I was hoping some of the more "seasoned" LPNs could give me some info on some of my questions before I set up an orientation with what I am hoping may be a very good job prospect.
This is basically my situation. At the present time I am not seeking to obtain a full-time job. While my children are both grown and gone, I have an 84-year-old old mother who resides with my husband and I. While in pretty decent health for a lady of that age she does require trips to various doctors. I really don't have anyone that I can depend on to make sure she gets where she needs to go other than myself and to be honest I want to spend time with her if at all possible in her "golden years" because it is important to me:) I also plan on starting classes for prerequisites in January so that I can eventually finish my RN. Hence the need for some flexibility in my work schedule. I figure working maybe three days a week would be plenty for now.
Here is what I would like info on. When you work PRN do you have the right to refuse a shift that you simply cannot work or are you obligated to work every time they call needing someone? I realize that it is probably different with each facility and I do plan on asking before I accept this offer, but what is the norm? I understand these positions do not have benefits and that is okay for now. I just want to make sure I don't bite off more than I can chew, as I did when I went to work "part-time" as a mail carrier (what a joke lol). That basically turned out that once I was trained on the different routes I was working SIX days a week with NO benefits and no right to refuse working without being written up over it. I eventually had to quit:( Is it like that working PRN with nursing or is this a more flexible way to both get some experience, make some money, and still be able to tend to the other obligations I have? I actually have two prospects, both with LTC facilities and I would like to get somewhere I can stay long enough to get some experience.
I would greatly appreciate any advice as I am going to have to decide something in the new few days.
I am also a per diem employee. At my facility there are no per diem requirements as far as minimum shifts or holiday requirements. I fill out a calendar that I hand over once a month and they schedule me on the days they need me that I said I was available. Many full time employees seem to be disgruntled about employees that work this way because they feel as though they have to pick up the slack. What they fail to remember is that many per diem employees work a full time job and use the per diem to pick up extra cash. Many of them also have small children or are going back to school. As needed doesn't mean everytime a facility needs you you go running--We have control over our own lives.
Most per diem positions are wonderful & flexible with scheduling. Good luck to you!
AllSmiles225
213 Posts
I am also a per diem employee. At my facility there are no per diem requirements as far as minimum shifts or holiday requirements. I fill out a calendar that I hand over once a month and they schedule me on the days they need me that I said I was available. Many full time employees seem to be disgruntled about employees that work this way because they feel as though they have to pick up the slack. What they fail to remember is that many per diem employees work a full time job and use the per diem to pick up extra cash. Many of them also have small children or are going back to school. As needed doesn't mean everytime a facility needs you you go running--We have control over our own lives.
Most per diem positions are wonderful & flexible with scheduling. Good luck to you!