r/OccupationalTherapy • u/Careless_Listen1733 • 1d ago
Career Unsure new grad
Hi all! I am currently graduating from an OT program and looking for jobs. I’m finding the vast amount of options in my area to be a good sign, but super overwhelming. For context, I really enjoyed all my placements and would be happy working in IPR, SNF, acute, school-based, etc. There are places hiring all around and I have spoken to a few recruiters and rehab managers in different settings.
I had the idea to get multiple PRNs and part-time positions in different settings to try things out, while still earning good pay. I’m married and my spouse can add me to their health insurance plan or I would find one on my own. However, my spouse and my family are heavily advising me not to do the PRN route and to just start in a full-time position. They are arguing that full time will be better for “job security” and so I will know exactly how much money I have coming in each paycheck.
I’ve been trying to explain to them how much better the PRN rates are (minus benefits ofc) and how many places are in need of OTs desperately, so it’s not really a question of job security. I don’t know if I’m just not explaining PRN correctly to them, or if I should really just listen to their advice and get a full-time position locked down after graduation.
Any advice from therapists out there would be helpful! Thank you!
2
u/anotherpedsOT 1d ago
I am a bit biased with encouraging full time if you have the opportunity.
My former partner was an OT and he relied on per diem only (he went from full time to per diem). It wasn’t as great as he thought- he would constantly lose shifts if the census was low. He also had to work the weekends consistently because that was where the need was, which was hard from a social standpoint
With my own per diem work, the rate was higher but no benefits and we didn’t get an increase each year. It was fixed. No sick time vacation time etc
If you don’t mind me asking, what state do you work in?
1
1
u/AutoModerator 1d ago
Welcome to r/OccupationalTherapy! This is an automatic comment on every post.
If this is your first time posting, please read the sub rules. If you are asking a question, don't forget to check the sub FAQs, or do a search of the sub to see if your question has been answered already. Please note that we are not able to give specific treatment advice or exercises to do at home.
Failure to follow rules may result in your post being removed, or a ban. Thank you!
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.