Should I leave or stay?

[LTmurse78]

Ok here is the low down. I work in the southeast and I am hired on as a prn BSN Nurse that makes $31.00hr . Sounds freaking awesome and yes it is when you consider i'm a new grad and I work night shift. However, when I dont get 36hours a week that number starts to be more of vice. It makes me say " should I stay here, even though i am not getting the hours i want its still decent money for less hours." I have been asking around about picking up a shift in another department but from what i hear. If i happen to get over time that week then the department that originally worked in will have to pay the over time . I.e ( work 36 hours on my med surg unit, have a few days off decide to work in ER- get ONE extra day then med surge pays the overtime pay?) does that sound right? sorry to load you guys full of questions but the big one is should i stay or should i go for a full time position with benifits and PTO. OH, and my ungodly amount of student loans just kicked in- that just blows- Thanks

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Awesome $ that is when you can work. I have a friend that got screwed with this. Same boat but less money. Didn't qualify for any facility benes or edu. She would sometimes work nothing one week, then back to backs the next. She needed more income but couldn't make the committment with another PRN due to not knowing when the first would schedule her. Hard to learn that way too.

If you have school loans and car and home you need consistent income. If you can get FT, I'd try to do that.

[Lucky724]

I've never heard of a PRN getting overtime..maybe things have changed but PRN in every hospital I've worked has been good money but no guarantee of hours, no benefits...doesn't sound like you have another income source to fall back on..so with your daily living expenses plus the student loans coming due, FT would be the stable way to go.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Stay and go PRN somewhere else......

[linfieldrn2bsn]

It's good that you are willing to be flexible in your interest. I don't think you're being greedy with the prospect of finding a better fit. I wouldn't quit until I found another option in place. The last thing you want to do is quit on the spot then spend the next year or so searching. Remember, nursing is a very difficult job these days. Make the most of it and, as you gain experience, will open more doors to more appealing positions. Good luck!

[DixieRedHead, ASN, RN]

Listen, PRN doesn't just mean when they need you. It means when they need you and you need them. Get on PRN somewhere else, fill gaps, go when you are called, work where you are sent that you feel comfortable. That small hospital that doesn't have all the reserve troops to call in when needed might be something to consider.

Not only will you get a well rounded background, you can make your own hours, choose your shifts, and get a feel for where you want to land.

I did this a long time. Oh the joy!