full time or casual status?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Almost a year ago i started a job that I have always wanted-as a Case Manager. I had hoped for part time but they only had a temporary fulltime (for 1 year) then I woud have the option to take a full time, partime or casual posting.

I have never worked fulltime before this. I had to put my kids in a before and after school program (they are now 11 and 9). The program is $1200 a month for both kids.

Now, I must say I have found working fulltime to be VERY busy.

My point-I can continue and take a permanent fulltime posting now. Or I can switch to casual status which means I am not guaranteed any hours. I give them my availability and they book me if they need me. However it is well known that there is no shortage of hours. Casual staff can choose their own hours basically.

So, I could do casual, take the kids out of the program and work only while they are in school. So I could work 0930-1430. I could pick up one weekend a month and still make the same money as I would fulltime. However, there are not guarantees. Plus, then I would no longer have my own desk, I would have to set up my laptop at someone else's vacant desk.

At any point there I could take another posting if it wasnt working out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP.

Is there a question here?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Is there a question here?

Ha I forgot to ask one.

Should I switch to casual status or stay Fulltime?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP.

Well I would never work FT unless my children were starving and losing weight, so I'm not the best person to ask. Your post does not make any case for staying on FT, so you would have to outline the positives you see assoc w/ that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Well I would never work FT unless my children were starving and losing weight, so I'm not the best person to ask. Your post does not make any case for staying on FT, so you would have to outline the positives you see assoc w/ that.

The ony postives are -consistancy. Mon-Fri 0830-1630, also a guaranteed paycheck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP.

Do you need the money? If so keep it. If not, don't.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

Be very careful..going casual or per diem status sounds great. Sure there are hours available now but no promises. I have gone this route twice, plenty of work, make your own schedule etc..got burnt both time..hours dried up and I was out of a paycheck....You never know what can and will happen at any job.

Just be sure you can deal with the worst case ...just in case!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

The first thing I would do is find a before/after program that doesn't cost $1200/month, regardless of the job issue. That's exorbitant.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Be very careful..going casual or per diem status sounds great. Sure there are hours available now but no promises. I have gone this route twice, plenty of work, make your own schedule etc..got burnt both time..hours dried up and I was out of a paycheck....You never know what can and will happen at any job.

Just be sure you can deal with the worst case ...just in case!

Yes that is the downside.

You are right-no promises.

If the hours dried up, I could apply for another posting -they always come up. I know t worst, it could be 3-4 months before a suitable one comes up. I can deal with that.

It does make me somewhat nervous still.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
The first thing I would do is find a before/after program that doesn't cost $1200/month, regardless of the job issue. That's exorbitant.

It a good taeknowdo program and it's 2 kids. Then there is a morning program which is at the school-so there are 2 programs and that is the total cost.

It's huge.

However, I wouldn't ever leave them with an unlicensed sitter. This is the best program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You didn't mention anything about benefits. I'm assuming that the casual position would not have healthcare/life insurance. This would be a deciding factor for some.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You didn't mention anything about benefits. I'm assuming that the casual position would not have healthcare/life insurance. This would be a deciding factor for some.

Fulltime has benefits.

Casual has pay in lieu of benefits -my husband has benefits so I dont need them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment