Your Guide to The Best Paying PRN RN Jobs in Ames, Iowa

Are you a registered nurse (RN) looking for flexibility and variety in your work schedule in Ames, Iowa? Whether you are a local resident or planning a move to the area, PRN RN jobs in Ames, Iowa, provide an excellent opportunity to gain experience, earn extra income, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Here's an overview of some of the highest-paying PRN RN jobs in Ames, Iowa, and how to find PRN jobs in your area. 

What Does Working PRN Mean?

First things first, let's clarify what PRN means. PRN is derived from the Latin phrase "pro re nata," which roughly translates to "as needed" or "as the situation arises." Per diem nursing, whether you are a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or certified nursing assistant (CNA), entails working on an as-needed basis, filling in for vacant shifts, or providing additional support during busy periods. Working per diem means accepting variable shifts and assignments from a staffing agency or healthcare facility, often on a day-to-day basis.

Depending on the agency's needs, you may be assigned to work in different locations, departments, or even specialties. Registered nurses, for example, can specialize in a specific healthcare field. Healthcare centers in Ames may offer specialties for RNs such as Med Surg, ICU, ER, and Telemetry. Specializing enables RNs to hone their skills and gain expertise in a specific area, potentially leading to more job opportunities in the future. Per diem nurses are typically not considered full-time employees and may not have a fixed schedule of benefits. In return, they may have more flexibility and autonomy to choose which shifts they accept and may have more opportunities to work in different settings and gain diverse experience.

What Do PRN RNs Do in Ames?

As a PRN RN with Nursa in Ames, you'll have access to various shifts at various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and more. Your responsibilities as a PRN RN will include:

• Performing patient assessments.
• Administering medication.
• Collaborating with the healthcare team.
• Providing patient education.
• Ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care.

The wide range of facilities you work at will enable you to gain exposure to different types of patients, health conditions, and treatment plans, making every shift a unique learning experience.

Advantages of Working PRN RN Jobs with Nursa

There are numerous advantages to working PRN RN jobs with Nursa in Ames.

For starters, PRN positions offer tremendous flexibility as you have the freedom to choose shifts that fit your schedule and lifestyle. You can work as much or as little as you want, allowing you to balance work with other commitments, such as family, travel, or further education. Additionally, PRN RN jobs offer an excellent opportunity for nurses to gain experience and enhance their skills. By working at various healthcare facilities, you'll be exposed to different procedures, technologies, and patient populations, expanding your knowledge and capabilities as a nurse.

Top Healthcare Facilities Nearby Ames, Iowa

There are numerous medical centers in and around Ames, Iowa. Some of the best healthcare facilities for RNs to work at are as follows: 

• Mary Greeley Medical Center: This 220-bed hospital serves Ames and the surrounding communities with a wide range of medical and surgical services, as well as specialized care for cancer, heart, and orthopedic conditions. 
• Iowa State University Student Health Center: Located on the university campus, this clinic provides medical care to over 35,000 students and staff, including primary care, women's health, and travel medicine services. 
• Israel Family Hospice House: This hospice facility provides comprehensive end-of-life care for patients and support for their families. Nurses at this facility focus on pain management and symptom control to ensure patients are comfortable and at peace. 
• Bethany Life: This long-term care facility offers assisted living and skilled nursing services, ensuring individualized care for each resident. Nurses coordinate resident care plans and provide compassionate support to residents and their families.
• McFarland Clinic: With over 60 specialty services and medical practices, this clinic offers comprehensive healthcare services to patients in Ames and the surrounding areas. PRN RNs support the clinic by conducting patient assessments, administering treatments, and educating patients on self-care. 
• Blank Children's Hospital: As Iowa's only dedicated children's hospital, this facility provides high-quality pediatric care to children in Ames and beyond. Nurses are instrumental in providing compassionate, family-centered care to young patients. 
• Genesis Health System: This health system has various healthcare facilities in Ames, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Nurses have opportunities to work in diverse healthcare settings, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to deliver exceptional patient care. 
• Northridge Village: This senior living community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services, supporting residents to live independent and fulfilling lives. PRN RNs at this facility provide nursing services and support for residents' well-being. 
• Mary Greeley Hospital Birthways: This birthing and maternity center strives to create a warm and welcoming environment for mothers and their families. PRN RNs are crucial in assisting with deliveries, providing postpartum care, and educating new parents on neonatal care.

In addition to picking up per diem shifts in Ames, Iowa, RNs may also want to look for PRN RN shifts in other populous cities such as Council Bluffs, Dubuque, and Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Is the Pay Better for RNs when Working Per Diem Shifts? 

The pay for PRN RN jobs is highly competitive, as you can negotiate your pay rate for each shift. Facilities are willing to pay more for PRN nurses as they provide immediate solutions to their staffing shortages. Furthermore, PRN nurses typically have a higher hourly pay rate compared to full-time nurses due to the flexibility and variety of shifts they choose to work. 

What Qualities Should a Good PRN RN Have?

To excel as a PRN RN in Ames, Iowa, you should possess excellent communication, adaptability, and critical thinking skills. As a PRN nurse, you'll work with a diverse team of healthcare professionals, so communicating effectively and collaborating with others is crucial. Moreover, PRN nurses must be adaptable to different work environments and quickly adapt to new patient populations, procedures, and protocols. This requires critical thinking skills to assess patient needs and provide appropriate care.

What Does Daily Life in Ames, Iowa Look Like? 

Ames, Iowa, is a small and welcoming city with plenty of outdoor recreation, diverse dining options, and a thriving cultural scene. Residents and visitors can enjoy various activities like hiking, biking, and golfing and attend festivals and events throughout the year. With a low cost of living and a tight-knit community, Ames offers an excellent quality of life for PRN RNs.

Pick Up a PRN RN Job and Start Earning Today 

PRN RN jobs with Nursa in Ames, Iowa, provide a flexible, fulfilling, and financially rewarding career opportunity for nurses. With a high demand for healthcare professionals in the area, nurses have the potential to earn competitive pay while gaining valuable experience in a variety of healthcare settings.

So why wait? Pick up a PRN RN job in Ames with Nursa today and start reaping the benefits!