PRN being cancelled

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So, I have been working in a rehab hospital for about 6 month now. I love it and it is my first job after nursing school. I got hired as PRN 7a-7p 2-3 days a week. I also got oriented on all the other shifts, so I can work those if needed. Here is the problem: I live an hour away. Sometimes I get cancelled from 7a-3p and then they call me and say I need to come in from 3p-7p. Believe me, I don't mind working 4 hours, but its the drive. At first it was only happening once a pay period, but its becoming more common. After a while it gets annoying and gas prices aren't going cheaper. I know there is a need for coverage from 3p-7p, since nurses there work 8 or 12 hour shifts. But how do I approach my manager that I cant work 4 hours?

Thanks Guys

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I would say something.

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Unfortunately there maybe nothing you can do about it. You sign up for 12 hour ability I assume. So if you are needed at any time within those 12 hours they can call you in. Being PRN is nice because of the extra pay and flexibility but it has it's downfalls too. Trust me I know what your going through. I have a PRN job too. I don't get called in late too often but it does happen.

You can talk to your manager to see if you can sign up for 8 hour shifts instead of 12's solving the 3-7 dilemma. But then you risk not getting any hours.

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Specializes in Orthopedic, LTC, STR, Med-Surg, Tele.

Ugh yeah. Sometimes you wonder if it's even worth the drive in. That's the way it goes for PRN though, it is as needed. If it's 2-3 days a week maybe you could look for something PRN a little closer?

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

You may need to re-negotiate the prn status anyway. If you have a schedule of any type then your employer may be required to pay benefits under the new healthcare act. So the employer may want you just prn (when we call). Otherwise they will be fined.

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Make yourself available for only full shifts.

Even four hours pay is better than no pay. Four hours for me equals $130. Gas is $1.12 a litre. I still come out ahead.

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

I worked prn for years. When people tried to do that to me, I just reminded them that I don't take call. you either need me or not, there is no "call me later if you change your mind" option. Just tell her you won't do it. The end.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

You may have been working 2 to 3 days a week but the beauty of PRN for the facility is that they "owe" you no hours. PRN status is...when needed ....for the facility. You "woe" them your required shifts as a minimum but the promise you nothing. The are typically canceled/"flexed" first.

You could try and approach the manager and let her know of your hardship, due to the drive, of working 4 hours...but they owe you mothing. You are PRN..AS NEEDED and they NEED you then for those 4 hours. YOu can ask that if you are canceled it is for the whole 12 hours....but they do not have to comply. YOur best best...since they have 8 hour shifts....ask for the 8 hours shifts available. It will be harder to cancel you for 4 hours.....unless there is a natural shift change in your shift

((HUGS)) all the best.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

Our PRN are first to be floated and cancelled. You need to check on what you signed on for. Some facilities will cancel in 4 hour blocks such as yours and mine do. Some cancel the whole shift.

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