Everything You Need to Know about PRN RN Jobs
Are you a registered nurse (RN), or do you want to become one? Do you have a lot of questions about this profession? Learn about different aspects of this profession and look for jobs that recognize your value, including PRN RN jobs.
What Is an RN? What Does an RN Do?
A registered nurse or RN is a healthcare professional certified to practice nursing in various settings. RNs coordinate patient care. In addition, they provide education about various health conditions. Overall, their responsibilities include the following:
- Assessing each patient's condition
- Collecting medical histories
- Recording information needed for follow-up care and treatment
- Administering established medications and treatments
- Contributing to each patient's plan
- Consulting with the rest of the medical team about the wellbeing and treatment of each patient
- Providing support with diagnostic tests
- Educating patients and their families about their illnesses and how to prevent them
- Operating diverse medical equipment
Registered nurses also provide direct patient care or ensure the patient receives the necessary care. In general, their role is critical to most healthcare facilities.
What Is a Typical Schedule for RNs?
Registered nurses have different schedules depending on where they work. For example, some widespread shifts for RNs include 12-hour, 10-hour, and eight-hour shifts.
It is also possible to work full-time or part-time, day shifts or night shifts. However, RNs may get better pay when they work night shifts or on holidays.
Additionally, it is possible to work on call, meaning nurses work when needed. Furthermore, nurses can work per diem or PRN shifts for better pay, picking up shifts when both the shifts and the nurses are available.
In general, nurses' schedules vary widely and depend on the preferences of the nurses, the facilities where they work, and the requirements of their jobs.
Where Can I Find a Nursing Job?
Registered nurses work in different settings and facilities. For example, they may work in all of the following:
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Private practices
- Schools
- Home healthcare
- Long-term care facilities
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Healthcare centers
Although the most commonly heard of are RN hospital jobs, registered nurses can work in a wide array of facilities. For example, there is a steady growth of jobs in long-term care areas for RNs. Generally, a registered nurse can work wherever there is a need for healthcare, health prevention, or health education. RNs can also work in non-bedside nursing jobs, as shown below.
How Much Does an RN Earn?
RNs' salaries vary greatly depending on many factors. For example, years of experience can affect salary. Other factors include certifications and additional education, type of community (rural, suburban, urban), gender, and supplemental income.
However, most of these factors do not affect compensation for PRN jobs. RNs who take on extra shifts or work PRN full time can earn higher wages.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median RN salary is $86,070. However, this wage varies widely. It is essential to note that it is above the minimum wage for the United States. Visit this page for detailed information on the salary of an RN.
How Can I Become an RN?
To become a registered nurse, applicants must follow a series of steps:
- Complete an accredited program: This program can be an ADN (associate degree in nursing, which lasts two to three years) or a BSN (bachelor of science in nursing, which usually lasts four years). Additionally, candidates can complete RN programs while working as CNAs (certified nursing assistants) or LPNs (licensed practical nurses).
- Pass an exam: The NCLEX-RN exam proves that registered nurses have the knowledge and training to practice nursing.
- Obtain licensure: Once candidates complete the above steps and meet other state-specific requirements, they can become licensed in their state. Learn about licenses that serve more than one state or compact state licenses.
A nursing professional's education generally comprises a program that covers courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, and social behavioral sciences, as well as practical knowledge of patient care.
RNs can continue their education at any point in their careers, usually to specialize while gaining experience.
What Is the Job Outlook for RNs?
The job outlook for registered nurses is continuously rising due to increased demand nationally and internationally. Overall, the BLS estimates that there will be a 6 percent growth by 2033 in the United States.
Some factors contributing to the increased need for nurses are the aging population, the increased demand for healthcare, the diversification of nursing jobs, and the shortage of nurses.
There are diverse settings for registered nurses, and advanced practices are opening up more opportunities for RNs. Furthermore, new policies give RNs access to more varied job opportunities.
Can I Continue My Education as a Licensed RN?
Of course, you can! In general, it is an excellent bonus for RNs to continue their education, thus enhancing their professional skills.
In most states, RNs must pursue continuing education. This education includes conferences, workshops, seminars, online courses, and special training programs.
Continuing education benefits include career advancement, better wages, and improving the care that RNs provide to patients.
What Are Some RNs Specializations?
Specializing as RNs is a great idea, as it allows RNs to focus on specific care areas while improving their chances of getting better pay. Some high-paid specializations include the following:
- Telemetry Registered Nurse
- Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) Registered Nurse
- Neonatal Registered Nurse
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurse
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Registered Nurse
- Emergency Room (ER) Registered Nurse
- Oncology Registered Nurse
- Urgent Care Registered Nurse
- Surgical Registered Nurse
Many RNs decide to pursue specialization for wage benefits, although other reasons include intellectual challenges, opportunities for new tasks, and new areas of responsibility.
Specialization offers enormous benefits to patients, nurses, and facilities, as RNs have greater expertise in treating patients.
What Are Some BSN Nursing Jobs without Patient Contact?
Registered nurses who have BSNs may work in non-bedside nursing jobs, such as the following:
- Nursing Informatics
- Public Health Nurse
- Legal Nurse Consultant
- Nurse Educator
- Healthcare Risk Manager
- Utilization Review Nurse
- Nursing Administrator
- Nurse Writer
- Pharmaceutical or Medical Device Research or Sales
- Health Coach
Registered nurses can advance in these careers and create new fields of innovation unrelated to direct patient care. Many RNs find opportunities through these jobs that keep them active in nursing without necessarily working in patient care.
What Credentials Can Be Useful for an RN?
Registered nurses can access many credentials. Some are necessary for daily work, and others are recommended to improve patient care. Some useful credentials include these:
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- RN Resume
- Fit-to-Work Statement
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Vaccinations
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
Nursing credentials open up more job opportunities. In turn, this can help RNs earn more money. Additionally, RNs can find areas of interest to them to develop their credentials. Learn more about popular nursing credentials here.
How Can I Get a Nursing Job with No Experience?
Facilities are always looking for good nurses.
There are many possibilities for registered nurses to get jobs, with or without experience. Digital platforms are excellent ways to find jobs. One advantage of digital platforms is that registered nurses can use filters to search for jobs in their area.
Many RNs seek PRN jobs. These jobs allow RNs to choose their own hours and generally have higher pay. The main advantage of PRN registered nurse jobs is that experience is not always required, although having experience can help RNs get jobs faster.
Looking for “PRN RN jobs near me”? Browse Nursa for high-paying PRN shifts near you.
What Are Some Challenges of Working PRN?
PRN jobs have some advantages and disadvantages for registered nurses. Some challenges of working PRN shifts as an RN include these:
- No benefits: PRN jobs do not provide benefits as internal staff positions do.
- Constantly working in different environments: For some RNs, it can be exhausting to change environments too often. The change in environment can also affect relationships with colleagues.
- Fluctuating income: With adequate organization, registered nurses can get enough work to earn a stable income. However, if they choose to spend a lot of downtime or are disorganized, their income may not be steady.
Although there are some disadvantages, many registered nurses are switching to per diem jobs, especially because they offer the possibility of earning more.
What Are the Greatest Advantages of Per Diem for RNs?
Per diem RN jobs also have several advantages, which is why an increasing number of professionals are picking up these shifts.
Some advantages include these:
- Higher pay: PRN jobs tend to have higher hourly pay, making them worthwhile for registered nurses.
- Flexibility: Registered nurses can choose their own schedules, giving them more flexibility.
- Variety of work environments: Work environments vary greatly when working PRN jobs.
- Skill development: Constantly changing work environments can help registered nurses develop some skills more easily, such as adaptability.
- Possibility of saying no: Registered nurses can pick up shifts when they need income. They can choose not to pick up shifts when they don't, giving them more flexibility.
- Less commitment: Registered nurses work on an as-needed basis, allowing them to have a reduced commitment to facilities.
Interestingly, disadvantages for some RNs are advantages for others. For example, constantly changing environments are an advantage for many, while they can be a disadvantage for people who like stability.
Overall, the advantages of per diem jobs for patients, nurses, and facilities outweigh the disadvantages.
Choose to Improve Your Future with Per Diem Jobs
Do you feel ready to become a per diem registered nurse? If so, join Nursa and get started. Picking up PRN shifts is certainly worth it. Create your account and start searching for jobs near you.
Sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (Registered Nurses)
- National Library of Medicine: Achieving diversity, inclusion, and equity in the nursing workforce
- National Library of Medicine: Factors affecting nurses' decision to undergo a specialist education and to choose a specialty
- National Library of Medicine: Why Some Nurses Obtain Specialty Certification and Others Do Not
