worried wont be able to keep job!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi,

I have been working on a busy tele floor for almost a year now! We always have nurses leaving going to other floors, and we seem to always be hiring. But here is my worry, i am pregnant and would love to come back prn! But i worried they wont take me. I Dont think i could work more that that with two kids under 3 at this point in my life. Money is not an issue at this point, i have been saving so that if i was out of work we would be ok for a year or so. I just dont want to let go completely of what i have accomplished! Anybody have experience in asking for prn positions? I would eventually like to go back more but its just to much when they are so young! This floor has trouble retaining its nurses, so thats what i am hoping will keep me with a job. any adv from other mamas?

Specializes in Case Management.

I don't know about the current climate for prn staffing, but my suggestion is that if there is any way you can, go for it. Working prn assures you several things:

1. you already have an "in' when you decide later to go back full or part time

2. no need for "refresher course" when you do decide to go back

3. a little extra money never hurts.

When my oldest 2 were young, this was several years ago, I just quit. I didn't stay prn like they all begged me to do. I was off 7 years, so when I went back I had to take a refresher course before I could work again. No, it was not hard, but it took time to complete.

Congratulations on your new addition., You must have good discipline to have saved enough to take time off. I would strongly suggest you stay casual, even if it is one day a month 'floating", it will help you get back in the door when you want to go back full or part time.

I went per diem in my unit when I was near the end of pregnancy. I didn't have any trouble.

I let the manager know of my plans, applied for a transfer through human resources and worked per diem until the day I delivered.

Eight years later and I still enjoy working per diem in my unit.

As a mom, I have control about how much or how little I work.

The wages do not include benefits, but the hourly rates are much higher than I was making previously, that I can work fewer shifts and get the family health insurance from my husband's job(a better financial deal anyway.)

Specializes in IMCU/Telemetry.

This happens quiet often on my unit. You have to look at it from your Nurse Managers position. She IS losing you anyway. You are trained and experienced on her unit, and want to go prn. This may mean that you can cancel yourself, but so can she if the census changes. You can also be called if it goes up (if you are available). She doesn't have a float who doesn't know the floor, and she doesn't have to spend any of her budget training you.

While she is losing a full time staffer, it does give her some leeway. I don't see why she wouldn't jump at the chance to keep you, especially if she knows there is a chance you might be back in 1-2 years.

I wish you luck, and congrats on your new soon to be little one :)

Hi Erin, I'm not a moma but a single dad. Many PRN assignments require the nurse to float. Float nurses have to be very flexible and able to work any area in the hospital. In order to accomplish this beef up your skills list. On Telemetry I'm sure your required to have ACLS but how about PALS or a little Ortho training. You never know where they may need you and the more you know!

Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

I work a small amount per-diem since I have little kids. (ages 2, 4, and one on the way) It is enough to stay current and it is an IN when you are ready to take a real position again.

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