Need advice!

erbwjoy · Sep 29, 2003

In my opinion, going back to school and getting your BSN would open up the most opportunities for you. You're right, though. That is a lot of money and a lot of work. I really think it would be worth it for you.

Best wishes with your decision making.

Brownms46 · Sep 29, 2003

I would stick to my guns, and state I only wish to work per diem! I feel they would be foolish to let a nurse with your background go out the door, without at least trying to meet your needs.

Maybe you could interest them in some short shifts, like during their busiest hours, or something like that! I have found there is a lot more flexibility out there than most people even realize. I hope this works out for you in some way. Don't give up.. :cool: !

purplemania, BSN, RN · Sep 29, 2003

I am very much in favor of education, but do not see how it will help you find a prn job. Training is very expensive and I would not hire someone prn then put them thru training. I would feel that if they really wanted to work they would work. Otherwise, you have one foot out the door. A BSN will not help you get a job in L&D --- it is a specialty and they need experienced people or people who are willing to work long enough to get experience. If you work prn in med surg, or the float pool, you will get experience and will be able to spot good jobs when they pop up.

SmilingBluEyes · Sep 29, 2003

let me say, unequivocally, PRN's are worthy of training and the investment.

who SAYS "prn's dont' work?"

I DO. I work EVERY Friday night and many other shifts others either cannot or won't work. I also help out on busy days. NOTHING in the OP says anything about her not wanting to work. She IS WILLING TO WORK, so why NOT hire and train her? Really, that was unfair, purplemania. :rolleyes:

purplemania, BSN, RN · Sep 29, 2003

It is too expensive to train a part-timer. If I am making a committment in money they need to make it in time.

Jolie, BSN · Sep 29, 2003

I understand your frustration, and wouldn't, under any circumstances, sign a contract. Doing so offers no real protection to you or your employer, just a lot of headaches if things don't work out.

I'm assuming that the reason they want full-time RN's in L&D is that it is such a highly specialized area that it takes a good 1-2 years of full-time employment to become proficient. I do agree with that. Perhaps post-partum or mother baby would be a better choice for you now, since your availability to work is limited. When your children are a little older and you can work more hours then you could always transfer to L&D. Good luck.

Todd SPN · Sep 29, 2003

Originally posted by purplemania
It is too expensive to train a part-timer. If I am making a committment in money they need to make it in time.

Absolutely. And there appears to be no shortage of applicants that are willing to work full time in L&D. I don't understand the BSN thing. If you can only work 1-2 days per week, how do you plan to get your BSN? Will a BSN get you PRN? I'm missing something.

calemjess · Sep 29, 2003

One of the hospitals I have talked with would train me in mother/baby and when I'm ready to work more (when my last child gets into school) I could easily transfer over to L&D.

I guess I just feel somewhat invaluable because I only want to work 1-2 days a week. Purplemania just reinforces my fear or re-entering the workforce. I sometimes do not know why people who do not work 40 hours or not looked upon with as much respect. I know I can put in 12 hours and get done what it takes some people 3 shifts to do!

I know when working in ICU.......our PRN pool saved us many times when we were short of regular staff. I think PRN nurses are just as valuable! As a matter of fact one of our "regular" prn nurses really took me under her wing when I was a graduate nurse.

The one particular hospital I referred to earlier is wanting me to agree to work full time REGARDLESS of the area/specialty (even med/surg purplemania).

Thanks to all who have encouraging words. I am going to call another name I've been given...she is Head Nurse over the Mother/Baby unit and talk with her tomorrow. So send me some good vibes! :) Thanks!

Kim

calemjess · Sep 29, 2003

Originally posted by Todd SPN
If you can only work 1-2 days per week, how do you plan to get your BSN? Will a BSN get you PRN? I'm missing something.

I am just thinking out loud. We have a local university that allows you to do a fast track if you already have your RN. Most of the coursework can be done from home as web-based programs. You set up your clinicals with your instructor. I'm just thinking that would help get my foot in the door and get me back into the "nursing" mode of thinking. Plus, I have thought about getting my bachelor in nursing.

calemjess · Sep 29, 2003

Originally posted by Todd SPN
If you can only work 1-2 days per week, how do you plan to get your BSN? Will a BSN get you PRN? I'm missing something.

I am just thinking out loud. We have a local university that allows you to do a fast track if you already have your RN. Most of the coursework can be done from home as web-based programs. You set up your clinicals with your instructor. I'm just thinking that would help get my foot in the door and get me back into the "nursing" mode of thinking. Plus, I have thought about getting my bachelor in nursing.

sjoe · Sep 29, 2003

"I don't mind signing a contract stating I will work for 12 mos...............I just want to be prn and work 1-2 days a week for that 12 mos."

Well, frankly, you are asking a LOT. The propaganda about the "nursing shortage" is probably one of the reasons behind your expectations, but as has been repeatedly pointed out and discusses on this BB, THERE IS NO NURSING SHORTAGE! Only a shortage of licensed nurses willing to work in intolerable environments.

If you check out your local newspaper want ads, you will fine numerous openings for RNs, but typically NONE of then are willing to do any training whatsoever--they are just hoping to rob Peter to pay Paul.