There are abundant reasons why nurses work in healthcare facilities today. Generally, the main reason is that the jobs they have are done out of love and empathy for the patients they care for. Nevertheless, being a nurse represents additional work than just helping others. It is a profession that requires self-care, and it is necessary to have the RNs' well-being in mind. For these reasons and more, many registered nurses (RNs) prefer part-time jobs.
To have a better understanding of what to expect working PRN RN jobs, find out what type of RN-to-patient staffing ratios you can expect in all states.
What Are the Advantages of Part-Time Jobs?
Part-time nursing means that RNs (registered nurses) choose to work less than 30 hours per week, and it might be vital for them to have enough available hours for the following reasons:
1. To connect with loved ones, whether they are family, friends, or pets. Indeed, having loved ones betters the emotional life of any person. Whether it is the family they have, the children they refuse to become distant from, or the pet they love to spoil and love, it is necessary to recognize the need to be with them for at least a few hours doing one activity together a day. Thus, making a meal with our partner, sitting with a purring cat or a sweet dog, warming them while watching TV, or even watching our children sleep, play, and grow, all these are activities that full-time might allow, and part-time might give us freedom and liberty to enjoy.
2. To take care of their mental health. Taking care of their own mental health represents self-care for RNs. Mental health is an important right for everyone in our society, and getting the means to achieve it is a duty incumbent on all of us. Signs of depression in RNs are a wake-up call to seek support, look for support groups, avoid extremes that could be harmful to themselves and thus to patients, and take the time needed to get better. RNs are extremely important, and caring for others is not a job to be taken lightly.
3. To have time for themselves. Another strong reason to work part-time as an RN is to have time to take care of themselves and enjoy their own lives. RNs have a responsibility to notice the little details in their own jobs in order to achieve better patient care. For this reason, they need to take care of the little details in their own lives, get into the habit and be able to pass it on with confidence to the people who need them and to the nursing staff who depend on them.
4. To have time for hobbies. Many nurses have a hobby that they have been putting off for a long time, something they love to do; when they work part-time, they can finally commit to it.
5. To be able to exercise. Exercise is important, and working full-time often doesn't leave a lot of extra time to take care of their bodies. Of course, RNs can exercise and work full time, but working part-time could be the answer to taking up a discipline they'd love to explore, whether it's a martial art, joining a gym, or even going for a jog or bike ride daily. Thanks to the time they'll have off, RNs will be able to devote valuable time to exercise if they so desire.
6. To sleep well and rest properly. RNs need proper rest to be one hundred percent present for the shifts they perform. When rest is not adequate, hormonal balance and physical wellness are affected, and as a consequence, many areas of their lives could be affected. That is why rest must always be taken into account for people who care for others, such as registered nurses.
7. To take care of their diets. There are times when overworking prevents nurses from correctly nurturing themselves. This is why registered nurses may choose diets that are not suitable for their bodies. Overworking can cause people to constantly feel sick, have poor digestion, or be overweight. Part-time is the perfect time to balance their diet and take better care of what they eat, plan their meals, and cook healthier at home.
8. To accomplish goals that they had long ago. There are many goals in life that do not necessarily fall into the category of hobbies or work. From a job that takes up all their time and attention, RNs might find themselves in a situation where they are unable to accomplish some long-standing goals, procedures, or urgent matters. Part-time can provide them with the solution they need by generating enough time to accomplish this.
9. To take better care of their patients. Caring for others is a huge mental load that involves taking into account the many different aspects of caregiving. RNs can benefit from part-time work to improve aspects of caregiving by getting the adequate rest, research, and study time they need.
10. To allow another member of the household to work part-time and share the expenses and workload. Occasionally, there are two in the household sharing the costs, and this allows registered nurses to live contented and work a little less. If it is a possibility, part-time work is perfect and this way they can both have enough rest and enjoy some time off.
11. To study a specialty while continuing to work. Registered nurses often have the desire to advance their nursing careers, and it can be problematic if they have a full-time job. Registered nurse jobs are easier to obtain and have higher pay when there are interesting specialties involved. Overall, RNs can choose to work part-time to continue working and earning money while financing their education and having time to study.
How to Choose a Nursing Specialty You'll Love
12. To be available for the children while they are young. When the children are young, it is important to spend time with them. RNs often choose part-time hours in order to be more present with young children.
13. To rest and relax. Relaxing is a valid reason to work part-time. Some people function better when they lack the pressure of a full-time job, and it's perfect to have time to rest and not work, even if it's just to take long baths, take a walk, watch TV, or meditate. Relaxing is one of the simplest yet most valid reasons to work part-time.
What's the Average RN Salary?
The average salary for registered nurses is $82,750, but it varies from California with $124,000 to $59,450 in states like Mississippi, which range varying enormously given that the cost of living and state varies in each case.
RNs may wonder if a part-time job's salary will be enough to support their expenses. The average RN salary when working part-time nationwide is about $33.95 per hour. Nurses can calculate according to their region if this is enough to cover their expenses.
How Can I Find Part-Time RN Jobs?
Part-time RN jobs are easy to find. Nurses can find part-time jobs at different facilities, hospitals, and senior centers that need part-time registered nurses. Another way nurses can create their own part-time agenda is by looking for per diem jobs, also called PRN jobs, so the RNs can organize their schedules to fit their needs.
