PRN getting called in to work... too much?

Nursing Students Technicians

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I have been at my current tech job for a year, and I'm in NS. I love my job, but the other techs call in so much, that I feel like I am constantly getting calls. I would have full time hours if I was physically able to make it every call. On top of that, I had applied to another unit at the same time as this job, and they turned me down. Now, that unit is calling me wanting me to work hours there? They have even called at around 5 pm wanting me to work 7p-7a; not enough warning to rewind the day and get sleep to prepare. This other unit also calls just about every weekend. If I have clinical, they ask if I can come in after, meaning I'm awake 24+ hours. I feel run down, but I don't want to turn down a lot of shifts and be considered "unreliable". I thought I would be working two days a week tops. Is this typical in PRN?

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Well, as PRN means 'as needed' and they seem to have a lot of need- yes, it is typical. And it is not 'unreliable' to say no when you cannot work. But, you also have to consider whether that will someday mean getting fewer calls, too. All you have to say is "I'm not available today".

I take almost all calls for my unit, but other units call and say "I see you are working 12 hours tonight on your unit, but we need you here until then". It's not my unit and that would mean 16-20 hours? I understand saying no, I'm just confused as to why they expect techs to work that kind of shift, and if PRNs normally do those kinds of shifts for them to expect me to.

It's normal... at poorly run and poorly staffed facilities.

Specializes in None.

I currently have two PRN jobs while in school. I get to schedule my own days, and one job has called me maybe twice the year i've been working there. So, this isn't typical for me. Maybe it depends on where you live. Next time you do an interview for a PRN job ask them what does 'PRN' mean to them. Meaning, I schedule myself for days that are short not being "on call" when they can call anytime and ask if I can work.

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