New grad, accept PRN job, but still want to get a fulltime job is it okay to do both?

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Hi I just got hired as PRN, i just can't turn down the offer because this is the only job that called me for interview from a month of looking and applying online, most of my application is rejected right away because i don't have any experience (other than being a volunteer nurse from my home country ER departments for 7 months),plus the bad economy right now that make most of hospital have hiring freeze. the facility where I'm gonna work will train me they said they want to give new grads opportunity which is nice & very much appreciated because how new grads will earn experience if no one will ever hire us?

anyway long story short, my concern is, now that I accepted this job is it okay for me to continue looking around for a fulltime, (fulltime job is very needed so we can pay bills and I don't think my PRN can because the hours I'm gonna work each week is not guaranteed.) but im not sure if its okay for me to look someplace else while employed as PRN to another, I don't want to violate anything. Anybody have idea, or been in same boat, somebody who works PRN to one facility and fulltime to another and how your schedule works. thanks, I will appreciate your feedback.

Specializes in L&D.

Would it be acceptable to get a PRN position in one department while doing a full/part-time position in another? Could you be a full time RN in a department such as ER and do PRN in L&D for the same hospital?

This thread has really been a help for me ... I've heard a lot! Keep them coming!:D

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@ kaksRN , i don't know yet, i will start my orientation on July 7 and was told that my training will last about 2 weeks, i hope nurses who was once worked as PRN as new grad RN can give us idea about how the training goes for them.

@SN_2012 i think they said yes its fine to have full-time or part time and PRN jobs. Also it doesn't matter if its different hospital or facility, or different area or specialization.

Fellow nurses, pls keep coming in, new grads like us needs your help. Thanks :nurse::nurse:

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Thanks caliotter3 - yes I will keep that in mind, I know this sounds too ambitious for me to aim 2 jobs as a new grad, but i need it, I'm also hoping to get a 12hrs/day and 3days/wk full-time, that way i have extra 2 days of my weekday to be PRN so my employer know exactly when they can call me, that will avoid turning them down. Then I still have my weekends to be a full-time wife.

Keep in mind that most full time nursing jobs require weekends to some degree. My facility is every other weekend for all full time employees, no exceptions unless they give you a free weekend off because of low census or you can find someone to switch with you. Consider yourself very lucky if you get a non-weekend nursing job (which are usual 9-5 jobs at clinics or doctors offices).

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Keep in mind that most full time nursing jobs require weekends to some degree. My facility is every other weekend for all full time employees, no exceptions unless they give you a free weekend off because of low census or you can find someone to switch with you. Consider yourself very lucky if you get a non-weekend nursing job (which are usual 9-5 jobs at clinics or doctors offices).

Thanks for the input. I don't really mind working occasional weekend or every other weekend that is fine.

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Specializes in L&D/Maternity nursing.

hey Mikes! I am too a new RN and have been working a prn/per diem job since April. I currently came off of orientation and my managers are putting together the next 6 week schedule. You know what the hardest thing about working per diem is? Learning how to say NO! I still have a handful of lab days and trainings (wound care, IV etc) and with those and the days that I've agreed to, I am working 3-4 shifts a week as it is! I hate saying no, but this job is teaching me real fast that it is OKAY to do so, and as a per diem, we reserve that right. I don't want to become burnt out too soon into my career.

Plus, this job isnt the specality that I want to work in in the long term. Its a good foundation and start and I am appreciating it, but I too am also looking for additional work. As it stands, I actually have an interview tomorrow for another per diem position (thankfully I dont need benefits as my husband carries this for my son and I and with my current job I can contribute to a retirement account-I just dont get matched). The position I am interviewing for is for my dream specialty too! So if this pans out, then this job that I am interviewing for I will give priority to in terms of scheduling and work for my current position as often as my schedule, and sanity, allows! Best of both worlds I think!

Good luck in your continued job search! And congrats on the prn position!

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Specializes in L&D/Maternity nursing.
How does PRN work when it comes to training new grads?

I essentially was on full time for 8 weeks and rotated though day shift, evening shift and night shift.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Definitely!! Just make sure you have some time to yourself as well! We are not much good to our patients if we don't also take care of our minds/bodies as well :) I have a .8 (32hrs/week, which is full time at my hospital) job as well as a PRN job! :)

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