PRN or Part Time? Please Advise

[walktheline]

Hello, All:

Thanks for reading-I am sure you have seen this question a million times. I currently work as a unit secretary and am a CNA. I will be starting my first semester of clinicals this summer. Currently work full time. I am planning to transition to part time but was thinking I should just do prn instead so that I could have more control over my hours.

Pros:

More control over schedule

-more study time

-no bickering & fighting to get time off

Cons:

No insurance

hours not guaranteed

If you are wondering, no-I do not have a couple of grand stashed away for hard times, no-I am no spring chicken, yes-I have adult bills and responsibilities.

I left the program last spring and have decided that I want to continue. I qualify for a nsg scholarship through my job, so at least my schooling would be covered. I just need to make sure I will have enough money to eat for the next two years, lol!

I just want to have the time to devote to the program that I did not have before, but I am nervous about not having insurance. I believe God will provide, but I know he expects me to do my part too, lol!

Any advice appreciated!

[stram87]

I'd start with part-time and if it becomes too much then switch to PRN. Benefits are really important. Most schools require insurance anyway so you'd have to buy your own health insurance.

[CoffeemateCNA]

I have done both part-time and PRN during school as a CNA. When I worked part-time, the money flowed in, but I had very little time to spare for school. It was nice not having to worry about hours, because I knew they were "guaranteed" and I knew about how much money to expect each week. When I was PRN, the hours (schedule-wise) were better, but were harder to come by, and thus money was tight at times. It was stressful not knowing how much money would be coming in.

I think it depends on your facility. IF you can get a lot of hours, PRN might be better for you. If you know shifts are hard to come by, part-time might be the more reasonable choice.

[Jules A, MSN]

Definitely don't go without health benefits, especially if you aren't a spring chicken. Can you get them through your school? Good luck!

[walktheline]

Hi, Jules A:

The only insurance we can get through school is Accidental Death and Dismemberment which is automatically given through the school.

[RNKPCE]

Being in the healthcare field you know how important it is to have insurance. I'd stay with the insurance and work the lowest status you can and if able pick up more hours. Often employers are willing to work around school especially if they are supporting you with a scholarship.

[walktheline]

It figures prn would be too good to be true, lol!

[bunsterj]

Even if you are a spring chicken, health insurance is so vital. My 20 yr old very healthy collegiate athlete, clean living son came downstairs one morning complaining of some back pain...it cost us (actually the insurance company) nearly $60,000 to get him fixed.

[walktheline]

I considered researching getting my own private insurance, but felt that I would be blackballed since I am a diabetic. At the very least, it would cost significantly more.

[Butterfliesnroses]

I work part time (2 days a week) and I'm on-call. It has worked well so far. Monday-Friday is devoted to school and weekends I work (and study, I work evening, so after the pt's are in bed I can study). I don't have insurance through my work. But my boss has kept me at full time status but the deal is I have to work full time when I can. This helps with vacation, sick time, and holiday pay.

[rn4ever?]

Spring chicken or not, don't go without insurance. Even if you're super healthy, what if an accident happens? You mentioned that you have adult bills and responsibilities right? So you'd definitely need the steady flow of income. Go part-time then. But if it becomes too bad and you need more time off for school and they don't cancel a lot in your facility, you can go PRN.