[wiSa]

Hello everyone!
I am a new CNA. One month ago I started my first job in nursing home and I like to help people. Recently I was offered to work as PRN. Will you help me to make right decision, please? I need a part time job and it seems like PRN suits me fine, but i don't know what they usually do.
Thank you!

[jb2u]

Welcome to allnurses!!!

When I worked PRN as a CNA, I did everything that the other CNAs did. I just did not qualify for benefits and was not guaranteed to work. If there was not a need for cna's they would call me off for the day. The best part was that I got more pay and more flexibility over my schedule. It just depends if you need benefits or extra money more. Good luck with whichever you choose.

Sincerely,
Jay

[beth66335]

Originally Posted by wiSa

Hello everyone!
I am a new CNA. One month ago I started my first job in nursing home and I like to help people. Recently I was offered to work as PRN. Will you help me to make right decision, please? I need a part time job and it seems like PRN suits me fine, but i don't know what they usually do.
Thank you!

PRN means "as needed". It means they call you whenever they are short. It can end up being as many hours as a full time position... but no benefits. Where I used to work, PRN got no insurance and no build up of vacation hours or family wellness. Check out what your facility gives people who are PRN, and ask if it is PRN full or half time, so they aren't calling you every day!

[wiSa]

Thank you for your answers!
I need part time because I take prereqiusites for Nursing. This facility pays better than where I am working now, that is why I want to get this job. I still need to develop my skills as CNA and hope it will give me that.

[shannon88]

I hate being PRN at a hospital, only because I don't have a "home" and coworkers that I see when I work. You work with so many different units in a hospital, it's hard to know anyone's name. However, nursing homes are generally smaller, so I should think that that aspect of being PRN shouldn't be a problem. The idea of PRN is AWESOME, ie making your own schedule. But, depending on the size of your nursing home they may call you, instead of you putting what days you would like to work. Where I work, I have the option to tell them no when they call me outside of my scheduled hours. It just depends on the facility.