Offered a PRN position...To accept or not to accept.

[Brycemom, RN]

OK, a couple of months before I graduated nursing school I applied for a job at a local hospital. I was call for an interview but a few weeks after the interview I and several others in my class were told that there were not as many positions available as they thought it would be, so as you might have guessed I didn't get the job. However, yesterday the same hospital called me and offered me a PRN position and priority when a full-time position comes open. My only other choice would be a LTC facility. I am considering accepting the position because I want to get my foot in the door and gain quite a bit of experience because I will be working in all areas. Also the rate of pay for PRN is very good for this area, but my concern with that is will I get the hours to bring home the type of money I would like. According to one source that works at the hospital I will get the hours because someone is always out....What do you think guys, I've always valued your opinions.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I started as a PRN and I was lucky: my facility was short-staffed enough and my schedule was flexible enough that I never had problems working full-time every week. I switched over to permanent at just the right time: my facility has gone on a permanent staff hiring blitz and now a lot of PRNs are being cancelled or getting reduced hours.

But will that happen at your facility? Who knows? You may get all the hours you need, or you may not. If you accepted the job, it's a chance that you would have to be willing to take. IMO, take the job and the chance. You can always continue job searching if you're not getting enough hours, and you'll have an in should something permanent open up.

Best of luck whatever you decide!

[Brycemom, RN]

Thank you Meriwhen, I'm really hoping for all the hours I want..

[caliotter3]

For pete's sake, this is your toe in the door, take it!

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

Take it, if you miss your window of opportunity, someone else will snatch it.

[Brycemom, RN]

Caliotter3 and Jessy_RN, I agree with both of you. This is my opportunity to get my toe in the door and I really don't want to allow anyone else to snatch it. Thanks

[caliotter3]

Congratulations on your good fortune! Best of luck!

[drmorton2b]

Anything Hospital job offered since your an RN you should take PRN or not. You will get your foot in the door. Be very grateful you have such an opportunity. In other parts of the country job wise it is completely opposite.

You can always do LTC on the side to make up for the PRN hours at the hospital.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I work two PRN jobs and have no problem getting enough shifts. What sort of floor will you be on?

[Jules A, MSN]

I guess it is different everywhere and subject to change but the two hospitals where I work you ccan get as many per diem hours as you want every week and that has been for the past 3 years!

[Brycemom, RN]

Thanks drmorton2b I totally agree with you.

[Brycemom, RN]

@ ChristineN, I think I will have the opportunity to work all over..