If you work contingent/casual, how much?

[NoviceRN10]

I currently have a job that is contingent status. I am obligated to work just two 8 hour shifts a month/schedule. One shift must be a weekend, the other could be any day of the week. I don't have to work any holidays. I really like being able to pick my days, it works well with managing family life and hectic kids activities. I am wondering what it is like at other hospitals, how much nurses are required to work for a contingent contract and if they get to pick their days of the week. Please share your experience :).

[RNperdiem, RN]

My hospital has different levels of prn. The most popular and well-paying option is to work in the staffing pool. They are committed to 2 12 hour shifts a month. The nurse works certain departments depending on his/her skills. Many work only ICU staffing.

Some prn are part on one department and not in the float pool, they are the first to float or be cancelled and only need to commit to 12 hours in a 2 week pay period.

Per diem staff does get to choose their days and shifts. We are required to work one summer and one winter holiday.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

At my workplace, PRN nurses are required to work one shift every two pay periods, which averages out to once a month.

For three and a half years, my PRN job was my only job. I enjoyed the flexibility and significantly higher pay of $11 more hourly than the full time floor nursing position they offered me.

[oliverandmollycat]

Hmm. I think where I live you have to pick up one shift every three months. I don't think even that is very well enforced though! At two of my casual/PRN positions I could work every day/any shift because they were always short staffed/had plenty of sick calls. It was great because I could pick my schedule and work as much/as little as needed that particular month. I didn't like the constant nagging in the back of my head that I might not have any shifts one day though so I definitely prefer having guaranteed hours and a set schedule! At the job I'm at now, I have a position, but the casual nurses don't get many hours because we are such a small unit and we don't have a lot of sick calls.

Holidays are easy to get if you're willing but they can't force you to work them (or weekends) unless it's in a set schedule (so not PRN).

Oh! And two of the places I've worked the casuals/PRNs were specific to their unit and one place they had to float around the whole hospital (16 units I think, so not too big).