Nowadays, it is common for healthcare professionals, such as nurses, to move to PRN jobs.
PRN jobs have many advantages, such as a flexible schedule or higher pay, that attract healthcare professionals. But how do you transition from a full-time job to a PRN job? Most importantly, what should be included in the resignation letter to an employer? Read more details about the resignation letter here.
7 Reasons Why Nurses May Want to Move to PRN
There are many benefits to moving to a PRN role, from flexibility to convenience or even the opportunity to gain experience in other specialties. For example, some reasons include the following:
More Flexibility
One of the main benefits of moving to a PRN role is the flexibility that PRN shifts give nurses. PRN jobs often let nurses work when they're needed, which allows them more time to pursue other opportunities.
Alternatively, Nursa allows nurses to pick shifts that fit into their schedules and not request shifts when busy, making their schedules flexible for other commitments. This PRN model allows nurses and other clinicians to work for the facilities of their choice, providing even greater flexibility.
Higher Earning Potential
Another top reason for moving to PRN shifts is the possibility of better pay for fewer work hours. Because PRN positions can vary based on market demand and the facility's urgency to fill a shift, these shifts often pay higher rates than nurses can find in a traditional staff nursing role.
For nurses moving to a PRN role at their current workplace, the shift pay rate may be similar to what they earned in their part- or full-time position. Nurses should be sure to check the rates for moving to PRN at their workplace so they aren't taken by surprise.
Improved Work/life Balance
Having the option of choosing shifts can give nurses a better work/life balance. While they can still pick up shifts whenever they want, moving to PRN can allow them to prioritize time for activities like family or hobbies. This can help nurses feel more in control of their lives and reduce stress caused by work.
Reduced Burnout
Nurses in staff positions can often feel stressed by their schedules, leading to burnout or leaving the profession altogether. Because PRN nurses can request as many shifts as they like, they can also pull back and reduce their workload when they feel overwhelmed. As a result, nurses might find solace in PRN shifts.
More Time to Prioritize Family or Health
In some cases, the flexibility of the role might help nurses spend more time with loved ones, for example, caring for their kids or families or even caring for their health. Picking up shifts per diem can help nurses be there for important life milestones or even let them be there to pick up their kids from school every day.
Allow Time for Pursuing Education
Nursing professionals may also use the extra time PRN gives them to continue their education. PRN schedules can help nurses work around their classes and pursue an education without sacrificing their current careers.
Prioritize Other Goals
PRN nursing allows nurses to prioritize any other goal they might have. Traditional nursing schedules can make finding time to do things outside of work challenging, but PRN nursing can help nurses build the schedule they want.
Whatever the reason for moving to PRN, nurses must know they have a right to choose the work that better suits their needs.
What Do You Need to Move to PRN?
Depending on the healthcare facility, moving to PRN can be easy or challenging. The first step is to determine whether the facility offers PRN jobs and whether there are enough shifts to cover each nurse's needs.
Understand Your Options for Working PRN
Nurses can work PRN shifts without giving up their full-time position. Essentially, if any facility offers PRN shifts, some ways to try these shifts include the following:
- Take PRN shifts at your facility: Some facilities may offer the option of taking PRN shifts for nurses who want to scale back a bit, while others might need nurses to apply for a PRN position formally.
- Fill PRN shifts at any facility with a healthcare staffing app: If the facility doesn't provide options for PRN work, per diem staffing apps like Nursa can help nurses find shifts at other facilities that need their professional help.
Some nurses prefer to start working PRN shifts and make the transition, while others feel safer taking a few shifts first and evaluating how that feels for them.
Meet with Your Supervisor and HR
If you can change to a PRN role at your facility, you must initiate the process formally. Having an open and honest conversation about the possibility of transitioning to PRN with their supervisor, manager, or HR might help nurses understand what opportunities are available for them in their facilities and any policies or requirements for the PRN transition. For example, some facilities may expect nurses to float to different units or floors within the facility.
Submit a Formal Request or Letter to Move to PRN
If they provide the option, many healthcare facilities will have a unique process for transitioning to a PRN role. For example, some facilities require nurses to be interviewed for the PRN role as they would for a new job. Others might post a job internally before making it public, and nurses can bid on the PRN position and either be approved or denied.
In many cases, the facility will require nurses to formally request their move to PRN through a formal resignation or request letter to initiate the process. To make the transition smoother, we've included some templates that nurses can use to draft their requests.
Template 1: PRN Request Letter
The following is a template of a request letter to move to PRN jobs. Overall, a letter should include the following parts:
Template
- Introduction: Include the manager's name and introduce the letter politely.
- Statement of intent: In the first or second paragraph, state the desire to transition to a PRN role.
- Reason for transition: While nurses don't have to give any personal reason if they don't feel like sharing it, staying optimistic about the facility and avoiding saying negative things about their previous full-time position is crucial.
- Appreciation for role and experience: After the reason, showing gratitude towards the manager, the facility, and the team might make it easier to transition to PRN within that same facility.
- Request and term details: Before sending the letter, state availability details while still being open to changes from management.
- Closing: In the final part, state the willingness to discuss the relevant details of the request and thank the manager.
To understand how to integrate these parts, read the following example:
Example
Dear [Manager's Name],
This letter is to ask you to approve my request to transition from my current position as a [Your role] to a PRN nurse within [Your Department].
I have immensely enjoyed my position in [Your Department], where I have grown personally and professionally at [Hospital/Institution Name]. I sincerely appreciate how the staff and management have contributed to my growth by fostering a supportive environment. I look forward to continuing my contribution to this team more flexibly.
I anticipate availability for [X days/shifts per month], and I am willing to adjust as needed to meet the requirements in [Your Department]. This adjustment will allow me to continue pursuing personal commitments while dedicating my skills and experience to our team.
Thank you for considering my request, and I am open to discussing this further. I am eager to discuss any adjustments that might make this transition easier.
I look forward to continuing to be a part of the [Hospital/Institution Name] as a PRN nurse.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Template 2: Formal Resignation with Intent to Transition to PRN
Perhaps one of the key factors in writing these letters is the openness and positivity with which the nurses write about their work time, their healthcare managers, and their facilities, given that it is crucial to leave a positive impression, especially if they wish to continue working there on PRN shifts.
Template
- Introduction and resignation announcement: In the first part, briefly introduce the letter and state the nurse's resignation.
- Intent to remain in a PRN capacity: In this part, clarify that the nurse would like to remain in their role but as a PRN nurse.
- Reasons for change (optional): The reasons for the transition are optional, but it is essential to state that this is a decision made to adopt a flexible arrangement and that they wish to stay but work PRN for the same department.
- Gratitude for past experiences: Next, it is essential to finish on good terms and state the nurses' appreciation for the support and learning they had while working in their current position.
- Discussion and transition details: Nurses can put their availability in this part, but it is essential to state that they are open to discussing the transition and schedule details with the manager.
- Closing: Finally, politely finish the letter.
To better understand how to integrate this template, nurses can use this example for inspiration:
Example
Dear [Manager's Name],
This letter is to inform you that I am resigning from my current position as a nurse with [Your Department] at [Hospital/Institution Name] to a PRN (pro re nata) role, effective on [Date Two Weeks from Today]. As we've discussed, I would like to transition to a PRN position within the same department.
This decision is due to [personal/professional reasons] that led me to adopt a more flexible working arrangement. I want to continue contributing to [Your Department] with my experiences and skills on a per diem basis.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to have worked within [Your Department], as well as the supportive work environment and the mentorship on your part, all of which contributed to my professional growth.
I can commit to availability on [Number of Days/Shifts] per month; however, I am flexible and willing to discuss the schedule and how to adapt my role to fit [Your Department] 's needs.
I appreciate your support. I am available to discuss the details of this transition at your earliest convenience.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
A Quick Look at PRN Vs. Part-time Work
Part-time work is similar to PRN work in that it offers more flexibility than full-time work for nurses. However, they are different concepts since PRN work can be up to 40 hours a week, like a full-time job, while part-time is usually a contract with a limited number of hours - usually 20 or 30 - and cannot exceed these hours, depending on the contract. In addition, part-time work is typically contractual, while PRN work is unscheduled and occurs when healthcare facilities need nurses to cover shifts. You can learn more about part-time work here and how it differs from PRN work.
Time to Start Your Journey in PRN Nursing
Nursing professionals need more possibilities within their work to provide better care to all patients. Overall, PRN jobs allow nurses to enjoy their jobs more and give the best care possible. With high pay, flexible schedules, and the opportunity to pursue other interests and hobbies, nurses have more dedication to their jobs.
Having a great letter to help transition to PRN jobs will help nurses start this journey. Another great tool is Nursa - which connects nurses nationwide with high-paying PRN jobs. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up with Nursa today.
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