Nursing schedule PRN, Part time, or FT when new to a specialty with hopes of agency and PRN in the future after experience.

[NurseKristina, RN, BSN]

If I’m new to a specialty (Postpartum with possibility of cross training in NICU) that I want to work with NO experience in this specialty that is very competitive and hard to get in and was offered a fulltime position, should I try to get that job as a part time and after some experience try to get a PRN in the same specialty at a diff hospital? Or should I work fulltime in that specialty for a year and then try to switch to PRN and agency positions after the year is complete?

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

Why in such a hurry to switch hospitals? Also, why are you itching for agency? Are you having doubts about the hospital itself?

New specialty, you should go with the full-time so you can learn and ins and outs better. There's more continuity for your learning that way.

[NurseKristina, RN, BSN]

The reason for leaving and doing agency and/or PRN is for the pay. I want the experience and then as soon as possible get the freedom to work less, make good money, have flexibility with the schedule seeing how I’m a single mom with two kids. Everything I read agrees that fulltime staff nurses get paid less with only a small amount of benefits. Benefits that u can get privately outside of the hospital while making more money for the same amount of hours. 

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

12 hours ago, NurseKristina, RN said:

The reason for leaving and doing agency and/or PRN is for the pay. I want the experience and then as soon as possible get the freedom to work less, make good money, have flexibility with the schedule seeing how I’m a single mom with two kids. Everything I read agrees that fulltime staff nurses get paid less with only a small amount of benefits. Benefits that u can get privately outside of the hospital while making more money for the same amount of hours. 

re: benefits- It depends on what the institution's package is. A lot of people don't realize the actual employer cost of benefits. Paying out of pocket to duplicate them could be more than you might think. If your employer offers crappy benefi

Also, both agency and per diem hours are in no way guaranteed. You'd be the first person to be cancelled, and that's if you booked shifts in the first place.

[RNperdiem, RN]

First step: Take the full-time job. To be successful in a new specialty, you need those full-time hours with proper preceptorship and training. One year is really the minimum, 2-3 years would put you firmly in the "competent" category which you need to be in if you want to go travel, agency or PRN. 

Next, research the market for agency/PRN in that specialty in your area. A small specialty might not generate enough PRN or agency work to keep you employed only in that part of nursing. Where is the demand? If you run into a dry spell in PRN (I work per diem, it happens), do you have a backup plan for income?

Third, do the math for the benefits. You will need a family plan health insurance. Will you really come out ahead financially after paying for family coverage health insurance on your own?

[NurseKristina, RN, BSN]

Is postpartum a small specialty? And is NICU a small specialty? When it comes to PRN and agency work? I will do some research. I see it on the list on websites but it won’t tell me much without leaving my email on every site and filling out my information. 

[Wuzzie]

25 minutes ago, NurseKristina, RN said:

Is postpartum a small specialty? And is NICU a small specialty? When it comes to PRN and agency work?

Census in these areas tends to wax and wane much more than others (and are often in concert with each other) so there may be extended periods of time where you will not be needed. Agency nurses are fairly rare in NICU and I would guess in post-partum because they are such sought after positions. 

[JKL33]

The way you really learn a new specialty is to be there a lot. Day after day, full shifts, etc. Otherwise there are plenty of situations you just won't happen to encounter for long stretches of time. One of the best ways to have more control of your career, your schedule, etc., is to be very good at what you do. Another thing about per diem (usually a benefit but sometimes a net detriment) is that you just aren't thought of or included in the same way as the rest of the staff. You're a little more like someone who shows up from time to time and a little less thought of as someone helping to anchor the unit. Again....great for staying out of drama/politics, but not great in some other aspects.

I would think it best to put in the hours for at least a couple of years.