What are the "rules" about being PRN?

At my previous PRN job, I was required to work a minimum of every other weekend. They were 8 hr shifts...so with a full-time job, that would mean working every single weekend.

Every facility is different--check with yours. One place I did it at would consider us resigned if we didn't pick up for two months. Another had two tiers of PRN--minimum 3 shifts per 6 weeks, or minimum 7 shifts per six weeks. We got an extra $4/hr for taking the larger commitment.

FWIW I don't think you need to think of yourself as "not ready to work two jobs" in any case. Do it if you want to or if you need to, but if it's not working out it's not an issue of weakness or anything.

Every facility is different. There are no international "rules" for PRN employees that the users of allnurses will be able to say apply to your facility.

When I worked in the hospital, we almost NEVER utilized our per diem staff. There was technically a rule that they had to work, I believe, 1 shift per month but they didn't. What typically happened is that they would sign up for that shift and then be canceled. After so many months of that, most of them went and found something else.

When I was in nursing school, I worked a per diem aide position. I worked more or less full time for the summer and then they left me on staff in case I wanted to pick up hours on school breaks. After I didn't work for 6 months, I received a letter in the mail stating that I had been terminated for not working.

Last year, I worked a "per diem" position that was really part time/16 hrs a week.

At my current job, employees are automatically termed if they do not work once every 60 days.

So, as you can see, it varies WIDELY.

The hours or number of shifts required to work PRN as a nurse will vary from facility to facility. Some facilities will require a certain amount per month while others may require a certain amount per quarter. 

Job Description/Policy

Begin by carefully reading your job description and the policy regarding PRN staff requirements. If, after doing this, you still have questions, speak directly with your manager or HR representative to receive further clarification. 

LOL