Per diem nursing is spreading like wildfire as a popular choice for healthcare professionals seeking flexibility in their schedules.
Sounds awesome, right? But what is a PRN nurse exactly?
A PRN or per diem nurse does not work a set schedule. Instead, PRN nurses work on demand at hospitals or other medical settings where their skills and coverage are needed.
Usually, PRN nurses are able to work as much or as little as they want. For instance, a PRN nurse can build a routine that fits around their lifestyle, giving them the freedom to create a great work-life balance.
Want to learn more about PRN nursing and its perks? Here’s an overview of why more nurses than ever are switching to PRN jobs and how you can too.
The importance of autonomy for healthcare professionals
A study in 2023 revealed that over two-thirds of surveyed registered nurses (RNs) strongly or somewhat agreed to the statement "most days I feel burned out”—ouch. This shocking statistic highlights nurses' critical need for more flexibility in their work environments.
Think about it: Nurses are some of the hardest-working professionals. In fact, with the rise of aging baby boomers and the increased need for medical services, nurses are running thin in healthcare settings throughout the U.S.
What do you get when you mix nursing shortages with overworked nurses?
A recipe for nurse burnout.
Nurse burnout is a consequence of prolonged stress, which leads to mental and physical exhaustion. It may create feelings of apathy, compassion fatigue, and depression.
Healthcare professionals who subscribe to a PRN nursing model, which allows them to choose how many shifts they want to work, can alleviate this burnout by taking time off when needed.
A study by University of Virginia (UVA) Health emergency room nurse and School of Nursing doctoral student Jane Muir found that:
“Nurses working at hospitals with burnout reduction programs stayed at their jobs about 20% longer than nurses working at hospitals without such initiatives.”
The study goes on to say that wage increases, professional mobility, and opportunities for leadership and learning will all decrease nurse burnout. PRN nursing is a stress reduction program in and of itself, as it gives nurses autonomy and flexibility, making it easier for them to craft a work-life balance that fits their individual needs.
What does PRN mean?
PRN stands for “pro re nata,” which translates to “as needed.” The PRN abbreviation is used for medication that is not scheduled and can be taken as needed by a patient.
This term is also used for shifts that are scheduled as needed or for the nurses who pick up these shifts on demand.
Familiarizing yourself with common medical terminology used by nurses will keep you ahead in your field.
Where can a PRN nurse work?
If you are a licensed registered nurse and have your BLS certification, you will be able to work at a variety of healthcare facilities. From hospitals to nursing homes to urgent care facilities, nurses can find PRN jobs in many types of facilities.
It’s also important to note that licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are also qualified to pick up PRN jobs. Essentially, if you are currently working as an RN, an LPN, or a CNA, there are ample opportunities to begin working PRN in medical settings in your area.
Aside from flexibility, another big advantage of working PRN is that, as a healthcare professional, you may be able to work one day in a nursing home and the next day in a hospital. Specializing in a nursing will also help expand the number of PRN nurse jobs you qualify for, as specific certifications and experience may be required for certain hospital units.
How much do PRN nurses make?
Fernando, a PRN RN on Nursa, shared the following:
"The income I make through Nursa has really helped me support myself financially and continue my education."
Isn’t PRN nursing starting to feel like a pretty good deal? It is! That’s why so many nurses are switching to PRN nursing: to earn more money, have more flexibility, and take control of their schedules.
Also, some of the best-paying cities for PRN nurses will offer very competitive wages to make up for their higher-than-average cost of living.
3 Simple steps for transitioning from full-time to PRN nursing
Transitioning from regular full-time nursing to PRN nursing can be done in three simple steps.
1. Gain experience in the field
Transitioning from a regular full-time staff nurse to a PRN nurse is an easier journey after you have some experience under your belt. Technically speaking, you can start working PRN jobs as a new nurse, but to make the transition feel more seamless, it is going to be easier if you’ve already worked as a nurse before moving to PRN.
For example, if you have one year of experience working as a nurse in a hospital’s emergency department (ED), you will be qualified for and feel more comfortable picking up PRN jobs in the ED or the medical-surgical unit of another hospital.
PRN nursing often involves jumping right into a position without much orientation. Showing that you have professional nursing experience will demonstrate to facilities that you are able to handle the demands of your role with confidence and competence.
2. Build your online profile
One of the best ways to transition to PRN nursing is to build a profile that makes you stand out to facilities. According to research, the global market for per diem nurse staffing is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4 percent through 2032, reaching a value of USD 10.8 billion in 2025.
This means that more and more nurses are anticipating or making the switch to PRN nursing right now. These days, scheduling managers don’t spend hours reading through resumes. Instead, schedulers will browse your staffing platform profile to determine whether you are a good fit for the job.
If you are preparing to leave a full-time nursing job where you are employed, you can find suggestions on how to write a resignation letter to move to a PRN role here.
3. Start scheduling
One of the main distinctions between regularly staffed nurses and those working PRN is that the latter are able to work shifts in multiple facilities. In fact, many PRN nurses pick up various jobs to meet their pay expectations.
To request PRN jobs, you can begin your search by visiting online job boards or by attending job fairs. Social media is another effective tool to use when looking for local PRN jobs, as many healthcare facilities will post and market open positions to nurses looking for per diem opportunities.
If you want to save yourself some time, you can sign up with Nursa, an open healthcare marketplace that connects nurses to per diem jobs in medical facilities near you. With Nursa, you can follow the prompts to start creating your professional profile, upload your license for verification, and start picking up PRN shifts near you.
Challenges of PRN nursing
Every job has its advantages and disadvantages. PRN nursing could potentially be a challenge for individuals who seek predictability and are set on having employee benefits.
Let’s put it this way, though: Most nurses who switch to PRN nursing don’t miss their employee positions because the perks of PRN outweigh the drawbacks. Here is a reel from Nursa that illustrates this common sentiment among PRN nurses:
The benefits of PRN nursing are plentiful and include higher per-hour wages, more flexibility, and, ultimately, a better work-life balance. These factors are swaying regularly staffed nurses to look beyond the lack of guaranteed hours and benefits.
Navigating different work environments is another potential challenge for nurses. On the contrary, nurses who like change and the opportunity to test their clinical skills in various medical settings will thrive in PRN nursing roles.
Should I make the switch to PRN nursing?
"Being able to pick up shifts that fit around my schedule helped me prioritize my family." - Fernando, PRN RN on Nursa
If you are a nurse who is considering making the switch to PRN nursing, then you have a lot of good things to look forward to. One of those things is establishing a work schedule that molds around your life and not the other way around.
These days, it’s all about prioritizing your personal happiness and mental health. In the past, society has told us otherwise, making it seem selfish to put yourself first. The fact is that when you are a happy nurse, you are able to give better care to your patients—period.
So what are you waiting for? Want to kick your PRN nursing career into gear? Here’s how to get started: Register for Nursa to find local PRN nursing jobs that fit around your schedule.
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