Everything you need to know about PRN Nursing

There are numerous opportunities within Nursing itself, to make your mark when you start your career in the industry. One of them is Per Diem or PRN -  The PRN abbreviation stands for, "pro re nata," which is a Latin phrase that means, "as needed."

Are you passionate for HealthCare industry, but don't need or want to do a full time job - perhaps you've a family to take care of, you're pursuing some other passion or you're studying. Or perhaps you just want to take it easy, and enjoy all the nightlife, scenery and sunshine, California has to offer. Then consider taking on a role as a PRN nurse, filling in at healthcare facilities that need temporary help.

Who are PRN Nurses?

Per diem nurses, often known as PRNs, work on a temporary basis, stepping in for nurses who are on leave or giving extra assistance when patient intake increases.  They do not have set schedule, or specific time tables or functions, but they all have same duties as standard nurses. They check on patients, administer medications, and perform other patient care duties as needed - basically everything that a regular nurse will also do.

Because primarily they fill staffing shortages, they work can vary from week to week.

Advantages of Becoming a PRN Nurse

1. Set your own Schedule -  PRN nurses can often choose the kind of work schedule that works best for them, opting for only one or two days a week or only taking on short- or long-term assignments lasting several weeks. 
2. Cross Train and Gain Experience - PRN nurses often work in different areas of a hospital, which provides variety and allows you to cross-train and gain experience in multiple specialties. So, if you enjoy learning or want to build a strong resume, no way couldn't be better than this.
3. Keep your License Status Current - Per diem is an excellent way to keep your license active and work at a level that allows you time for other things in your life.
4. Better work life Balance - Working as a PRN nurse allows individuals to create a schedule that fits their personal life. If nurses want to spend more time at home or with their family, they can do so. Since there are set schedule, you can also take personal time for vacations or holidays when you choose.
5. Opportunities for Retirees -If a nurse chooses to retire or leave her full-time employment to pursue other interests, then taking up PRN roles is a great option for them. As a retiree, they may want to continue working or making income on a relatively small scale, which PRN employment allow them to do.

How to become a PRN Nurse?

Step 1 : Get a Degree

Get an associate's or bachelor's degree from an accredited college. Individuals can also obtain a nursing diploma rather than an associate's or bachelor's degree. 

Step 2 : Pass the NCLEX Exam and Obtain License

After receiving a degree through a nursing program, you need to get pass the NCLEX exam and then apply for your state License

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Step 3 : Finding PRN Opportunities

There are two options when you want to pursue PRN position.

Option 1 : Apply to serve in the temporary nurse pool at a hospital, which means you are on a list that the hospital can call upon to fill in nursing roles when needed.

Option 2 : Work through an Agency like Green Staff Medical

A agency has several jobs with them, and you can always mention them your preferences, and an expert would be able to find the right job for you. They do, however, have stringent criteria for credentials and paperwork, but the effort is well worth it.

How much does PRN Nurses make?

The hourly pay rate of PRN nurses is higher than that of permanent Nurses. Their pay rate can vary anything between $17.75/Hr for Nursing Assistant to $40.67/Hr for an RN.

Some Registered Nurses also take up PRN positions to supplement their income.

Who shouldn't become PRN Nurse?

Above, I discussed a lot of advantages of becoming a PRN. But here are some cons you should consider before taking up the role.

1. No Steady Income - Per Diem does not guarantee you fixed number of hours, so if you're looking for a steady income to pay your bills then you might have to do more than PRN jobs.
2. Eleventh Hour Calls - Because PRN nurses cover shifts when the regular staff is unavailable, you are more likely to be called in for night and weekend shifts, when the call-in rate is higher.
3. Difficulty finding a Job : While there are lot of PRN jobs available, but there is a lot of competition at the same time. But still I don't see this a con as long as you're working with an agency.
4. A lot of Floating : A PRN nurse might, at times, have to float from floor to floor during their shifts. This means you have to be flexible enough to switch gears smoothly.

Is there really a big advantage to being full time vs. PRN?

Here's a screenshot of a real nurse's reaction to being asked the question above.

According to NursingSchool.org, "as a part-time gig, per diem situations can’t be beat. Say you’re a working RN employed full-time with a local hospital. You work 3 12-hour shifts. That leaves four more days during the week free. Some nurses opt to pick up an extra per diem shift locally if one is available. Why? The hourly pay is much more than their full-time hourly pay—it’s like making a bonus."

About me : My name is Tushar Chauhan I'm a Health Care Recruiter with Greenstaff Medical and if you are an RN or LPN and you need any assistance in finding jobs you can always connect with me at [email protected]