Per Diem as a new grad??

Jules A, MSN · May 8, 2015

Any orientation for a PRN job and I'd be all over that! I started PRN as a new grad and received 2 shifts of shadowing before I was given a full patient load. Overall I think if you are a confident and capable new grad PRN is an ok option, not so much for someone who struggled in clinicals.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · May 8, 2015

It sounds like they're going to put a substantial amount of time and effort (read: money) into orienting you to units all over the house. I think this sounds fabulous, because if they're doing that, it's because they're going to need your services so you'll get work.

Also, when you fall in love with a floor and an opening is coming up (somebody going on maternity leave, retiring, moving, etc.) you'll know about it before HR, you'll already have seniority in the house, they'll already know you, and so you'll be first in line in front of all the other outside applicants. And if you want to go work somewhere else after a year or two, you'll have good experience in many areas you can parlay into that.

Do it. It will open a lot of doors for you.

blueberrypancakesforever · May 9, 2015

Thank you very much! I appreciate the advice :)

Mavrick, BSN, RN · May 9, 2015

I don't think that is such a good idea. Though 12 weeks may sound good, it will be on all different units presumably with different preceptors and unless there is a really good plan AND follow through I can see some new grads get caught in the backwash and rushed through "orientation" to fill holes on short staffed units (that's what PRN/floats are used for) and left to their own devices. Based on some of the posts here, new grads need more consistency than that.

No one unit is really investing in you and will expect the other guy to show you the ropes. It will be the rare new grad that can manage their own orientation that way.

AxOxCrazy · May 9, 2015

Per diem doesn't mean all over the hospital. I'm per diem on a specific floor, OP could you specify?

Per diem on a specific floor absolutely, you make your own schedule and can work as little or as much as you want. Staff treats you like gold because you are such a help to them!

Flex for the entire hospital though, I would have to say I wouldn't accept that job as a new grad.

blueberrypancakesforever · May 9, 2015

From what I understood, the hospital expects to hire a group of new grads into per diem positions and would orient them to the various units on the med-surg floor (respiratory, urology, admissions unit, general med-surg). After orientation, these nurses could be called to work on any unit.. I have the same hesitation about this as I would taking a float job as a new grad.. lack of consistency in work environment.. Thank you all for the feedback..much appreciated

thinwildmercury · May 9, 2015

I wanted a full time position as a new grad but all that was available was per diem. Best decision I ever made! I get paid subsatantially more money. I make my own schedule. There's plenty of work at my hospital so I work exactly as much as I want to. I have since been offered a benefitted position but declined. I say do it!

naptimeRN · May 9, 2015

Being per diem is the only thing that makes hospital nursing tolerable to meðŸ˜œ Really though, it's nice having control over your schedule. There are a lot of topics on this and you will see there are various pros and cons. Sounds like the orientation they are willing to provide is pretty good! Beats mine!