Questions about working in a hospital PRN

[gottagetmyrn]

Hi All! I have been stalking this forum for a while and finally decided to join and post!! I am planning on devoting myself to getting into nursing school for fall of 2013. I have 2 kids, 1 in school and 1 at home. Anyway, I am convinced that I would love working in a hospital, so my hopes are to graduate with my RN, and work part time...2 days a week, 12hrs, so that I can still be with my family more than I am working, yet still be doing something that I am super passionate about. :):)! As of now, I am working from home and have been for 2 years so that I could be with my kids, and because I couldn't afford to go to work with the costs of childcare. IT would eat my paycheck alive. I hate my job though, but I have to keep doing it for now!!!! AHH!

I am wanting to get my CNA starting this summer, but I really only want to work Saturdays, or maybe Friday nights until I can better figure out what is going to happen with school and my current situation. Until I get my RN and make a decent salary, I can't afford to work anymore than that because of childcare. . However, I know that it would benefit me if I have my CNA and gain some hospital experience for school purposes and etc.... (Before we moved out of state 3 years ago, I worked as a medical assistant for several years, so I do have experience in the medical field)

So here is my main question, is it realistic to think that I might be able to work as a cna only on fri's or sat's if I was needed? Do you get to pick the days that you want to work week to week?? I have never been employed in a hospital before, so I am clueless about how the scheduling goes. I have heard this may be how it works when you are PRN. My husband is off on Saturdays so he could watch my kids, and it would be perfect. Anyway, I will appreciate any input that is given!!!!! Thanks!

[athrun340]

You can definintely do that and its more common than you think. You should apply for CNA or PCT "Registry" position. Registry basically means they give you a required number of days that you have to work per week (or 2 weeks). I currently go to school full time and work once a week. That's the number of days im required to work in order to keep my job but during the summer or whenever i have time, i can work more hours if i want to. It's very flexible and the perfect job for people going to school. And yes you can choose the days you want to work.

btw when you get hired, you're going to be trained so initially you might not be able to work your desired scheduled.

good luck

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

For most PRN positions you have to give a certain number of hours of availability each week, usually including a certain number of weekend shifts. So if your required to be available every other weekend then you will have to work Sunday shifts. Some places might need their staff to be available for more that two shifts per week. If those are really the only days that you'll be able to work, the best thing to do is be upfront about it during interviews. Weekends are usually harder to staff, so that will give you an advantage. However, the facility will need to make sure you are going to work enough that they will benefit from it and they will likely want you to work every Friday and Saturday. So make sure that you're willing to commit to that.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

i'll bet there are hospitals and snfs (skilled nursing facilities) who would dearly love to have someone that would reliably work every saturday or every friday night. that's when they get sick calls.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

delete duplicate

[gottagetmyrn]

Thank you all so much for taking the time to respond!! That really answered my question:) If I could pick up more hours, then I certainly would. But now, Fridays and Saturday's would be all I could do. Hopefully it will work out ok! There aren't any CNA classes around here until probably May, so I guess when they start I will go from there! I am dying to get out of this house and work a little, at least until Nursing School starts...and saying I even got in, when it does:) (which I am willing myself to get in..I will, I will!! LOL.!!!!) Thanks again!!!

[gottagetmyrn]

Oops I forgot to ask..., I noticed one of you said that I would have to be trained when I initially get hired (and then later go prn)...how long does that training normally last? Could you give me an example of what your schedule was like for you during that time?? I didn't even think about that....And is it normally on day shift when they do that, or rotating shifts? Thanks so much!!!

[Asystole RN]

Oops I forgot to ask..., I noticed one of you said that I would have to be trained when I initially get hired (and then later go prn)...how long does that training normally last? Could you give me an example of what your schedule was like for you during that time?? I didn't even think about that....And is it normally on day shift when they do that, or rotating shifts? Thanks so much!!!

Your residency will depend highly upon the facility that hires you and the departments in which they wish to slot you for. Some facilities have residencies from 2 weeks to 6 months. The more departments you are slotted for the longer the residency.