PEB-

Per diem/PRN nurses are paid more than full time staff in PA too. I believe it is because the per diem staff do not qualify for benefits. This is nice if your mate can carry you on their insurance, I guess it depends on the enrollment period and the insurance plans.

I wish both of you the best of luck. I also took some a break away from my nursing career, but I found positions in nursing homes and also in non-profit organizations. The draw back was the pay was not great. If working in a prison is something your willing to do or even even in Public Health Centers go on to your city jobs work site those two places usually have openings. Keep your heads up and rack up on some educational CEU'S

I worked in psych for five years and loved it too. I believe you have to have the patience for it though. when I worked in psych I worked the night shift, but there was always what I call the true Manic's that never slept until their lithium level was obtained and you could see the transformation. Like night and day, I was not told to get a real job or give me a cigarette every 5 minutes and they would sleep. I actually missed when they left because they kept me on my toes. The majorly depress patients where sad because it was hard to tear down the wall that the medication had not penetrated, but once again when the wall fell down it was refreshing. I now work with HIV infected client's who mostly have a history of Intravenous Drug Use and are still in their addiction. When I fist started working I would get the sad stories every two hours when the client wanted something. Manipulation is a drug addict co-occurring disorder.

I became a LPN in 1982 and there was talks about eliminating LPN's and were still here and now more technical schools are offering LPN programs. Unfortunately, if you find yourself in a position that is primarily RN based you will always be dispensable no matter how good you are or how much work you do. It seems like HR is saying take it or leave it. I would love to know what your going to do.