How much experience do I need before I go PRN?

[jdcatch]

THE FACTS:

• I relocated to another state in order to get my first RN job.
  
• I have 17 months of total RN experience.
  
• I started in the Emergency Dept and worked there 10 months before I decided it wasn't for me.
  
• 7 months ago I transferred to the ICU and I haven't looked back.
  
• I presently have the opportunity to change from full-time to PRN in the ICU.
  

THE QUESTION:

Will I be a less attractive candidate to hiring managers at other hospitals if I change from full time to PRN with my current level of experience?

WHY GO PRN RIGHT NOW:

• I am very motivated to return to my home state. Going PRN will allow me to continue to work and gain experience in the ICU while also allowing me to travel back to my home state more often to visit with friends and family and to interview for jobs.
  
• If I go PRN I would work an average of 2+ shifts per week until I found employment back in my home state.
  

DILEMMA #1:

I have had colleagues say, "Going PRN now will be a mistake because hospitals that are hiring will want "newish" nurses to have 2 years full-time experience before they go PRN."

• Is this true?
  
• Do I need 24 months in the ICU as full-time?
  
  
• If it is true then I have a problem because there is no way I will be staying here another 17 months.
  

​DILEMMA #2:

I have had colleagues say, "Now that you work in the ICU you are stuck because no one will hire you for step down or telemetry jobs. You don't know how to care for more than 2 patients at a time...

• Is this true?
  
• I thought nursing was a flexible profession?
  
• At this point I would 100% be happier if I were back home working on a step-down/intermediate, or telemetry VS staying in my current location much longer.
  
  
• I just want to go home!
  

​​IN SUMMARY:

I need an exit strategy ASAP.

Please help!!!!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

There is no standard answer here. Every organization has their own criteria for PRN jobs. The downside of PRN = no benefits. Will you be able to afford health insurance on your own?

As for your second issue - this is exactly the OPPOSITE of my experience. Nurses with successful lCU experience are very attractive candidates for just about any other type of job. This is primarily because of the characteristics associated with ICU nurses; assertiveness, quick learners, confidence, good communication with other disciplines, etc. This does not apply to nurses who were not successful in ICU.

I understand your need to return to your "home". It's very hard to cope on your own, particularly if you are fortunate enough to have a close-knit and supportive family... which it appears that you have. BUT, if you can hold out for another few months and obtain your CCRN (you need 12 months of ICU to be eligible), you will be a much more attractive candidate for those jobs you really want. No one will question your competency if you have those credentials.

Good luck on achieving your goal.