The healthcare industry is still facing a significant staffing challenge, and nurses have more opportunities than ever to choose a flexible schedule that fits their personal and professional goals. The most popular options are travel nursing and PRN (pro re nata or “as needed”) staffing through agencies. Both types of work offer their own unique benefits; they cater to different lifestyles, priorities, and career goals.
Let’s explore the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
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First things first, What is Travel Nursing?
In short, travel nursing is when a nurse works a short-term contract in a location that is usually far from their home base. However, there are usually travel contracts close to home, so travel nurses don’t always have to leave their homes.
Assignments usually last between 8 and 13 weeks, sometimes the facility will offer an extension which can make an assignment last longer.
Travel nurses usually work through an agency that matches their skills with facilities in need of temporary healthcare workers.
If you want to get a more in-depth walkthrough–check out our blog about travel nursing. For now, we will go over the main details:
- Guaranteed Contracts: Travel nursing contracts specify a set number of weeks and hours, which gives you some stability while you’re away from home.
- Higher Pay Packages: Travel nurses usually receive premium pay.
- Adventure and Exploration: Many travel nurses choose this path to experience new cities, cultures, and healthcare environments.
- Licensing Requirements: Travel nursing may require multiple state licenses or participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
- Commitment: Nurses must commit to the full length of the contract, which limits flexibility.
Now let’s take a look at what PRN staffing entails.
What Is PRN Staffing?
PRN staffing is usually managed through agencies and allows nurses to work on an as-needed basis. When you work as a PRN nurse, you fill gaps in healthcare facilities’ schedules, like when someone calls out, goes on vacation, or countless other reasons a facility would be short-staffed.
Once again, I already wrote an in-depth guide to PRN staffing agencies, so for this blog, we’ll focus on some of the main points:
- Flexible Scheduling: PRN nurses choose when and where they work, making it ideal for balancing work with personal commitments.
- Local Assignments: Most PRN shifts are within driving distance of your home, eliminating the need for long-term relocation.
- Competitive Hourly Rates: PRN nurses are paid hourly, with rates often higher than staff positions to account for the lack of guaranteed hours.
- No Long-Term Commitment: PRN staffing offers maximum flexibility for nurses who prefer short-term work without contracts.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Travel Nursing vs. PRN Staffing
| Feature | Travel Nursing | PRN Staffing |
| Commitment | 8-13 week contracts | Per diem shifts |
| Pay | Higher with stipends | Competitive hourly rates |
| Flexibility | Limited During Contract | High |
| Location | Nationwide, usually relocating | Local |
| Benefits | May include stipends and bonuses | Limited to hourly pay |
| Lifestyle | Great for adventure | Ideal for work-life balance |
Which Option Is Right for You?
I obviously can’t make that decision for you. However, Cascade Health Services has been in the PRN and travel nursing industry since 1988, and we’ve helped countless RNs, CNAs, LPNs, and other positions make this decision.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you enjoy traveling, and experiencing new places? If you do, that’s a point for travel nursing.
- Are you needing more flexibility to manage your busy life? Then PRN nursing is probably the better option.
- Do you need guaranteed income and benefits? Travel Nursing offers more stability. If PRN nurses work for a W-2 agency they may have access to benefits, though their hours will rarely be guaranteed.
- Do you prefer staying close to home? That’s a good argument for PRN work, however, it can’t rule it out completely. Make sure you ask the agency about any local contracts.
While we’re talking about questions we ask our nurses when we’re trying to help them decide, here are some common questions we get asked during the recruitment process.
Do PRN Nurses Get Benefits?
PRN nurses typically do not receive traditional benefits like health insurance through their employer. However, some agencies offer benefits for those working full-time hours. Learn more about PRN nurse benefits in our blog Do PRN Nurses Get Benefits?
Is PRN Nursing Less Stressful Than Travel Nursing?
Stress levels depend on personal preference and the work environment. PRN nursing offers flexibility that can reduce stress, while travel nursing’s structure can provide stability but may involve acclimating to new facilities frequently which can be stressful.
How do I find the best agency for travel nursing or PRN shifts?
Research agencies with strong reputations, transparent pay structures, and support during your assignments. Check reviews and ask for referrals from other nurses. Look for any awards the agency has won, like Cascade winning the best healthcare staffing agency in Kansas City.
Why Choose an Agency for PRN Staffing?
PRN staffing through an agency has a lot of advantages over traditional nursing. Agencies like Cascade Health Services help simplify the process. We partner with a lot of healthcare facilities so that we can provide as much work as possible to our employees.
Agencies act as a bridge between healthcare providers and nurses so that you don’t have to call around looking for work. If you want to know the specifics of how nurse staffing agencies work, check out our blog.
Which Direction Will You Go?
Travel nursing and PRN staffing offer exciting opportunities for nurses to grow their careers while maintaining control over their schedules. By understanding the differences, you can choose the path that aligns with your professional goals and personal priorities. Whether you’re ready to explore the country or prefer to stay local with flexible PRN shifts, Cascade Health Services is here to help you succeed.
