Full-time to part-time

Especially if you don't have any job, take it. Take it. Take it.

Take it even if you do have another job, if this is the job you really want. Get into the seniority list. You never know how soon you can expect to get to the top of that full-time list, could be faster than you think, and meanwhile you can work prn somewhere else, like another floor or another facility, for the extra hours if you need the money that much.

Multiple per diems?

It depends a bit on what the specialty is... for example, ED nurses are always in demand so it's pretty easy to pick up extra shifts at other hospitals.

Personally, I'd go for it... and figure out what expenses to cut in order to make it work... and be willing to pick up *any* odd-ball hours that make themselves available on short notice.

I just did this. It was nerve-wrecking but all the experienced nurses I asked for advice told me to go for it. I took my dream job at my dream hospital. Even though I'm still on orientation, I'm already picking up extra shifts! The position is for 24 but I needed 32 to break even and I'm getting that, or more each week (averaged out). The only problem is that I'm only benefitted at 24, so my benefits cost more than they do for full-timers.

Is your position benefits-eligible at 24 hours? If so, I'd be inclined to take it! It's hard to get into your dream specialty or dream hospital because usually people go there and stay forever! Much easier to pick up shifts and transfer internally once you're in.

Is it possible to stay at your old job per diem just to break even? I did that as a safety net but didn't end up needing it because I've been picking up a lot of shifts.

It is a benefited position, more expensive of course than what I pay as a full-time employee but I could make it work.

Ideally I would stay with my current facility as per-diem then I could work there if I can't pick up any shifts past the 24 I am guaranteed.

Thanks everyone. I hope I actually have to make a decision. I've been working towards this for a while so to get this job would be amazing.