Relief vs. per diem vs. on call as a CNA

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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So I just finished my CNA class and became certified and I'm looking for a part time job since I'll be taking classes in the fall. Most places in my area have more open positions for full time, per diem, or relief - not much part time available. So I was wondering what exactly do per diem and relief CNA positions entail? Are those considered on call? Or does that depend on the facility? I really do not want to work overnight since I will still have classes during the day. Is that avoidable with per diem/relief? Should I apply to these positions and ask them what they are looking for (schedule-wise) or do they expect me to know that going in? Thank you.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Welcome to AN!

I am not familiar with the position of a relief CNA. Perhaps it's a designation particular to the facility?

As for PRN, that's going to depend on the facility. Some facilities will only specify that a PRN employee must work a set number of shifts in a certain amount of time; others may specify a certain number of day/eve/night shifts. You can always contact HR of the facility if it isn't addressed in the job posting.

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Welcome to AN!

I am not familiar with the position of a relief CNA. Perhaps it's a designation particular to the facility?

As for PRN, that's going to depend on the facility. Some facilities will only specify that a PRN employee must work a set number of shifts in a certain amount of time; others may specify a certain number of day/eve/night shifts. You can always contact HR of the facility if it isn't addressed in the job posting.

Thank you for your reply! Do you think it'd be a bad idea to just apply for the jobs and ask these things if I get an interview? I'm having a hard time finding out contact info to ask someone. Or should I just find an email address for HR and ask that way before applying?

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Maybe the relief CNA position is like a float pool. If it were me, I would contact the employer and ask.

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Specializes in PICU, CICU.

Relief sounds like float pool, per diem means they'll call you when they need you but they'll also be calling other per diem employees as well

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Specializes in New nurse, nursing assistant 5 years.

I am a per diem aide and I cover when someone calls in or has a PDO, you basically are just going to be the bench warming aide. You will get work only if someone calls out, goes on leave or goes on vacation. If you have bills you will need a job that has a set schedule.

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I'm a PRN (as needed) grave or evening shift CNA. I am required to work only two shifts a month to stay employed, but I wind up working more like two shifts a week.

As a student and a mom, it's perfect for me. I'm usually scheduled, filling in for CNAs who have requested their usual shift off, etc. Sometimes I am called. I get paid more per hour than the regularly scheduled CNAs both because I am PRN and because I am grave/night shift. I also tend to work Saturday nights, another unpopular shift for the regular CNAs so I work a lot of Saturday graves. Perfect for me again, because my husband is home Sundays and I can sleep when I get home.

RE: your question about avoiding nights, the answer is that yes you can. If you apply for the job and have an interview with the DON, s/he will most likely ask you what shifts you are available for and you will tell him/her that you would prefer to only be PRN for day shifts, weekend shifts, etc.

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I don't know if this would work out, but have you thought about asking if they would consider hiring you part time? A couple years ago I interviewed for a job as an LPN, stated that I'd prefer to work part time due to family obligations, I gave her my availability (weekends) and they hired me a few days later, along with another part timer. It ended up working out for them, the hours were filled and they didn't have to pay benefits because they only gave those to full time staff. Plus, if someone needed a day off the other might be able to fill it since they weren't already working 40 hours. It wouldn't hurt to ask.

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