Casual vs. parttime

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Specializes in paediatrics.

Hi everyone,

This is my first post. I am a new grad and working in a pediatric unit as a casual RN. I've been recommended to switch to a part-time position but I don't know the pros. 

I am currently working 3x 12 hrs a week and get to make my own schedule (which I love) and contribute to HOOP (for retirement). So all this said, anyone know what would be better if I switch to part-time? 

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    This is different with every hospital system.  I've never heard the term 'Casual' used in reference to employment status, but am familiar with other terms-I.e. 'Per Diem' or 'PNR' (Professional Nurse Registry).  The hospitals I have been acquainted with generally didn't offer benefits with this type of employment designation (Casual/Per Diem)-awesome that yours does.  The benefits of permanent would be; guaranteed hours, eligibility for medical/dental, and PTO accrual.  It used to be that Casual/Per Diem offered a substantially higher hourly wage than permanent staff but I think those days are mostly gone.

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Specializes in ED, med-surg, peri op.

I worked casual as a new grad, and I loved it! There was always enough hours, but choosing your schedule, being able to take leave whenever you wanted, not having to work public holidays, planning things in advance and not having to worry what your roster, was awesome!! 

part time give you job security, that some people may need/want. But in this climate I think theres always going to be plenty of shifts available. It will depend on your employer what other benefits you get with being permanent. 

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

Who was it that recommended you switch to part time? I worked with many-a-nurse who’d prefer they had more control over my professional life and would rather see me pushed out the door than have me have control over my own hours...not to mention that dance to the bank that goes hand-in-hand with casual/PRN scheduling. Yet they’d refuse to part with their benefits to walk in my shoes. 
 

Switching to part time from casual/PRN (in EVERY place that I’ve worked means a reduction in hours and a reduction in pay. Keep your eyes on your own prize...no need for the do-gooders to fret over your schedule. When YOU feel it’s time to make a change, change. Until then, carry on..

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43 minutes ago, NotMyProblem MSN said:

Who was it that recommended you switch to part time? I worked with many-a-nurse who’d prefer they had more control over my professional life and would rather see me pushed out the door than have me have control over my own hours...not to mention that dance to the bank that goes hand-in-hand with casual/PRN scheduling. Yet they’d refuse to part with their benefits to walk in my shoes. 
 

Switching to part time from casual/PRN (in EVERY place that I’ve worked means a reduction in hours and a reduction in pay. Keep your eyes on your own prize...no need for the do-gooders to fret over your schedule. When YOU feel it’s time to make a change, change. Until then, carry on..

    I personally harbor no hostility or ill will toward Per Diem nurses, but do admit to being jealous.  If it weren't for medical/dental, I would resign and go Per Diem tomorrow.  The other benefits they can keep-you catch hell for too many sick day occurrences and have to beg and plead to use any of your PTO just for a lousy one week vaca.  As for the retirement and hospital employee discounts-one word, 'lame'!

 

 

 

 

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

The down sides to casual is - no benefits and PTO, and no guaranteed hours. Right now I'm sure the hours are no problem, you probably have more shifts available than you want or need. It's not always that way, though. It may not be that way for quite a while (years?), but it's just something to keep in mind. 

Other than that, IMO casual is the way to go, if you don't need the insurance/benefits.

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On 9/29/2021 at 6:49 PM, srd_1999 said:

This is my first post. I am a new grad and working in a pediatric unit as a casual RN. I've been recommended to switch to a part-time position but I don't know the pros. 

If you are in a position to not need benefits and if you have some long-term stability to be able to withstand the basic 'feast or famine' nature of casual/per diem, there are mostly only downsides to taking a PT/FT staff position. Strictly my opinion. The downsides are significant, namely the day-to-day politics. I feel they treat people differently, with an unspoken attitude of owning the PT/FT employee and not owning the PRN employee.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

My last ‘significant’ FT position was as an LPN shift supervisor in a state-funded subacute detox unit (1988-95). I left that to pursue agency nursing. That one decision ultimately led to my becoming an RN. That’s a very long story (which should be published or made into a movie).
 

But seeing how others ‘do it’ is what made me what and who I am today. Had I stayed in the state job, I know I’d still be an LPN, living in that small less-than-rural (if that’s possible) town, and dreaming of better days. Well, I still dream of better days, but I had to be willing to give up the low-paid comfort of the known so that I could make a better life for me and the yunginz. 
 

Agency/Floating/PRN supported the kids, contributed to my nursing skills which kept us all out of the hospital, kept me moving forward through THREE divorces, supported the acquisition of three nursing degrees, and landed me in an office with literally the BEST doctor I’ve ever encountered in my 30+ year career. Colorful journey but the ends has justified the means. 

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