Jun 11, 201510 yr Is it hard to gain a PRN position in a specialty you don't have any experience in? More Like This Career Advice Column Finding a hard time adjusting to new job 3 Replies Active 05/28/2026 01:14 AM
Jun 11, 201510 yr Pretty much impossible. A PRN position is generally for someone who can go in and do the job with little/no orientation.
Jun 11, 201510 yr I second that. The PRN Nurse is a pinch hitter: go in, do, go home. There is no orientation to the role function.
Jun 12, 201510 yr Just posting because I liked the thread title.As far as the question: Would you hire a PRN who does not know how to do the job?
Jun 12, 201510 yr Just posting because I liked the thread title.Whenever I see this thread title, my brain responds "That's what she said..."
Jun 12, 201510 yr I was hired as a PRN on my current unit. I had no experience in the speciality (OB). Had 6 months orientation, 3 to mom-baby, and 3 to labor, as we are a LDRP unit. Then I filled holes as a PRN. Eventually I got a part time position. So it is possible.
Jun 12, 201510 yr I got a PRN position in an LTACH, but I had experience in ICU, so I already knew about vents, tele, septic shock, etc. I got 5 shifts' orientation with a preceptor, plus one with a WOCN and one with an RRT. And then classes on chronic critical illness, delirium, EKG review, pulmonary, neuro (focused on TBI and strokes), etc. specific to the LTAC population
Jun 13, 201510 yr I got so lucky and was hired for a PRN position in which I had very little experience. My manager said it was my personality and attitude that won over other applicants. She said she could train anyone to do the job but she couldn't change a person's personality. Just apply, you have nothing to lose!!!
Is it hard to gain a PRN position in a specialty you don't have any experience in?