Thinking about Per Diem

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2013

I am considering Per Diem nursing. Do they have orientation for Per Diem nurses and for how long? I've been out of the hospital setting for 8 years and I desperately want to go back to brush up on my skills. What do you think?

If you have been out for 8 years then PRN probably isn't the position for you. PRN nurses typically get a very brief orientation and are expected to hit the ground running. At my one PRN job my orientation was 3 days. I did have one PRN position that gave me a generous 4 week orientation, but that is because they took a chance and hired me for a specialty that I had never worked.

RNperdiem, RN · Apr 18, 2013

I didn't have an orientation because I work per diem at the same place I once worked full-time.

Our recent prn hires have had 3 days of orientation.

After an eight year time-off in a hospital setting, I suspect 3 days won't be enough.

eatmysoxRN, ASN, RN · Apr 18, 2013

Our recent PRN hires are receiving a 6 week orientation. Most are new to nursing though. I think you should contact your local hospitals and ask them. I'm sure every place and probably every unit would be different but possibly accommodate your need for a longer orientation.

nurse4sale · Apr 18, 2013

If you have been out for 8 years then PRN probably isn't the position for you. PRN nurses typically get a very brief orientation and are expected to hit the ground running. At my one PRN job my orientation was 3 days. I did have one PRN position that gave me a generous 4 week orientation, but that is because they took a chance and hired me for a specialty that I had never worked.

I thought the same thing about the orientation, Christine, but I wonder why they called me? They have my resume stating how long I've been out of the hospital scene. Hmm, anyway I spoke with the women today and she a part time position should be opening soon and she will keep me in mind. I hope so. I would love to get back into the hospital. That's where I felt more like a nurse than anywhere else I worked.

Vespertinas · Apr 19, 2013

I thought your avatar was a booby.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Apr 19, 2013

I thought your avatar was a booby.

:roflmao: I'm glad I wasn't the only one...

krice7 · Apr 19, 2013

I interviewed for a PRN position a few days ago for a NICU floor and if offered the position, I would get 12 weeks of orientation since I don't have prior experience in NICU which is the same amount of orientation they give full or part time. So i guess it depends on the hospital/floor.

CelticGoddess, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2013

I'm per diem and I am getting 12 weeks of orientation. (Even though they have already given me my own assignment, I have my preceptor to fall back on). It depends on the facility.

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · May 29, 2015

I applied for a per-diem job today on a OB/GYN floor. I have experience in OB only. I do have a part time job. I'm hoping I won't need a full 12 weeks. I'm hoping 2-4 weeks will surfice.