New grade LPN first job dilemma, advice please

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Hi all, this is probably the 2nd or 3rd time that I asked for advice on this new job that I just started a month ago and I wonder if it is the last time that I would ask advice for it.

I am so confused about the work situation at this first job that I got. They waited for me to return from my month long vacation and spent time and money training me for 3 weeks which is within their limit. Last Wednesday, my preceptor told me that she thought I was ready to be on my own and she recommended such to the management. However, I haven't got any schedule for me work after that. I called the scheduler twice in the past few days. Last Friday ,she said she needed to talk to the DON and yesterday, she said I was hired as PRN so I will have to wait until something is open up. I did not call her out for BS because I was hired as PRN full time and the DON told me specifically that I can work up 40 hours if I want to. But after I finished my training, I am shelved ? two day shift nurses had to cover the overnight shift because they were short of people. Am I not good enough? What do you guys think that I should do? I know this facility is a crazy schedule that they can only get 3 days schedule at a time but it doesn't work for me because I have a family and it was not the DON told me at interview.

It is disappointing for me not able to start working and gain more experiences right after my training. Should I look for another job? I actually liked another job better when I was interviewing and they offered me a job but I didn't choose that one because my hubby thinks the pay was too low. Should I call this job and see they still want me ?

Should I call the scheduler back and told her that I was hired as PRN full time not on call? should I call HR? this is a setback to start a new career but I do love nursing. Working with elderly made me happy. What should I do? advice please. :)

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Specializes in Dialysis.

If you are hired prn, you are not guaranteed any hours. Full and part time staff will get their hours filled first. If you want to do prn anywhere, remember, you are not guaranteed hours. In your OP, you stated can work up to 40 hrs if you want. Those hours have to be available. Sorry this may not be what you want to hear, but it's how it works

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Thank you for your feedback.Actually, this is exactly what I need to hear. I didn't understand how PRN works but now after your explanation, I understand it now. So PRN full time meant that I can work up to 40 hours if it is available. I guess they forgot to mention " if it is available" during the interview. And I could start looking for another real full time job without feeling guilty about it. :cyclops:

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Specializes in Dialysis.

They shouldn't have to mention "if it's available". It's fairly common knowledge. But now you know and can move forward from there. Good luck!

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Hi there, I have been a nurse since 2011 and I understand all of what you are saying. I too have waited a long time at different times to get a job., but what are you losing by calling them back and speaking to the scheduling dept or whoever it is and ask, are you going to be on the schedule and you were told you were able to get 40 hours if wanted, maybe that person does not know this. Often people in HR or other offices get so busy, that communication lacks. If you don't get the response you need and are still at home waiting, don't wait longer, do look for a different position. You are better doing that and if they call, they call, if not, no need to worry. I have gone to different jobs looking for better pay, etc., be cautious starting out this way, it sometimes leaves you in a job you do not like and its horrible working someplace not liking your job and where you work, you end up not wanting to go in and work at all. Pay is so important, yet being happy is too. If you like your job it is much easier to work and be an important part. I hope this helps, don't wait too long on one job, there are other jobs out there, be patient yet get in touch with this company. Okay....

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Hi ,Thank you for your encouragement. It was very odd when I realized the descrpancy between what the DON told me and what actually happened. The DON told me that PRN full time is still a full time employee but with no benefit so they are paid a lot higher than with benefits. Now, they don't have benefit included FT employee for overnight on staff and only a PT nurse for overnight. The rest of overnight shift are filled with agency nurses. So I thought what he told me was true that I was suppose to work full time and until I am eligible to be a benefit included full time nurse. The scheduler is only one person and she works closely with DON and everyone in the nursing home so I don't know where the miscommunication would be. After two weeks, I do enjoy caring for the residents and I experienced most nurses there were not nice nor friendly to new nurses. But it doesn't hold me back from what I want to do. actually, I have an interview today for a PT job and I hope that I would get it so that would be a stable part of my career that keeps going. Also, I would call her again and tell her what the DON told me but I do have self doubts about my ability because I am a new grade. Maybe that's why they don't schedule time for me but anyway , I will be positive. Thank you again :)

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

I've never heard of "PRN full time," they are two different things (PRN and full time). I have had PRN jobs where I've been told "Oh, you can work as much as you want to! We always have needs" only to find out that their needs are for one shift a week (if that.) Sorry. :(

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Specializes in Dialysis.
I've never heard of "PRN full time," they are two different things (PRN and full time). I have had PRN jobs where I've been told "Oh, you can work as much as you want to! We always have needs" only to find out that their needs are for one shift a week (if that.) Sorry. :(

Or so many shifts you can't think straight, because no one in their right mind will stay 😂

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Hi, thank you :) I didn't know that because it was my first time looking for a nursing job but after I talked to nurses here, I didn't wait around. :) I am in training for another job which I make sure that I have hours and I love how warm the DON and the nursing staff made me feel. :) so it is a win win for me. Oh.. I have another job offer too but I think I am too new to juggle two new part time job at the same time so I am going to wait until a month or two to have another part time job.

I thought I was lied to by the first DON who called me twice to explain what PRN-full time was and I was mad as hell. Yet it doesn't matter anymore because it turns out the best for me.

Thank you for all your input. I really need them and appreciate them. :yes:

I've never heard of "PRN full time," they are two different things (PRN and full time). I have had PRN jobs where I've been told "Oh, you can work as much as you want to! We always have needs" only to find out that their needs are for one shift a week (if that.) Sorry. :(
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Dear RNinIN, I wish I had so many shifts that I couldn't think straight LOL... nope.. joke aside, I didn't wait around for them to clarify their lies. Right after I saw nurses comments here, I looked and found another 2 jobs right away. :) Now, I am training with a place that I really feel comfortable in. :) It turns out the best.

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

You learned a valuable lesson,during interviews ask the important questions(salary,benefits,hours) and ask for it in writing.

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

Also some units that have trouble holding on to their full time staff will try to lure in per diems with the promise of tons of hours.. only to keep them on the back burner for the inevitable turn over.

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