]

Occasionally an agency office will hire a new grad. This is ill advised. Get some experience first so that you can hold your head above water working for an agency.

[suzanne4]

Definitely would not advise it as a new grad. You do not get orientation as an agency nurse, other than how they chart, etc. It is best to have at least a year under your belt, if not more. There is so much that you have not learned or seen as of yet. And your license is at risk if there are any problems.

You may find an agency that will hire you, but they are going to have problems trying to place you, and if the facility will take a new grad, then that tells you that they are having major issues and will not be there to back you up.

You may wish to consider going per diem at a second facility, that way at least you will get the orientation and not be fed to the wolves. That would work okay, if you can find a position at a facility near you.

Best of luck to you.

[suespets]

Just what is per diem?

[suzanne4]

You work for a facility on an as needed basis, you do not get any benefits from them. Similar to how agency work goes but you get the orientation that you need from them. And it gives you a chance to become more familiar with how a facility does things, than moving all over town and having to jump into anything that comes your way.

[suespets]

so, are u then an independant"agent", do they pay like the pool agencys,or is it another word for casual & your employed by the facility u work in?