ER trauma 1 per diem vs. ER trauma 2 full time.

[klarity, BSN]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a new grad from last year. I was recently offerered a job full time at a trauma 2 center. I'ts graveyard, the staff is nice. Most of the staff at night have been there less than a year ( it has a pretty high turnaround as ppl get their experience and leave because the pay isn't as competitive. My preceptor has only been there 6 months). Last week, I was offered a pier diem job at a trauma 1 center. I The pay is 35% higher than my full time position but not with many benefits, however, the NM and recruiter said that most of the per diem work a 40 hour work. I need to only work a minimum of 2 and pick up as many extra shifts as I feel I need. Scheduling is plenty because they are doubling the size of their trauma center. I'm conflicted because I like where I work right now ( even though its ive only been there a month), but they graveyard is a killer. My first choice of hospital to work at was the trauma 1 center that just hired me pier diem. Its evening shift and the hours are much better (3-11pm). As a new grad, Im grateful to have even been hired anywhere!, but I am feeling conflicted about the decision of Trauma 2 ( full time,graveyard , less pay, a little further away, benefits ) or Trauma 1 ( better scheduling, flexibility to include additional shifts as pently are available, more pay, less benefits, closer, better experiences as its trauma 1, additional training from more experienced RN's)

[green34]

In this economy, I would go to the level 2 for full-time. What happens if they go on a binge and hire more nurses? Also are you part-time or per diem? Is it two shifts per month or two shifts per week? 2 shifts per week sounds more like part-time than per diem. I would consider looking at your labor laws since they may be trying to get around the part-time bit.

[klarity, BSN]

Its a minimum of 2 times a week, but most nurses are working 32-40hours, just without benefits. Pay is really good. I guess i should ask NM when i can be hired full time. Its not per diem, my mistake, its a part time Relief Nurse.

[fuzzy911]

I would stick with the job with benefits. With the economy and changes in health care coming it's going to be scary for everyone. You can always "pay your dues" on nights and then wait for a better shift to open up. Most er's have a high turn over rate which would've waiting for the better shift faster

[fuzzy911]

Also, a lot of places are trying to get away from prn people. It's cheaper for them to have more part time/full time than the higher wage of a prn. Along with the unsecure shifts, if you have bills to pay that is a huge gamble. I have worked both full time and prn

[thenursemandy]

Tough decision! I would go with the PT level 1. The experience of your preceptors can make or break you.

[LG1137]

Full time with bennies. You're too expendable as a PRN. Get on the wrong side of a charge, and you could be off the schedule for good, and you already bailed on the Level II, so they wouldn't take you back.

Stay where you are.

[LG1137]

Plus, assuming the Level II has more experienced nurses than the other shop where everybody is less than a year, you can learn more from them and therefore become better yourself.

High turnaround rate + preceptor with 6 months experience = Red Flag. It's not just the low pay, I can guarantee that.

[Chesam7]

Totally agree low pay is not the only reason. I worked at a level 1 county hospital with a crazy turnover due to bad management and unfair treatment by senior nurses. It was a sink or swim kind of place. Stick where you are comfortable and later when you have more experience you can move on.

[thenursemandy]

So....Klarity, what have u decided?

[Panasonic]

If you have a family, go for the job with benefits. If not, take the Level 1 job and get your own insurance.

[klarity, BSN]

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for all your input and advice :). I made a mistake saying its a "per diem" position in my previous posts. It's a part time position. I have decided to take the part-time 2 x a week minimum position at the Trauma 1 center. I spoke to the nurse director about my concerns of shift availability, and she assured me that if im flexible, i can easily get 32-40 hrs or more per week (in addition to the 2 days im already gauranteed). I also verified all the information with some of my classmates and friends who have worked at this hospital for a few years now. They all work 40 hours hired part time with the great pay and they like working at the place. Training is supposed to be very good and with experienced nurses (unlike the trauma 2 where everyone is considered a "veteran" if you have been there a year). Low turnover rate at Trauma 1. high turnover at trauma 2.

I dont have crazy bills or debt, so worst case scenario...if for some reason I can only get 2 shifts. I can easily cover all my bills and save a little extra cash (the $ is that good). NM mentioned that I can apply for a FT position once a position opens. I originally wanted to work at the Trauma 1 center but they weren't hiring at the time. Of course, being a new grad I would take what I could get and landed at the Trauma 2. I would like to work "as needed" at the Trauma 2 since they are always short of staff, and there is a bunch of registry all the time when I'm working. I will see how the NM feels about it (proberbly not since im still new and easily replaceable ). The staff and managers at the Trauma 2 are really awesome (which makes the decision a little more difficult), but I will take the second option of Trauma 1 and see where that road leads me. I'm excited that its at the hospital I have wanted to work at from the beginning. :-) ;-). Of course, until the paperwork is signed and the new position is official, Im staying at the current job and getting my experience.

Again, thanks everyone for your input! I really appreciate it ! :):)