Are new nurses (new grads) ever allowed to work PRN?

noahsmama · Nov 3, 2011

New grads are sometimes hired for PRN positions (there have been a few threads on this topic), but in order to get the training and experience that you'll need, it's ideal to work full time or close to it for at least your first year as an RN. If applying to a position that's not PRN, I wouldn't mention your desire to eventually work PRN -- I think that would be a discussion to have with your nurse manager after working for a year -- at that point, maybe you can go PRN at the place you're already working or, if not, start looking around for a PRN position elsewhere.

Good luck!

mema45 · Nov 3, 2011

Thank you, Noahsmama, for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate your insight.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Nov 3, 2011

New grads are sometimes hired for PRN positions (there have been a few threads on this topic), but in order to get the training and experience that you'll need, it's ideal to work full time or close to it for at least your first year as an RN. If applying to a position that's not PRN, I wouldn't mention your desire to eventually work PRN -- I think that would be a discussion to have with your nurse manager after working for a year -- at that point, maybe you can go PRN at the place you're already working or, if not, start looking around for a PRN position elsewhere.
Good luck!

I definitely agree. And you can opt out of benefits - for example, I opted out of my facility's health insurance plan because I already have Tricare - why pay a lot of money for one if you already have one? They should also allow you to opt out on other things.

wannabecnl · Nov 3, 2011

I am starting a per diem job next month after I finish my nursing program. The unit starts new grads off with a 200-hour preceptorship and then puts people into the per diem pool, with either a minimum of 32 or 48 hours every 6 weeks. I was told it would likely be more hours, which is good because I don't know how quickly I will learn otherwise.

This unit is VERY new-grad-friendly; they actually recruit new grads and are set up for training them. Thus I think that per diem or PRN depends on how the unit is structured and whether they can meet your needs as a new grad.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

New grads are sometimes hired for PRN work. This is more common if the new grad already has clinical or tech experience on the unit in question. It's definitely easier to get experience working full time. Some hospitals will count your experience in hours instead of months.

When you apply for positions, the job will specify the hours (full/part time or PRN) and the shift. So you would only apply for part time or PRN positions. That eliminates any question of hours during the interview. But as a new grad, you should apply for as many positions as you can and accept the best job you can get.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

At the hospital I just left, they hire most new grads at part time which is 2 days a week if they are 0.6 or if they are 0.45 they are 2 one week and 1 the next.

During orientation you are working full time but when you come off you were part time with the ability to pick up extra shifts if you wanted but this saved them on benies.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

I worked PRN as a new grad. During the first month of employment I was on orientation and had to work a certain number of hours which pretty much equaled full-time, but after that was over, I could work whatever I wanted.

mema45 · Nov 4, 2011

I am starting a per diem job next month after I finish my nursing program. The unit starts new grads off with a 200-hour preceptorship and then puts people into the per diem pool, with either a minimum of 32 or 48 hours every 6 weeks. I was told it would likely be more hours, which is good because I don't know how quickly I will learn otherwise.
This unit is VERY new-grad-friendly; they actually recruit new grads and are set up for training them. Thus I think that per diem or PRN depends on how the unit is structured and whether they can meet your needs as a new grad.

May I ask where this is? It sounds fabulous.

wannabecnl · Nov 4, 2011

May I ask where this is? It sounds fabulous.

It is a cardiovascular surgical unit at a "heart hospital" in New Hampshire, and yes, it's a fabulous opportunity. I'm looking forward to it. I think the idea of per diem was to reduce overhead, and I am able to take a job without insurance right now, which is fortunate. Given their commitment to new grads, I think I'll get the hours I need to learn or they will be wasting the training!

stephenfnielsen · Nov 4, 2011

I would advise against it. In my opinion you should work as much as you can for at least the first six months- really hone your skills. I've seen a number of RNs who never really cemented their skills after graduation and they never really seemed to 'get it'. I would look at it kind of like an MD residency.

linsmirn · Nov 4, 2011

PRNs are great especially if its days you will still learn a lot if you want to. Not so much for nights, not as much action. If you know that per diem is what you want at the moment than go for it, you will still get experience, and theres plenty of PRN positions out there. As a new grad from May, I was told I was being offered a per diem position but at the end was given the full time wich is what I wanted. Good Luck.