Interview for per diem position/ RN

There is no such thing as a normal way for a new grad to start at their first job. Ask about orientation/support/mentors. You'll have to decide for yourself if the schedule is good for you once you figure out how it works at the facility.

A per diem position is not appropriate for a new grad. Unless they are going to give you a full orientation - 8-12 weeks - this is not something that you are prepared to do.

Per diem means you have no schedule to adhere to, you are used at will, may go 2-3 weeks with no work, etc, etc. And some per diems float to a variety of units.

So your main question should pertain to how much orientation will you receive.

Definately your number 1 question is how long the orientation is. Every place does their own thing with PRN. I interviewed at one place that had a "full time prn" where they got all the benefits, including medical. Just that they were cancelled before the regular staff. And the part time PRN's were cancelled before the full-time PRN's. Where I work, as long as someone else wants low census (when you're canceled), they will use the PRN staff. Some places, the PRN staff don't have problems with getting their hours and other places they do. Just depends on the place. But the way the job market is, I'd definately take it as long as they are giving you a decent orientation. Even if you get cancelled a lot, it's experience and a foot in the door to a full time position. It also helps when you're willing to work any shift since it gives you more opportunities to work.

Ask:

1. How long is the orientation for a new graduate?

2. Will I be working on one unit or possibly floated to others? Will I get orientation on those units as well?

3. Is there any number of hours that I am guaranteed? (Some PRN positions are guaranteed one shift per week)

4. How many shifts will I need to commit to per week?

5. How far in advance will I be notified if I am cancelled?

6. What's my weekend/holiday requirement?

7. Do employees self-schedule shifts or am I placed where there are openings?

8. What's the average number of shifts that per diem employees typically work on this unit?

I know several people who work per diem because the schedule is BETTER for their family. They don't have to commit to full time hours, they often don't have to work holidays, and don't have to follow the every-other-weekend commitment. They also get a higher rate of pay than full time staff. The sacrifice is, of course, that you don't have a guaranteed paycheck and you don't get PTO or other benefits.

As others have said, the biggest question is about the orientation. If you aren't going to be given a decent (5-6 weeks minimum) orientation, then it's going to be tough for you to be successful.

She did state that the orientation was 24 hours a week for 6 weeks. Do you feel this is appropriate?

She did state that the orientation was 24 hours a week for 6 weeks. Do you feel this is appropriate?

What kind of unit is it? For a general unit, possibly (really depends on you and how quickly you pick up the skills/adapt). For a specialty unit, it would be nice to be a little longer. My PICU orientation, for comparison, was 36 hours per week for 10 weeks.