PRN job on top of FTE?

[BekahtheBrave]

Hello friends!

I recently moved across the country and started a new job in a Peds Trauma/Burn ICU. From talking with my coworkers and some of the managers about scheduling, it sounds as though picking up extra shifts here are hit and miss; depending on how busy we are with traumas since they come in waves. From what I've heard, asking my manager if I can pick up extra shifts on their adult trauma floor may not go over real great either.

At my previous job I picked up extra pretty regularly, and I'm starting to miss having the opportunity to pick up extra shifts. Additionally, I wanted to keep up my adult experience, even though I love peds as well.

Does anyone on here have any experience or opinions about a second PRN job at a different hospital? I already have experience in adult Surgical/Trauma/Neuro ICU. I'm just not sure how stressful it would be, how much pay it would be compared to OT, etc.

Kind of torn between sticking it out until after orientation to see how realistic picking up here really is. I still have another 8 weeks or so on orientation here.

Thanks for any input! :)

[siegolindoRN]

I have kept a per diem gig since my first year post nursing school. The rates are higher than staff but lower than any overtime. Most places have stipulations regarding how many shifts, weekends, holidays etc per month that need to be "picked up". Since you have experience in multiple ICU specialties, i would choose adult trauma or surgery to keep your skills sharp in the adult world. Choosing a hospital depends on what you are looking for, ie complex case mix, travel time and even culture. The best thing about per diem, you can resign without penalty if it doesn't work out and pick up another gig elsewhere (theres no need to have it on your resume if its less than a year). Alternatively, you can work for an agency, as a per diem, and get credentialed at multiple sites, essentially guaranteeing you the extra work you desire. Personally I prefer per diem over overtime as I feel saturated when i'm working too much on the same unit with the same coworkers and/or patient population. I am currently working per diem in an ED of a soon to be level 1 Peds Trauma center and I love the differences vs my full time adult ED position. You will find something as OR, ICU and ED per diem nursing gigs are the most frequently posted on job boards. Good luck!