Always 'paying my dues' because i'm PRN?

APRN., DNP, RN, APRN, NP · Feb 17, 2016

When I first became an RN and applied to a local hospital there were only a few positions in the ICU, where I wanted to be.

I applied, but it went to 2 new grad BSN's.

I then paid $600 out of my own pocket for an ICU training class that met once a week over the course of two months. I traveled 60 miles one way to attend.

I paid for my own ACLS and PALS courses.

I researched how I could overcome inexperience in the capacity that I was able to.

When I applied for the next ICU position at a different hospital, I was the one who was hired.

I showed tangible evidence of my initiative and drive.

elkpark · Feb 17, 2016

When I've worked prn in the past, I was not eligible for any continuing education support (although I was able to attend the mandatory education that was provided free to all the employees, like BLS, for free) or merit raises (although I went through the same performance review process as everyone else and got excellent evaluations). It's not "favoritism" to provide support and resources to the full-time staff that aren't provided for the prn staff. You really are a "different animal" as a prn nurse.

On the flip side of that equation, the other prn RNs and I were treated much better as individuals by the supervisors, while we watched the full-time, permanent staff being treated like crap, because the supervisors wanted to keep us happy and keep us willing to work for them. Everything in life is a trade-off.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Feb 18, 2016

Do you work the same days every month? If so, see if you can get changed to PT status...unless it is a pay cut. I've been weekends in LTC for the last 15+ years. It fits my schedule with kids.

SteelGrey · Feb 18, 2016

PRN is PRN. There are no benefits. Employers aren't going to invest money into someone with no ties.

Hang in there until you can commit to full time work.

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Feb 18, 2016

I think a lot of that is the norm with PRNs, you don't get guaranteed hours, but you mostly get to pick your schedule. No benefits, but a higher rate of pay. Most positions with opportunities to move up require a bigger time commitment. Our PRNs don't get MICN training. As most of them don't work enough to become proficient at answering the radio.

Your priority isn't you job, it's your family, which is great you have that option. However you sacrifice the opportunities for growth.

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 18, 2016

As others have pointed out, being PRN means that you are employed under different terms. Being PRN means that you don't commit yourself to working a certain number of shifts per pay period -- and in exchange for that lack of commitment, the employer commits less to you. That's the deal. They won't invest more in you until you make a firmer commitment to them.

If you are not satisfied with that arrangement, change the level of commitment you make to your employer. Accept the obligations and benefits of an part-time or full-time position.

Dranger · Feb 18, 2016

The benefits of PRN outweigh the negatives, really.

It's a glorious feeling to see work being a sh**-show and knowing you have the power to decide if you want to come back the next day. It is especially true when they are desperate for nurses and you can make your schedule how and when you want it.

I am already ICU trained and have insurance through through the Army, it works for a ton of people. Working 3 12s a week gets old and the grind can be unbearable at times.

Oh plus I make 6 dollars extra an hour....

mightynurse4 · Feb 18, 2016

I've been PRN for my employer for almost 4 years. I was full time for a year prior to going PRN, which I did solely to continue my education. My employer still provides ACLS, PALS, TNCC and BLS to me at no charge. I get paid during my training hours as well. I've spent my entire nursing career at this hospital and am trained to work in several departments. All PRN employees get the same training as the full timers. We just don't get insurance, PTO, or nominations for awards within the hospital. I feel lucky indeed after reading these posts!

Mrs_Momma_RN · Feb 19, 2016

Thank you guys for your input. I see things a bit differently than I have previously. I guess I really didnt understand what PRN really meant. In terms of commitment, for me, I live in a very rural area where I know most of my patients. I now understand that even tho I FEEL committed to my people and my job, my more seasoned employers, from larger areas, probably dont see it that way. But after I think more about what y'all said, y'all are right! Im sure they dont see me as a committed individual.. It's just business! Haha! Thank you :)

Ruby Vee, BSN · Feb 22, 2016

Mrs_Momma_RN said:

Hi all! New member here. First post! Seeking advice or criticism or whatever you have to offer..
I've been an RN for 5 years now and can't help but feel tired of being treated like the 'little guy'. I started my career in med surge as a tech, then was blessed to work after graduation part time for a year before I found out I was pregnant with kid #3. Well, I went PRN at that point because of complications and being on nightshift was stressful. Before I got pg I was trying to get into our ER dept. I admit my feelings were hurt (hey, I was pregnant) when I was told flat out that I was not chosen to be among the nurses to orient to the ED because I was PRN - and pregnant (isn't that illegal). Thus, I was also being denied company training for PALS, ACLS and some other things I'd been REALLY wanting to do. So I tried to brush it off.. Whatever. I'll stay here cause I still like what I do. Well, hospital is soon bought out and combined with one 15 miles away, nightly census goes to 1-2 patients. I start looking for another job, thinking LTC is my calling.

So now I'm in LTC! I love it. The first facility I started at was absolutely terrible. Staff, dirty place, violent residents, management don't care and don't return calls. After one year, good riddance! My current facility, is polar opposite of the first. I got suckered into taking the job, and a paycut, by my 'friend', whom I graduated nursing school with, we were very close. Now, not so much. After almost one year I am still told that I'm only needed to provide RN coverage. I've been stick on nights for years because my husband works days. So I am just PRN and unless I agree to go to fulltime or days or evenings, I will continue to not he invited to MDS trainings and such. 'Do it on your own time and dime' exactly what my administrator told me a few days ago. Other staff who are far less experienced, and as new as I am to the facility, have her favoritism because they are "fulltime and can meet our needs that you as PRN cant".. Bummer.

So my question is: is this the price we pay for being PRN? Even tho I'm mostly pulling part time hours. Is it my STATUS holding me back? Other nurse friends, even those with little kids like me have already advanced their careers. I admit, it hasn't been a SUPER priority of mine, as I enjoy being a mom, but balancing being mommy with advancing my skills has proven almost impossible. Nobody in management even mentions upcoming trainings or seminars to me, I have to literally pull as many teeth as I can to get hints on whats coming up. Could this be a sign that I'm just not wanted? I've never been diciplined for anything, anywhere I've been, have absolutely no issues. I don't gossip or party with the other girls, and I admit I probably come off as rude because my super resting bi+

The price you pay for being PRN (and choosing when you want to work) is not being invited to participate in seminars and training on company time and on the company dime. Those perks go to the staff members who have committed to working full time -- or even part time at some institutions. It isn't that you're not liked or not wanted . . . although that may possibly be the case . . . it's that you aren't a full member of the staff.

PRN staff members often don't have a weekend or holiday committment and their schedules aren't subject to the same constraints as regular staff. If you want to be considered for advancement or for seminars, figure out your child care issues and go to work as regular staff. Many, many other nurses manage to do so.

blackvans1234 · Feb 29, 2016

Isn't it ironic how Per diems get the short end of the stick, however when there is a need you're the first one that they beg to come in.