New Grad working part time and per diem

Nursing Students General Students

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I really would appreciate it if you can help me work through this issue...

I'm a new grad (BSN) and started my job search. My hospital of FIRST choice possibly offered me a position in the ER DAY shift. I got really excited because I didnt want to work MedSurg. I know it will be very difficult, however I'm motivated and ambitious to give it all I got! ;-)

However, this job is not a full time job. The recruiter told me its part time (11A-7:30 P twice a week) and then I will have the opportunity to fill in per diem. In this scenario then I would be available to work per diem 1-2x a week, thus actually working full time hours.

Aside from discussing details of orientation and training, my concern is BENEFITS. Other than medical insurance which I may be able to purchase on my own, how does it work with sick/holiday/vacation days, tuition reimbursement etc. Because I work part time do I lose all this? What other issues will I bump into if I work part time and per diem? Wht else should I be asking the manager at my interview?

I would really appreciate all your advice as I'm pretty confused at the moment... Thanks!

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Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

Per diem at one facility is different from per diem at others. I would advise you to check with HR before signing on any dotted line. It happened to me where I worked per diem for a facility as a tech and found out that what they meant by per diem was no $ for shift differentials, no extra $ for holidays and no benies. I had already accepted the position when I found this out. Learn from my mistake.

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Per diem at one facility is different from per diem at others. I would advise you to check with HR before signing on any dotted line. It happened to me where I worked per diem for a facility as a tech and found out that what they meant by per diem was no $ for shift differentials, no extra $ for holidays and no benies. I had already accepted the position when I found this out. Learn from my mistake.

Meaning the hourly rate they quoted you was what you got, no matter if it was on a weekend or nights... Hmmm...

Anthing else I should be aware of?

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In the hospital, if you work nights, you will get a differential, the hours that you have 1100 to 1900 are still considered day shift at many facilities and may not give you shift differential. In your case, they are telling you that you can pick up extra shifts if they are available, or if someone needs the days off. But they will not guarantee you more than that. Vacation/sick pay is accrued on the number of hours that you have worked. You usually also accrue more when you are considered a full-time employee, so even if you are two days, and picking up more hours, your rate of accrual will be based on your part-time rate, and not full-time employee rate.

Hope that this helps explain things for you.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

I'd definitely ask how many hours you must work for the insurance & other benefits. Some places allow part-time, some do not.

Also what about stock, 401K or other benefits they may offer such as tuition reinbursement. (You never know when you may want to try for your masters, etc.)

Then again, this could get your foot in the door. When there is a full-time position, you could apply for that.

Good luck in your decision.

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