What is PRN Nursing & Is It Right For You?

PRN is one of the most commonly used terms in nursing. It comes from the Latin phrase ‘pro re nata,’ which means as needed. We all know that PRN medications are only administered when a patient’s status meets the order requirements. PRN nursing is similar; it simply means “as needed” nursing. 

What is PRN Nursing?

PRN nursing, also called per diem nursing, is a type of employment status. Nurses employed as PRNs are fully licensed nursing professionals who perform all the same duties as those employed full-time or part-time. 

The difference is in how they are scheduled. PRN nurses only work when the clinic, unit, or hospital needs help; they aren’t guaranteed hours. They also are usually the first to be canceled.  

What Are the Pros & Cons of PRN Nursing?

Pros

PRN nursing is a great way to get or get your foot in the door if there isn’t a full-time position available or keep your foot in the door if you need schedule flexibility related to other factors. You’ll often hear about nurses ‘going PRN’ while they attend advanced degree programs.

Schedule flexibility is one of the biggest perks of PRN nursing. You tell your employer when you are available, making this an excellent choice for students or those with unpredictable or demanding schedules outside the hospital walls. The employer calls you when shifts are available, and you have the option to accept or decline the offer. 

Cons

Conversely, consistent hours aren’t guaranteed. If you need a stable source of income, PRN status may not be right for you. 

Many employers offer benefits for part-time employees, including paid time off, health insurance, and retirement plans, and the employee works between 20-40 hours per week. PRN nurses will rarely see any of those benefits, especially health insurance. 

PRN Nurse vs. Registered Nurse

Nurses at all education and licensure levels can become PRN nurses. Individual employers determine the qualifications required to fill their open positions. 

Almost all healthcare facilities need extra help sometimes, so there are opportunities for licensed practical and vocational nurses (LPN/LVN), Registered Nurses (RN), and even Nurse Practitioners (NP) to fill PRN nursing positions.

How to Become a PRN Nurse

You must first complete an accredited program from a nursing school, successfully pass the NCLEX exam, and then meet the requirements for nursing licensure in your state of residence. After obtaining a nursing license, you’re free to apply for PRN roles if you meet the requirements. 

How Much Do PRN Nurses Make?

The median hourly wage for registered nurses is $41.38 per the BLS. PRN nurses may be employed on a contract basis (1099) or as employees (W-2). A per diem nurse's salary should be higher because the employer may not withhold taxes if you are 1099 and also will not get the benefits of status employees. 

If you’re an employee, PRN employment status often includes a small differential rate to make up for the fact that they only call you when needed and aren’t paying for benefits. 

The difference in PRN hourly amount reflects that the employer is not paying for your benefits.

Where Do PRN Nurses Work?

PRN nurses work in every specialty and workplace. It’s more common to hear about PRN nurses employed in acute care settings, but clinics and other outpatient services may also keep PRN staff on the payroll to help when full and part-time nurses take a vacation or call in sick. 

PRN nurses may be employed by individual healthcare organizations or through a nurse staffing agency. 

If you work for a single organization, you’ll likely work in a specific setting, such as the med-surg, ER, or NICU. You’ll have to keep up your certifications and competencies to work in that unit. 

If you work for a staffing agency, there is much more freedom. You can choose from different facilities and types of units, which may mean more consistent work. 

Day in the Life of a PRN Nurse

A day in the life of a PRN nurse is similar to that of any nurse on the same type of unit. 

• You show up at the designated time
• Accept your assignment
• Get report
• Complete all the nursing tasks required for the day 

One significant difference is that PRN nurses are more likely to be called off or sent home early if the unit is overstaffed or census drops. 

You’ll become familiar with policies and procedures if you consistently work in a single facility or unit. Agency and contract nurses who move between different settings must be flexible in learning how each area operates. 

PRN Nurse Specialties

The sky’s the limit for PRN nurse specialties. You can look for PRN opportunities in just about any nursing specialty. It can be a great opportunity to ‘get your feet wet’ in a different setting before committing full-time. 

In the hospital, there are almost always opportunities for Med-surg nurses. ER, ICU, labor and delivery are also great options because their patient census fluctuates, and PRN nurses help fill staffing gaps when patient volume is high. 

Outpatient settings also hire PRN nurses, utilizing them when employees call in sick or take vacation time. 

Is PRN Nursing Right for You?

PRN nursing may be right for you if you:

• Want or need schedule flexibility
• Want to try a new nursing specialty
• Don’t need a traditional benefits package

Being a PRN nurse can be very rewarding. You help when and where you are needed and keep control over your schedule. If you’re interested in PRN nursing, check out the Nurse.org Job Board for great opportunities in your area.