How do I find Per Diem work without part time employer finding out?

[RNDude16]

There are hiring freezes at the hospitals in my area so out of nursing school I was lucky enough to land a part-time position in a LTC position in which I absolutely enjoy working with the residents. The only problem is that my wife was laid off from her full-time job as a clerical assistant due to downsizing so I am trying to figure out how to find a Per Diem position (or positions) without my part-time place of employment becoming angry. This is to make more money to cover rent and pay for the high costs of health insurance. We have cut back to the "bare-bone" necessities to make ends meet. I have asked for extra shifts but they say that they have to give the shifts according to seniority, as I am towards the bottom as of now. I pick up anything they give me but it is not consistent enough to qualify for employee-sponsored health insurance. I am able to get 1 extra shift every third week. How would I go about finding Per Diem work without my current employer finding out so I may work full time hours and make enough to cover health insurance, rent as well as groceries and student loans?

[NurseCard, ADN]

Why in the world would it really matter whether or not your part time job

finds out that you picked up another job? As long as you don't let the

second job interfere with your duties at the first job, it really should not

matter.

Now, having said that... I have worked at a place where they made it

known to their employees, that they PREFERRED that we don't work a

second job. However, they couldn't stop us from doing that, but they

wanted to know if we were working a second job.

I would just let your job know, look, I need to make more money,

I'm going to be picking up a second job. It will not interfere with

this job.

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

I agree with NurseCard.

Also, if the current employer finds out about the per diem job, you can use this as an opportunity to make it known that you would rather work extra shifts at their facility, but there is no availability for you.

[NICUismylife, ADN, BSN, RN]

I agree, if your current employer cannot offer you full time employment, they shouldn't be upset with your looking for a per diem position to supplement your income. I'd have an honest conversation with your manager. If you are a valuable employee, they should be supportive.

[JKL33]

Agree with everyone else. Do whatever you have to do to get work elsewhere. In fact, I would make the rounds again looking for FT work, in addition to seeing what's out there for per diem work.

[adventure_rn, MSN, NP]

I agree with everybody else. The only potential conflict I can see is completing your orientation at the new hospital. Sometimes orientation periods can be very regimented, and you may have to take a couple of days vacation from your current job to make it work. It may take some creative scheduling, but it's definitely doable. If your manager does confront you about it, I'd just be very upfront about your current situation and your plans. Just explain to them that you're looking for PRN work to supplement your income (totally reasonable), and not looking for a new full-time job to replace your current job.

[mrsboots87]

All of your reasons for needing part time are irrelevant and most employers don't care anyway. It shouldn't matter to your current employer if you're seeking a PRN job on the side. I've yet to work for one or hear of one that cares. Many nurses hold more then one job. Unless you have some sort of agreement with your current employer that you can only work for them then your are overthinking this. I have a full time and PRN job. Both employers know about the other. It's not a big deal.

Also, maybe look for full time job instead.