Is it okay to ask for part-time?

[Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN]

during an interview??? I know this sounds weird, but I have an interview for a PRN position (PACU). When I was applying I noticed that they had several part-time and PRN positions available in PACU. I applied to all, but recieved a call that they will be interviewing me for the PRN position. I would much rather work part-time to have a more "stable" schedule, but at this point I will take PRN. I have been out of a job for waaaay to long. Would it be tacky to mention the part-time position during an interview that appears to be going well? Maybe something like, "I notice that there is a part time position available for this unit, will you consider me for this position instead of the PRN position?" Thanks in advance for your advice and opinions.

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

Can't hurt to ask, it's not like you're showing a lack of intrest in them. In fact, it's showing more of a commitment to them.

If they say the p/t job is taken I would go for the PRN and let them know you would be interested in a p/t position with them when one becomes available.

[EmergencyNrse]

You have to tell them what you're thinking...

An interview is a 2-way street. They size up you and you size up them. It's a time to figure out what they're looking for and for you to let them know about YOU.

Your experience, your skill, and your availability. Full-time, Part-time or just PRN. What direction you want to go in, goals, how you can be a benefit to the organization...blah-blah-blah.

Absolutely communicate with your interviewer. That's the whole point.

[Jules A, MSN]

"I notice that there is a part time position available for this unit, will you consider me for this position instead of the PRN position?" .

I wouldn't word it as "instead of" but would definitely express interest and you could communicate your willingness to fill in for call outs etc. in addition to part-time hours in case their priority is to fill the gaps.

[SweetheartRN]

It really can't hurt to mention it at all. Like the above poster said, its showing you want to make even more of a commitment with them. If they are atleast considering you for PRN, they would more than likely consider you for part-time as well if you let them know you are very interested it that position unless for some reason something in your resume' lead them to think you would be better for PRN...perhaps if you are currently employed somewhere else???? If you think that could have been the case make sure when you explain to them you're interested in part time that you are available to commit to those hours.

I have been in a similar spot like this during an interview and before I could even let them know...they brought up the fact they had other positions available if I were interested in those as well, which I already knew. I ended up accepting a different position than the one I was being originally interviewed for.

[Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN]

I wouldn't word it as "instead of" but would definitely express interest and you could communicate your willingness to fill in for call outs etc. in addition to part-time hours in case their priority is to fill the gaps.

Good point! Thanks everyone for the advice. I should probably say "as well" or something to that effect. Fingers crossed.

[SweetheartRN]

I wouldn't word it as "instead of" but would definitely express interest and you could communicate your willingness to fill in for call outs etc. in addition to part-time hours in case their priority is to fill the gaps.

I agree with this!

[Fiona59]

Usually those part time positions are filled by people already working within the facility. Lateral transfers, deciding to reduce hours, etc.

I know that I moved to a similar sized p/t position because it had a better rotation of shifts than the one I had.

Where I work, regular staff would have the pick because they applied for the job. You have to think outside the box and apply for everything you are interested in. The way it works in my system if you didn't apply for job "1" you won't be considered for it.

You can ask to be considered for a p/t position but ultimately you applied for the casual.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I would say something like ... "What are the chances of this becoming a budgeted position someday, either part time or full time? I'd be interested in such a position if one became available."

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Definitely tell them that you are interested in part-time.

They won't know if you don't tell them.