Question: Can new RN work PRN or PT?

Gompers, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2005

It's usually highly recommended to NOT work part-time or PRN your first year as an RN. There is just too much to learn, and sometimes it's hard to "get into the grove" if you're only there part-time. With a PRN position, they might even call you off if there is a low patient census so isn't a good idea for money OR experience reasons. You will have to be full-time for at least part of your orientation, but after that, if you must go part-time, try for 24+ hours a week. Good luck, and congrats on the baby!

suzanne4, RN · Mar 19, 2005

Sure, but you still need to complete the hospital and unit orientation and these are usually only done on a full-time basis. So you should allow at least three months of full-time, perhaps more, depending on the facility and the unit. But I do not recommend it at all. But you need the year of full-time to really feel comfortable with what you are doing.......remember that your actual learning curve is just going to begin when you start your first job.

allnurses Guide · Mar 19, 2005

Yes, it is possible to go part-time or prn. Always remember family comes before your job.

After orientation, as others have mentioned, you can find part-time work.

steph

teegeo · Mar 19, 2005

I understand the real learning begins at work, which I am scared to death of, but I just can't leave the baby 14 hours a day/ 3 days a week. I am lucky that I am not in a position that I have to work but I want too..some. I can suck it up for a few months for orientation and if I could work one day on the weekends that would help. Also daycare costs are very high around this area and I have two other children. So my entire salary is going to daycare which I can not jusify in my heart to leave the baby alone and still not come out ahead. I would take more time off before I start work but then I am afraid no one will hire me... an RN with no experince. Thanks for all your input.

Teena

suzanne4, RN · Mar 20, 2005

Whether you take more time off before, or only work part-time afterwards, you need to find what works for you.

There are hospitals that have on-site daycare, you can look into that....if they have that in your area. There is also work that can be done from home in different areas, you may consider looking into that. Not everyone needs to go directly into a hospital setting.

land64shark · Mar 20, 2005

There are hospitals that have on-site daycare, you can look into that....if they have that in your area.

I believe Bayfront in St. Pete has on-site daycare. They have been on Working Mother Magazine's list of top 100 employers for 7 years running.

OnMyWay · Mar 20, 2005

Teena - St. Joe's has an on-site daycare.

Melissa