The landscape of healthcare jobs has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years, with the rise of the online healthcare marketplace offering new opportunities and flexibility for nurses and nursing assistants. One of the areas where this change is particularly prominent is in per diem nursing—sometimes referred to as “pro re nata” or PRN nursing.
Despite the numerous benefits that this new online/app-based nurse staffing marketplace offers, there remain several myths surrounding PRN nursing shifts and the utilization of per diem apps for nurses. In this article, we will explore these misconceptions and shed light on the realities of working as a per diem nurse through online platforms.
How Do PRN Nursing Shifts Work?
Unlike traditional full-time or part-time positions, PRN shifts allow nurses to choose when and where they want to work. Nurses can select shifts that align with their availability and preferences, enabling them to balance their professional commitments with personal responsibilities or further education.
PRN nursing is often an excellent option for nurses who are attending school or simply want additional flexibility in their work schedules. In many cases, nurses with busy family lives can use PRN nursing to pick up shifts while remaining actively involved with their families.
Myth 1: PRN Nursing Shifts Lack Stability
One common misconception about PRN nursing is that it lacks stability compared to traditional staff nursing positions.
While it's true that per diem nurses choose from available shifts, this flexibility doesn't necessarily result in instability. Due to the increasing demand for nurses and nurses assistants coupled with the growth of the online healthcare marketplace, nursing professionals can choose from a huge array of shifts, roles, and facilities—often from the convenience of an online portal or mobile app—such as Nursa.
See Also: RN Jobs in Salt Lake City, UT
Whether a nurse is seeking occasional shifts to supplement their income or a more structured per diem schedule, online and in-app platforms offer a range of options. This ability to select shifts according to personal availability and preferences can be a significant advantage. Nurses who are dedicated to the PRN lifestyle can build a consistent income while maintaining a work-life balance that suits their needs.
Do I Have to Pay My Own Taxes as a Per Diem Nurse?
The short answer is “yes”.
Independent contractors are typically responsible for paying their own income taxes, as well as both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes.
However, the situation is not really this simple.
Myth 2: Taxes Are Much Higher (and Harder!) for Per Diem Nurses
The fact that per diem nurses are responsible for handling their taxes may lead to an exaggerated notion of the financial burden that this implies.
As far as earnings go, per diem nurses can often deduct certain work-related expenses, potentially leading to a reduction in their taxable income. In addition, the aforementioned flexibility allows per-diem nurses to pick up work at a higher pay rate than traditional employees—allowing them to offset any additional taxes they may owe.
As far as the difficulty of calculating and paying these taxes, per-diem nurses have the option to pay “estimated taxes” every quarter based on their earnings during that period. This payment is relatively straightforward and saves per diem workers from having to pay one large amount per year, which could be challenging to save up for.
It's important for per diem nurses to stay informed about tax regulations and consider consulting with tax professionals to navigate their unique tax situations. Dispelling the myth of an unmanageable tax burden, per diem nurses can proactively manage their taxes and often come out in a better financial situation for it.
You can learn more about the pros and cons of 1099 work in the following guide: 1099 vs. W-2 for Nurses.
How Does PRN Nursing Work in the Online Healthcare Marketplace?
The online healthcare marketplace has changed significantly over the past ten years. Today, online platforms and dedicated apps offer nurses opportunities to explore and secure PRN shifts with ease.
Nurses create profiles detailing their skills and qualifications. At the same time, healthcare facilities post available shifts. Facilities in need of immediate staffing can post per diem shifts, and nurses can browse and select shifts based on their preferences.
Communication between nurses and facilities is also managed via these apps or portals, enabling quick shift acceptance and seamless coordination throughout the entire process.
Myth 3: The Online Healthcare Marketplace Is Inconvenient for PRN Nurses
As technology continues to grow and evolve, the concept of “overengineering” can rear its head. In some cases, this tech actually makes things more complicated than they need to be, getting rid of “antiquated” systems in favor of tech-heavy solutions that are less convenient than their predecessors.
A prevailing concern among experienced per diem nurses is that the growth of online and app-based platforms can make the per diem nursing process less convenient for nurses.
Thankfully, this is not typically the case. In many cases, a per-diem nursing app can streamline and enhance the experience for both nurses and healthcare facilities. Traditional methods of finding per diem nursing jobs involved contacting multiple facilities, negotiating shifts, and managing paperwork.
Online platforms condense all of this work by providing a centralized hub where nurses can access a wide range of PRN opportunities, view the hourly rates, and manage their information quickly and efficiently.
See Also: LPN Jobs in Denver, CO
Additionally, the app's interface ensures that nurses can efficiently manage their schedules, accept shifts, and communicate with employers—all from the convenience of their mobile devices.
The online healthcare marketplace enhances convenience for nurses by offering real-time updates on shift availability and allowing them to select shifts that align with their preferences and expertise. This flexibility benefits healthcare facilities as well, as they can quickly fill staffing gaps and ensure optimal patient care.
Embracing the Per Diem App
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, it's beneficial for nurses to embrace the advantages of the online healthcare marketplace and per diem nursing opportunities. The dispelling of myths around PRN nursing shifts and per diem apps for nurses underscores the potential for increased flexibility, improved work-life balance, and financial control.
If you're a nurse looking to expand your horizons and experience a new level of professional freedom, consider exploring the online healthcare marketplace and per diem nursing shifts through dedicated apps and platforms designed to empower you every step of the way.
Nursa, in particular, provides a streamlined experience for PRN nurses. Whether you’re looking to pick up a few shifts while you finish your schooling or you want to build a long-term relationship with a few local facilities, we’ve got you covered! Download the Nursa app today and start building a more flexible future for yourself.
