New nurse-never heard of this

Nurses Job Hunt

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Hi all, I am a Dec 2012 grad on the job hunt. I am only persuing day shift (for many reasons) and know that it's almost impossible to land one. I recently interviewed for a job and was told it was a prn position. However, I've never heard of a prn position like this. It has set hrs (36) with 1 call day per week for a possible 48 hrs. It was described as a position to cover shifts and prevent overtime for regular staff. Being a new grad, I don't qualify for additional pay over new grad pay (18 here in Tn). Has anyone else ever had a prn position like this? I also wonder how much experience is required for the additional hrly pay (yes I forgot to ask, but will if called back). Thanks!:confused:

Sounds horrible! PRN usually gets more pay, no benefits...you're not getting the extra pay. PRN gets no guaranteed hours; first to be cancelled, floated, and sent home. On call usually gets paid a minimal on call rate, unless you get called in, then you should get more than your regular rate. 48 hour call shift? What if you actually get called in? You ever try to stay awake and work that long? It's not safe nursing! Is this the only job available or just your first offer? As a new grad, it will be extremely difficult to get a day shift position in a hospital setting. Have you considered non-hospital settings if you can only work day shift?

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Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

To me, it sounds like its "PRN" because you'll be first to get canceled.they don't have to guarantee hours or offer benefits. My hospital does this, they call it flex.

"No day but today"

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Specializes in Pedi.

I agree that it sounds like they're looking for someone to fill this position as a PRN so that they don't have this pay benefits for the employee and so that they can cancel and/or send you home at any time without pay if census is low.

OP, you said that you "don't qualify for anything over the new grad rate" and that you may possibly be working 48 hrs/week to "prevent" existing nurses from picking up overtime. What did they tell you about your overtime here? If you work 48 hrs/week you MUST be paid overtime for that 8 hrs... just make sure they don't try to screw you there. Now, if your rate is only $18/hr, your OT rate would be $27/hr which many experienced nurses are probably making and then some as their base rate (I started out making $27/hr as a new grad 6 years ago but that wasn't in Texas) so it may make financial sense for the hospital to use you in that way... but that's just what it sounds like, being used.

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Specializes in med surge, PCU, Tele.

Yes, I don't qualify for the extra amount that PRN usually pays because I have no experience. As far as OT, night and weekend differentials, yes, I will be paid all of those. Base pay for new grads here is $18/hr. I am really starting to think that this isn't a PRN position, but a part time position that has minimum 24 hrs, but can (and usually does) have full time hours, and doesnt pay benefits. Maybe she meant that I don't qualify for PRN because I have no experience, but that part time served the same purpose-no benefits, but pretty much full time hours (not guaranteed), only with base pay/hr instead of the extra amount PRN gets. That certainly makes a LOT more sense. She was describing PRN and the Part time position and it is entirely possible that I have gotten the 2 confused and thought I was being offered the PRN position instead of the part time. I just know for sure that the days are set and there is 1 on call day per week.

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Ask them what "experience"means. Does it mean that in, say, one year you will convert to a regular staff position on the floor? It had better.

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Specializes in Med/surg, Quality & Risk.

I got a $7 an hour raise to go to PRN. I think $18 an hour with no benefits is ridiculous and I'm in TN too, but if it's all you got go for it and don't feel bad when you get a better job.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Sounds like a part time position minus the benefits...

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Specializes in med surge, PCU, Tele.
Sounds like a part time position minus the benefits...

I think you are probably correct. I think I may have the 2 positions confused in my mind and I was actually offered a part time job with possible full time hrs and no benefits, lol. The day shift and at least PT hrs is what I'm after, so if that's the case, I'm good with it. If I actually get a call back and am offered the job, I will post back and confirm if I've just confused the job titles or whatever the case may be. Thank you for the replies!

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PRn in most places mean no guarantee of hours or any benefits...Industry standard...however...I do know of new grads at our magnet facility that can work full time....most of the time. Count your lucky starts if you do not need benefits AND you are getting full time hours right out of school on day shift. If you do a stellar job you may be the first considered for a permanent position...but do not get your hopes up..there are others on your unit(and others) that will have more senority...Lastly,senority still does not necessarily mean you will not be the first to be considered. So ask yourself..is there another opportunity out there that has benefits...?? If you need those then pursue that.. otherwise..you just may be one of the lucky ones that your employer has a need for hours and you get to make some $$!!

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if the hospital policy is to offer bennies to all 0.6/part time employees, then it might be fishy that they are trying to get around that with you. You set what days you are available, not then when you are prn, otherwise you are an employee with an fte! remember than benefits are not just insurance, they are sick days, vaca days, tuition reimbursement, disability, 401k etc.

good luck with your decision

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It sounds like a good new grad experience. Think if this as a way to get solid orientation without all the pressures and commitments of a full time position. Weigh your options for each position offered, but it doesn't sound too bad.

Best wishes and welcome to nursing!

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Specializes in med surge, PCU, Tele.

UPDATE:

I was correct about this position. It basically is a part time job, with full time hours most of the time, and no benefits, and it is labeled PRN. However, lucky for me, 2 days after I interviewed for this position, I was contacted by the 1st hospital I had interviewed with and offered a full time, benefits paying, DAY position on the med surge floor! I am thrilled to secure full time and Days! I start tomorrow and am ecstatic. So, it IS possible to find, just very hard to get-the elusive day job for new grads! Oh, and I did tell the PRN job that after my orientation, when I felt comfortable, I would be happy to do occasional PRN for them and they said "just tell us when!".

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