Many medical professionals are unsure of the difference between Pro re nata (PRN) work and part-time work for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs), and registered nurses (RNs). This confusion often prevents them from considering either one as an alternative to traditional full-time employment contracts.
Understanding the nuances of these two types of work is essential for choosing the best career option for your circumstances and needs. In this article, we take an in-depth look at both so you can get a better idea of what's right for you.
What Is PRN and How Is It Different from Part-Time Work?
Part-time work refers to the number of hours worked at a company, while PRN is a type of flexible shift work that isn’t tied to working a specific number of hours each week. PRN and part-time are similar in that they both offer the benefit of extra flexibility that a traditional, full-time 40-hour-per-week job may not offer.
However, there are a lot of considerations why somebody might choose PRN over part-time work, or part-time over PRN work. Let's start by defining the terms to gain insight into their differences.
PRN (Pro Re Nata) Meaning
PRN is the acronym for the Latin term "pro re nata." Pro re nata means "as needed" or "as the need arises." In a work setting, PRN means an individual is called upon to work when needed, typically for a few hours of flexible shift work. Some employers may offer PRN roles in some cases, but many PRN workers aren’t hired directly—instead they work as independent contractors or are contracted through a staffing agency.
PRN is commonly used in the healthcare industry and refers to clinicians like RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and CNAs who pick up jobs at hospitals and healthcare facilities in need. Nurses and nursing assistants who work PRN via a platform like Nursa are not always employees; they are often independent contractors and can pick up shifts either occasionally or as often or more often as the equivalent of full-time work. Alternatively, some healthcare facilities implement arrangements with their staff to work PRN, often placing their staff "on-call."
PRN shifts are a common staffing solution in the healthcare industry, but can also be used across other industries that experience the following conditions:
- Fluctuations in patient intake
- Position vacancies due to turnover or shortages
- Shift gaps due to staff call-offs
- Sharp changes in staffing demand
How Many Hours Can You Work PRN?
PRN work is not defined by the number of hours worked, so PRN nurses can work as many hours as they would like by picking up shifts. PRN nurses could work just two hours one week, then 50 in the next week if they want to.
Part-Time Work Meaning
Part-time work mainly refers to the number of hours worked during a week that is less than full-time. The exact number of hours that is considered part-time employment varies. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics quantifies part-time as one to 34 hours worked weekly. In contrast, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) defines full-time as averaging at least 30 hours a week, by default defining part-time as working an average of 29 hours or less per week.
Part-time workers are found across almost all industries and are usually official employees of a company. Furthermore, part-time work is not necessarily tied to workload fluctuations or staffing shortages.
How Part-Time Work and PRN are Similar
PRN and part-time work are similar in that both provide workers more flexibility in their schedules. Consequently, PRN and part-time workers can balance other time commitments such as another job, attending school, or providing care to a family member. Both work arrangements accommodate people who might be unable or unwilling to commit to full-time employment. While both types of work offer flexibility, there are some important differences to highlight.
Common Differences between PRN and Part-Time Work
Despite their similarities, PRN and part-time work are two very different concepts. Part-time work refers to the number of hours worked at one company, while PRN work is a type of flexible shift work that isn’t tied to working a specific number of hours each week (or even a specific company).
You can work PRN shifts part-time, but working part-time doesn't necessarily mean you are working PRN. Similarly, you can also perform PRN work part-time—or under 34 hours a week—without being considered a part-time employee with a given company.
These two types of work arrangements can differ in other important ways:
- Scheduling and predictability
- Pay rates and compensation
- Diversity in daily responsibilities
- Benefits
- Commitment and autonomy
Scheduling and Predictability
Generally, part-time employees work on a stable, predetermined schedule. Every week, they have an expectation of how many hours they will work and when they will do it.
Alternatively, a PRN nurse or nursing assistant will pick up however many PRN shifts during the week they choose. This variability means they can pick up one or two shifts a week, up to the equivalent of full-time hours, or more—depending on availability.
Pay Rates and Compensation
Part-time employment typically has a fixed hourly pay rate. This fixed hourly pay rate, combined with the predictability of a set schedule, means part-timers can reasonably account for how much they will earn.
On the other hand, the pay rates for PRN nursing jobs will fluctuate. The factors that may influence pay rate fluctuations are the following:
- Demand: Is there a higher or lower demand for PRN nurses and nursing assistants?
- Urgency: Is the PRN nursing job to cover a last-minute call-off?
- Setting: In what unit or facility type is the PRN shift? Is a specialization required?
- Location: Is the PRN nursing job in rural, suburban, or urban areas?
PRN shift pay rates are often higher than traditional employment offers. The flexibility and autonomy of PRN nursing work regarding fluctuating compensation may be in your favor because you can choose whether an offered pay rate is acceptable to you by applying for the PRN shift or not.
Diversity in Daily Responsibilities
Part-time work may give you more consistency in your daily responsibilities, especially if you are hired for a particular role like an ICU nurse or working in the memory care center of an assisted living facility.
Some people thrive on knowing exactly where to go, who their colleagues will be, and their specific responsibilities for a shift. If you like the comfort of predictability, part-time work that keeps you in a similar role each time you work is a viable option.
However, with PRN work, you're more likely to find a more comprehensive range of experiences. You can find PRN shifts with different specialties and at other facility locations. Ultimately, nursing clinicians with Nursa can pick up PRN jobs in any location within the bounds of their licensure and scope of practice.
It's an ideal way to explore different facilities, so if you're trying to get an idea of what you love (or want to make a change), PRN nursing is something to consider.
Benefits
PRN workers who pick up shifts as independent contractors do not receive any employment benefits. This means PRN employees will be solely responsible for common benefits offered by traditional full-time employment.
Whether part-time workers are eligible for benefits can depend on federal and state laws. Some federal laws impose eligibility requirements for some benefits, such as the following:
- Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA): Eligibility to participate in the employer's retirement savings plan for employees who worked at least 1,000 hours in the calendar year (an average of around 20 hours weekly).
- Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA): Certain-sized employers should provide health coverage to employees averaging over 30 hours per week.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Some part-time employees may be eligible for unpaid leave with job protection. However, this circumstance would be unusual as several requirements must first be met.
Other benefits that part-time workers may be eligible for include unemployment and workers' compensation.
Commitment and Autonomy
The scheduling of a part-time employee implies an expectation of a commitment to a set number of hours for the week. While they may be able to decide which days or hours to work, they still have to meet the agreed-upon number of hours.
By contrast, PRN nurses and nursing assistants with Nursa have full autonomy to decide how often they work. When a nurse is accepted for a PRN shift on Nursa, they are committed only to working that shift; there is no expectation for them to work additional hours or shifts. It is entirely up to the PRN clinician whether or not they pick up additional shifts.
Which is Better: PRN or Part-Time Work?
Part-time work may be a good option if you have a strict limit to how many you can work and prefer some amount of stability, whereas PRN work is a good option if you value flexibility, variety, and greater control over your schedule. Ultimately, only you can answer the question of which fits your needs better.
The answer lies in understanding the differences and considering the following:
- What are your priorities?
- Which option will allow you to pursue your career goals?
- Which offers you the work-life balance you want?
- Which option accommodates the lifestyle you prefer?
- Which accommodates your circumstances better?
How to Get Started with PRN Work
PRN work can benefit nurses in many different situations. For some nurses, exclusively working PRN shifts gives them more freedom to prioritize other parts of life. This freedom to prioritize may mean having more time to heal from an unexpected injury, caring for family, or working another job altogether.
Sometimes, nurses who already work part-time or full-time will choose to sign up for additional PRN shifts at the place where they already work or at other facilities. This arrangement allows them to earn extra income when opportunities arise.
If you want to start PRN work, Nursa is a great option. Nursa shifts offer top pay, and you can get paid after you complete your shifts with Nursa Direct. It's also a great way to explore different facilities on your own terms and schedule.
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