PRN pay

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

Hi all, I am looking to pick up some prn work but was wondering what I should expect to make per hour. I work CVICU, 1 year experience. I will be done with checking off on taking fresh post-op hearts next week. I make almost $40 an hour when i do overtime so I would like to make about the same with a prn position. Do you think that is realistic with my background and experience? Thanks!

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

*bump*

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I think if you do agency that number is realistic...it may be a bit high for PRN but really it depends on the hospital...some hospitals pay wayyyyy more than others. I have one nurse making low 20's an hour full time, and another making 41/hr full time...but I know going agency pays well

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

I guess I meant prn with an agency, not through a hospital. Thanks!

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Agency is about $45/hr. How much experience do you have outside of your 1 year CVICU? When you sign up for agency, you are usually thrown into a general ICU pot and will go from CTICU to NeuroICU to CCU, etc...not just a CVICU. 1 year experience (if that is all you have) is probably not a good idea to go to agency.

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

I just have 1 year of experience in CVICU but I work in a 70 bed ICU that includes MICU, SICU and CCU and have floated and worked OT in all so I am used to working in all branches of ICU.

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

Also, the pay I have been offered is quite comparable to the amounts listed. Thanks all for the advice!

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Best of luck to you. Im just leery (and still dont recommend) people working as agency with so little experience. I run into nurses all the time at my little ICU that dont know they are doing. It is often scary and I will DNR them from out facility.

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

One year of experience may not bring top RN experienced pay. I know you feel experienced and capable but......there is so much more.

Working as an agency nurse you are expected to function immediately. There is no orientation other than ........Here's the bathroom and here is how you use the Pumps, vent, monitors. The staff will not "molly coddle" you and will expect you to be completely independent. They usually will not be helpful AND you will get all the patients they don't want.

I wish you the best.

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

Thanks for the advice 8mpg and Esme. I am well aware of what km there for. A body that is to hit the floor running. I don't need orientation for basic ICU skills. I have been trained in a Level I trauma center. Not being arrogant or anything but I feel that I will be fine. Show me the bathroom, med and supply rooms, let me know your policies and I can go from there. I know about getting the worst patients - that happens all the time with travelers.

Many people said that I shouldn't go into cardiac surgery ICU right after nursing school and I did and so glad that while I did heed their tips and warnings, I didn't let it stop me. I will do the same with everything everyone has said.

Because of scheduling, I won't be able to start for another month or so. Will keep you posted!

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