PRN

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2012

Hi,
I read through the job search data base once every couple weeks to observe the job market, and i have noticed that ALL yes every single one!!!, CNA, LPN, or RN Med/Surg job at Hospitals are PRN!! Not one full time position!!! How often do PRN CNAs on the med surg floor in hospitals work? Can they work alot of hours? Are all hospitals really resorting to hiring nearly all PRN? or is it just listed as a PRN posiion because of the way the schedule works with 3 on 2 off and then 2 on 3 off 12 hour shifts and it cant be listed as full time but it really is??

A person employed as "per diem" can work the equivalent of full-time hours. There are benefits to working per diem- you basically give them your availability and make your own schedule. I did it for a summer as an aide while in school and worked 32-40 hrs/week. There are also disadvantages to the per diem status- no benefits, you're the first one canceled if the floor is overstaffed, no paid time off.

downsouthlaff, LPN · Feb 15, 2012

Thanks!!!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 15, 2012

Personally, if all that is available is per-diem, I'd go for it.

First, like KelRN215 said, you can work full-time if they have the hours to give you. I worked full-time as a per-diem for more than a year before I decided to sign on for a permanent position. Some places may throw more work at you than you can handle; others may be feast or famine. If you find you're not getting enough hours at one place, you can always apply for per-diem at another facility--then you'll have two facilities to get hours from.

Second, working per-diem gets your foot in the door when permanent positions come up. As an internal applicant you are likely to get priority consideration, plus staff there will know you and your work.

downsouthlaff, LPN · Feb 16, 2012

Thanks again!!!