scheduling issues

[beachbum3]

so I posted earlier about SO traveling for 16 days every three weeks. My dilemma is what to do about my 3 kids. I was thinking about what if I could get 1 full week off during that time... have you ever heard of that? I could work Sun Mon the week he leaves (he leaves on Tuesdays comes back 2 weeks later on Thursday) be off the following week, then work Fri, Sat the following week. During the next 3 weeks I could be on the regular schedule. Or, would it be better to go to a PRN schedule? How does that work? Can you decline to come in when they call? How many hours does one typically work in a week on a PRN basis? I'm a new nurse, going to be off orientation soon, and I can do the thing where the kids' grandma keeps them while I work for awhile, but after a few months, that won't be possible anymore. Secondly SO and I are planning marriage and having a baby in the next year to 18 months which would REALLY pose a problem for child care, as my kids grandma is my ex MIL. She won't be keeping a new baby I've had with my new husband. Is the schedule where I'm off a full week in the middle of that and work 24 hours for the week before and after really outlandish? I know we are fairly overstaffed now with all the new hires, so I don't know. What do you think?

[chenoaspirit, ASN, RN]

It sounds feasible, IF your manager will allow that. With most places, PRN status means you can work when you want...pretty much. If they call, you dont have to go in. You will probably get more pay with PRN status but usually with no benefits. Why dont you sit down with your manager and discuss your dilemna. Im sure he/she could work out something.

[beachbum3]

Would I talk to my charge who does the schedules or go to the director? I feel bad because I've only been there 7 weeks, and I was hired as full time, and now this has come up and something has to give. I'm sure changing my schedule like that would affect my benefits.....

[chenoaspirit, ASN, RN]

I would first go to my nurse manager because she will be the one to have to figure out who to schedule when you want to be off.

[chenoaspirit, ASN, RN]

Oh, and if the manager (or charge) is unable to accomodate you, maybe the director can find you a position on another floor that can.