Per diem nursing

[AllSmiles225]

I just wanted to find out if other per diem nurses had set hours. In other words, do you work whenever you want days and nights? Or does the facility you work for require you to work only days or only nights?

[GracefullyImperfect]

I work per diem and am permitted to work day-shift or night-shift, though I know it is preferred I work nights, as that is the shift I left when I went per diem. There are much fewer nurses willing to work nights. I am "required" to sign up for 2 shifts per month, but my unit manager has actually permitted me to sign up for partial shifts. I know some per diem nurses that make good money- one friend actually works full time most weeks and gets per diem pay, plus doesn't have to take call, work weekends, or holidays.

[AllSmiles225]

The reason I am asking is because when I accepted my position I was looking for something part time on the 3-11 shift. My facility ended up hiring me per diem, obviously because they didn't want to pay me benefits or vacation. Since then I have been working random 7-3's and 3-11 on the weekends. 3-11 is killing my life and I want to switch to 7-3 but I don't want to lose my job over it. I know they need people to work every shift but 3-11 is hard to fill. I don't think im obligated to ALWAYS work that shift..I think I have the flexibility to change. My life is changing now..and I need the hours to change too. What do you think?

[ItsTheDude]

all per diem i know of involve a contract, it usually specifies when you have to work (x days a month/week, x shifts a month/week, etc), what's your contract say?

[caliotter3]

Talk to your manager about it. I'll bet they will be willing to work with you. And if they can't, you will know that and can act accordingly.

[7student7]

Part of being per diem and not getting benefits is the ability to work when YOU want to. I wouldn't feel guilty for not offering to work 3-11 all the time. Hospitals are saving money using us per diem people with no benefits, so don't feel guilty! As long as you're working your required number of hours no one should be able to say anything to you.

[GracefullyImperfect]

I would just bring it up to your manager. I don't have a per diem contract- it is just a rule for per diem's on my unit to sign up for at least 2 shifts per month. When you were hired, did you sign anything stating you had to work a certain shift? Is there enough open time on the 7-3 shift for you to fulfill your time commitment? If there is, I don't see why it would be a problem... just ask. :)

[fungez]

I work PRN (for the last 4 years) and I'll never go back. Picking when you want to work takes some of the misery out of working.

I don't work nights, period. I did it for years and I hated it and I'll never do it again. If you don't want to work a certain shift, and you can get your hours working your preferred shift, don't work unless you wish. That's part of the prn benefit.

Personally, I work PRN at two different hospitals because I like the variety. But I'm really good at saying no if I don't want to work. Trust me, these hospitals will use and abuse you and you won't get brownie points for half-killing yourself working crazy shifts. And don't worry about losing your job over it, as long as you're a good worker otherwise. PRN costs them almost nothing to keep on the books so any shift you work is a boon to them. Good luck.