Part time or PRN options as new grad?

[tsm007]

Okay, here's the deal. I am pregnant due amazingly between my last class and role transition. I will have 6 weeks off from my last class before role transition starts. Then should be able to finish the program hopefully on time. I will have to do full time for role transition, but upon graduation I'd prefer to only work PRN or part time until baby is a year old (or maybe older, but will play that part by ear). This is not my best timed pregnancy, but so far everything is working itself out. Do you think part time or PRN is a good option after school? Is it is easier to find part time work than full time work? I don't want to lose my skills or honestly I'd just take a year off, but I think that will definitely bite me in the butt later. So with that, do you think finding a part time/prn job only instead of full time after graduation will hurt me at all and do you think part time work will be easier or harder to find?

[seconddegreebsn]

I think many grads have an easier time finding part time work than they do with full time work. Good luck, hope you're able to find something flexible!

[RunBabyRN]

I think it depends on where you're located, and on what you plan to get into. The job market is TOUGH out there right now for new grads, in most places. Some places won't hire a new grad as part time or PRN, because they feel the new grad needs to really get the feel of the specialty. Others will start your p/t or PRN because you're low on the totem pole. Just apply where you see fit and go from there. I've been applying for both types of positions.

[tsm007]

I think it depends on where you're located, and on what you plan to get into. The job market is TOUGH out there right now for new grads, in most places. Some places won't hire a new grad as part time or PRN, because they feel the new grad needs to really get the feel of the specialty. Others will start your p/t or PRN because you're low on the totem pole. Just apply where you see fit and go from there. I've been applying for both types of positions.

Thanks, I will take full time if I need to, but was hoping part time would be easier. I am not planning to be picky and will be happy with most any opportunity I am given.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Many organizations will only hire inexperienced new grads into full time positions due to the extensive amount of hands-on learning/development that is needed for a successful transition. Reducing hours worked will lengthen this transition time proportionately... not a good idea.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

In my area, the hospitals are trying to hire only part-time and full-time is hard to come by. PRN is not likely at a hospital however home health, LTC, and the prison agency hire new grads into PRN spots. The catch is that you train full time for about 3 to 6 months.

One thing to remember is that it could take a year to find any job. Read the new grad job section and you'll see people waiting six months, nine months, a year, even two years before they get the new grad job.

One reason for the shift to part-time is because of the benefits. I saw this shift in retail back when I worked in it. Part-time employees have to cover more of their own benefit cost. So it's cheaper and easier to schedule 2 part-time employees then to have one full-time employee. If you need them to pick up extra, the part-timers may be willing to get the extra hours in. It's disgusting, but that's the way things are trending here. Why hire someone for 72 hours per pay period when I cut that spot in half and have two people work a total of 36 per pay period and maybe require an additional shift on call just in case census is high that week?

[tsm007]

In my area, the hospitals are trying to hire only part-time and full-time is hard to come by. PRN is not likely at a hospital however home health, LTC, and the prison agency hire new grads into PRN spots. The catch is that you train full time for about 3 to 6 months.

One thing to remember is that it could take a year to find any job. Read the new grad job section and you'll see people waiting six months, nine months, a year, even two years before they get the new grad job.

One reason for the shift to part-time is because of the benefits. I saw this shift in retail back when I worked in it. Part-time employees have to cover more of their own benefit cost. So it's cheaper and easier to schedule 2 part-time employees then to have one full-time employee. If you need them to pick up extra, the part-timers may be willing to get the extra hours in. It's disgusting, but that's the way things are trending here. Why hire someone for 72 hours per pay period when I cut that spot in half and have two people work a total of 36 per pay period and maybe require an additional shift on call just in case census is high that week?

This possible 6 month to 1 year search is another reason why I am going to start applying right away regardless. I do not plan to turn down a full time position, for that matter I have no plans to be picky about where/what position I take, but just was curious whether part time would be an option for me. It looks like it very well might be and I'm just going to play things by ear. I'm going to start asking around in my area to see what the norm is too. I am also willing to commute a distance as well so that opens up more options.