Working as a per diem nurse—also known as a “PRN nurse”—has many benefits. You make more per hour than staff nurses, have way more control over your schedule, and can move between nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and hospital departments as the opportunity presents itself.
There is a downside, however. You aren’t getting to bond with your coworkers when you’re bouncing around between different hospitals and healthcare organizations. You may be floating between various organizations, units, and teams altogether.
The good news, though, is that there are tips that can help when you’re wondering how to fit in as a per diem nurse. That’s what we’re going to talk about today.
1. Read Up on Hospital Policies in Advance
If you want to fit in fast, one of the best things you can do is to come prepared. Be familiar with hospital policies in advance if possible, especially if you’re provided with any training materials ahead of time.
If you aren’t provided with the organization’s policies in advance but rotate between different facilities regularly, take notes about the procedures you’ve been trained on for each location you frequent. Being up-to-date with each organization’s practices will help you fit in faster whenever you show up for shifts working with new teams.
And don’t forget to ask questions if you’re unsure of what the policies are or what’s expected of you. It’s much better to ask about a policy than violate one.
2. Return for Additional Shifts
PRN nurses can theoretically choose to work only a single shift on each team, floating around and rarely working at the same organization for a second (or third or fourth) time.
Just because you can always work somewhere different doesn’t mean you have to. Choosing to return for additional shifts working with the same team or in the same department can go a long way to helping you fit in. You become more of a regular fixture, like an actual coworker, instead of a dropped-in contractor. And as you build familiarity with your coworkers, it feels much easier to fit in.
As an added perk, extra face time and rapport with a specific healthcare facility’s staff can bode well for your career; you may be the facility’s top pick when it needs a PRN nurse, and you may even have an in for a full-time or part-time job if you ever decide you’re interested in making a change.
3. Ask Questions Often
We’ve discussed this briefly, but don’t hesitate to ask questions—even if the charge nurse is rushed or distracted.
You can ask questions about everything from shift change procedures to expectations for patient chartings to any particular facility regulations or policies you need to know.
Everyone would prefer you ask than get it wrong, especially regarding healthcare.
If you have the same questions as you move through different roles for different shifts, you can come in with a printout of your top and most important questions. Five minutes with the charge nurse or an experienced coworker will give you everything you need.
4. Stay in Your Lane
Unless patients aren’t receiving the care they need or someone is at risk, it’s sometimes best to keep your opinions to yourself.
Many coworkers or supervisors may not take kindly to the on-the-team-for-a-day nurse telling them how other organizations do things better or prying for information about what’s clearly some messy drama between other co-workers.
Heading into the shift, being friendly, and staying professional is the key to fitting in and being accepted as a PRN nurse.
5. Be Kind
If you walk in and are friendly and kind to all of your coworkers during a shift, you may be surprised how quickly people warm up to you.
Casual small talk can go a long way. Complimenting their stethoscope cover or asking how they like the brand of scrubs they’re wearing can break some tension and give you a shared topic to discuss.
Since some staff nurses may not want to invest deeply in relationships with PRN nurses due to their transitory nature, opting for “light” topics like the best shoes for the job (instead of sharing detailed family stories) may help you engage your coworkers more.
6. Come Prepared
PRN nurses are meant to fill gaps in the schedule, and the team may need to do extra to accommodate you since you’re new (or newer) to the facility or the unit. As a result, make it as convenient as possible to work with you.
Show up early so there’s no risk that you’re late. Have a spare change of scrubs if there’s any chance that you’ll need them, and come equipped with all the tools you need.
Be ready, energized, and hydrated; you’ll be off to a good start.
Are you considering working per diem shifts? See how Nursa can help you find PRN nursing shifts near you.
