u/FindingMyLord

I was a full-time PTA in an OP setting for 5 years and recently switched to PRN because I was dealing with a pretty high level of burnout. Since switching, I’ve worked through a lot of that and I’m ready to increase my availability, but I want to stay PRN.
When I was full-time, I was the type of PTA who tried to take on every responsibility possible, and it eventually led to burnout. Floating between clinics and not feeling tied to all of those responsibilities has been a huge improvement for me mentally. I like doing my best to help that day and just be a good PTA.
The issue is that after doing more research into full-time, part-time, and PRN roles, I’ve realized I’m not really functioning as true PRN, even though that’s technically my status according to the company.
Right now I work 2 set days per week on a consistent schedule. If I want to take a day off (unpaid), the clinic either has to find coverage for me or cancel appointments for patients I’ve been seeing regularly. So in practice, I’m treated more like a part-time employee, but without the benefits of either part-time or true PRN status.
Some clinic directors have told me the ownership group doesn’t want “true” PRN PTAs because they don’t want PTAs refusing to work at certain clinic locations.
Is it realistic to negotiate a true PRN role within this company, and if so, how would you approach it?
For context, the company has 35 clinics within one metro area, and there’s clearly a constant need for coverage. Company-wide emails go out every day asking for help covering clinics.