How many shifts do you work as a per diem RN?

[lion09]

I'm a new grad RN and I'm offered a per diem RN position at a hospital. I will only work one eight-hour-shift per week. Isn't that kind of odd to only work one shift per week? How many shifts do you all have as per diem RNs?

Thanks.

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

Three 12's+

[rn4ever?]

Depends on the need of the facility. I know of someone who works 48 hours a week (PRN position).

[brownbook]

PRN shifts can vary. Things are slow every where right now. You might only get your one shift a week and even be canceled from that. I have worked from 40 hours a week to zero! Be flexible, learn new skills, volunteer to float to different units. I have gotten several shifts because I became moderate sedation certified. Get ACLS, get PALS. Become an asset and they (hopefully) will start calling you in more often. I know you're a new grad and maybe not ready to jump into the certification classes yet! But be willing to float to different units and keep those certification classes in mind for down the road.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

When I was per-diem, I worked full time (4-5 shifts a week).

[RNperdiem, RN]

I work one 12 hour shift I week.

As long as I meet the minimum 12hours per pay period, I can work as much as I like.

Of course, per diems are cancelled first if patient census is low.

Are you sure that the 8 hrs a week is not the minimum required?

[SlightlyMental_RN]

At my facility, there is no minimum requirement. I choose how much I want to work, which is usually between 2-3 8-hour shifts/week. However, if I want to take off 2 weeks for a vacation (which I'm doing in a few weeks), I can. Quite nice.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I'm required to work 3 12's in a 6 week period. I try to do one a week. I have another job where I work full-time, but my manager at my PRN job keeps telling me I can have more shifts (even 3 12's a week if I want). I have toyed with the idea of quitting my full-time job and having more flexible hours by working PRN....

[cindyloulou]

I used to have a full time position but elected to go per diem due to having more flexibility and not having the need for insurance benefits. I am required to schedule for 6 shifts a month, up to 12 a month. My unit (tele) rarely has low census so being called off is usually not an issue. I like the flexibility in choosing the number of days I want to work and I find that working about 8 days (2 days a week) is perfect for me.