RN, LPN, CNA, HIPAA, LTC, BON, AMA, EHR, PRN…The list of acronyms and abbreviations used in the medical industry deserves its own cheat sheet.
This jargon is often intimidating and confusing—especially for people working outside of healthcare or newly arrived. This article can be your cheat sheet for the meaning and use of PRN as a medical abbreviation.
What does PRN mean?
PRN is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase “pro re nata.” Pro re nata (PRN) means “as the situation demands,” or “as needed.” PRN is useful in medical settings—and others—in a few different ways, such as the following:
PRN in nursing
PRN staffing refers to healthcare professionals (PRN nurses or PRN nursing assistants) who work shifts only when needed instead of on a set schedule. Additionally, the shifts that need coverage can also be referred to as PRN shifts.
PRN for medications
Medications are often prescribed on set hourly or daily schedules. However, some may be prescribed as PRN.
For example, some pain medications may be prescribed as PRN, meaning to be administered only when—or if—pain occurs.
PRN in other settings
PRN workers aren’t exclusive to healthcare facilities. The flexibility gained by using PRN staff can benefit any industry that experiences fluctuations in production or workload.
Some examples of other industries that use PRN staff include daycare centers, security guard firms, schools (substitute teachers), catering, and dental practices.
Why is PRN nursing so common in healthcare?
PRN nursing is common because it is adaptable and practical as a strategy to meet increased staffing needs in periods of high patient census or to fill gaps when facilities are understaffed.
Its utility has become increasingly relevant over the last few years amid large-scale challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the nursing shortage, and rising pressure for facilities to cut healthcare costs.
Furthermore, nurses can use PRN work to advance their careers.
Flexibility for facilities and clinicians
PRN nursing is an adaptable staffing solution that benefits both facilities and clinicians.
- PRN nursing offers flexibility for facilities to source additional nursing professionals only when they need them.
- PRN nursing offers flexibility for clinicians who want to pick up extra hours or who can’t commit to a rigid schedule because of their personal responsibilities.
Cost savings for facilities
PRN nursing offers cost savings for facilities because it allows them to tailor their staffing levels to meet patient census needs. For example, they don’t have to be staffed (and therefore pay) for maximum patient census at all times. Instead, facilities can maintain a sustainable internal staff roster and augment it with PRN clinicians when needed.
Furthermore, some PRN nursing professionals operate as independent contractors. In these circumstances, facilities can save more because they don’t have to pay administrative or employee benefits costs.
Better pay for clinicians
Hourly pay rates for PRN shifts are typically higher than the salaried position equivalents. Notable reasons for this include:
- Facilities save money by sourcing contract PRN nursing clinicians because they don’t have to pay employee benefits.
- Facilities need to motivate nursing staff to pick up these shifts.
- The need for shift coverage is urgent.
Frequently asked questions about PRN nursing
Here are some frequently asked questions about PRN nursing—and their answers.
What’s the Difference between PRN and Per Diem?
In healthcare staffing, these two terms are often used interchangeably. The difference between the two is as follows:
- PRN is the acronym for the Latin phrase “pro re nata.”
- Per diem also comes from Latin and means “by the day.”
What is a PRN position in a hospital?
Some hospitals have internal staff PRN positions. The requirements and descriptions vary depending on the specific hospital’s policies:
- Some may require PRN positions to commit to a set number of shifts in a three- to six-week period.
- Others may have stipulations about whether or not you can refuse a PRN shift when offered.
- Some may require PRN positions to work in multiple units or only in specific settings.
If you’re interested in this type of arrangement, learn more about it by reading, How to Write a Resignation Letter to Move to PRN.
How does working a PRN shift work?
When working a PRN shift, the expectation is that you are willing to walk in and get to work. Arrive early to give yourself time to familiarize yourself with the location, where the bathrooms are, the breakroom, and the units or wings, and locate the nurse’s station to check in.
In the sub-acute or long-term care setting, there generally is not any official orientation or onboarding for PRN shifts beyond introductions to the nursing team. In the acute or hospital setting, nurses are typically required to complete some skills assessments and onboarding. Nursing clinicians who are confident in their knowledge and skills and adapt quickly to new situations can be very successful at PRN work.
How many hours does a PRN nurse work?
PRN nurse hours depend on the work arrangement of the nurse. Some facilities have dedicated PRN positions. In these circumstances, the number of hours is dependent on the facility’s policies but is usually less than what is considered part-time work.
Alternatively, if a nursing clinician is using a PRN staffing platform like Nursa, they can work as many (or few) hours as they want.
This situation offers clinicians a significant advantage: the control over their own work schedule. It allows nursing clinicians to arrange their working hours from week to week according to what they want or need.
Transitioning from internal staff employment (full-time or part-time) to working per diem as the main source of income is more common than you might think. Learn more about that topic here.
How much money can PRN nurses make?
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all baseline wage for PRN nurses. The hourly pay rates for contract PRN nurses vary depending on several factors, including the following:
- Shift coverage needs: How urgent is the need? Is it last minute? Is the facility severely understaffed for the shift or only seeking to reach optimal staffing levels?
- Location: Wages vary widely across the US. Additionally, urban, suburban, and rural locations can impact the amount paid.
- License level: RN pay rates are typically higher than LPN pay rates. LPN pay rates are typically higher than CNA pay rates.
- Facility setting: Statistically, nursing clinician wages vary based on the setting: hospitals, nursing homes, physician practices, and others.
Managing your taxes as a contractor PRN nurse is different. For tips, check out Self-Employment for Nurses: How to Manage Your Finances.
What education do PRN nurses need?
There is no special education required to request PRN shifts on the platform. Nurses must be licensed to practice in the state they wish to work PRN in. The same applies to nursing assistants and medication aides.
- Licensed practical/vocational nurses must complete a practical or vocational nursing program. (These are typically offered by vocational schools and community colleges.)
- Registered nurses need to complete an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
- State-approved training programs for nursing assistants and medication aides are required in order for these occupations to gain certification and begin working in the field.
How do nurses start working PRN?
There aren’t any unique credentials required to start working PRN either for your facility or as an independent contractor. With a valid license to practice nursing or certification as a nursing assistant or medication aide, you can even start with Nursa by following these simple steps:
- Sign up for your free Nursa account.
- Follow the prompts to create a standout profile and provide your license/certification for verification.
- Upload your essential credentials.
- Start browsing PRN shifts at different facilities near you.
Try out PRN nursing with Nursa
Working PRN can offer clinicians like you opportunities to earn more, exert control over your work life, and enjoy scheduling flexibility. With Nursa, reap the additional advantages of picking up PRN work in different settings, meeting new people, high hourly pay rates, and the power to choose.
With no long-term commitment and no shift quotas, Nursa makes it easy to give PRN nursing a try. Sign up for Nursa to pick up PRN shifts today.
