Per diem (PRN) nursing offers a unique opportunity to balance work and personal life while gaining valuable experience. In this guide, we’ll explore effective strategies for finding per diem RN jobs and building a successful career in this field.
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Finding Per Diem RN Jobs
There are a lot of easy ways to find per diem RN jobs in your area. One of the most popular ways is online job boards like Indeed and ZipRecruiter. Job boards are popular because they allow you to filter your search by location.
Another great way to find per diem RN jobs is to explore industry-specific apps like Cascade Health Services. PRN apps help registered nurses gain more power by allowing them to see open shifts near them. Nurses who use PRN apps can manage their own schedules and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
The Role of Healthcare Staffing Agencies
Partnering with a reputable staffing agency that specializes in healthcare staffing helps connect nurses to local per diem RN jobs. The bigger agencies have their own app to help nurses book shifts efficiently. But make sure you’re fully informed on the difference between 1099 gig agencies and W-2 staffing agencies.
PRN healthcare agencies have established relationships with different healthcare settings like hospitals, long-term care, rehabilitation, and mental health communities. The communities will use staffing agencies to provide supplemental staff to their location as patient numbers increase and cover callouts or vacations.
When you’re looking for a per diem RN agency, check and see if they also offer contracts or travel assignments so you can explore more options if you ever feel like taking the leap into travel nursing.
Building a Successful Per Diem Nursing Career
There are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success in per diem RN jobs. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you’re working for a PRN agency:
Professional Development
Make sure you keep your skills and knowledge up to date by getting certifications and attending continued education courses. This can help you stay competitive in the per diem job market and help you qualify for higher-paying positions.
Specializing in different roles like pediatrics, geriatrics, or critical care. Specialization opens the door to a lot of new opportunities and a lot of times, higher pay.
Networking
Per diem RN jobs are a great way to network with other nurses and industry leaders. These connections can help provide insights, referrals, and job opportunities. Make sure you build positive relationships with facility managers as well as your agency managers. By building positive relationships you’ll be at the top of your recruiter’s mind when more per diem or travel assignments are available.
Per Diem RN Jobs Offer More Flexibility
Instead of being told when you are going to work, PRN nurses have the ability to manage their schedules around what is happening in your day-to-day life. Balancing your well-being and maintaining your work-life balance is especially important for per diem nurses because their schedules can fluctuate more than staff nurses.
Like staff nurses, nurses who work for PRN agencies have to manage their workload effectively to avoid added stress and burnout. Luckily this is easy compared to staff nurses who have no control over when they will work.
Combining these strategies allows you to successfully navigate the per diem RN job market and build a fulfilling career. Remember to be proactive, network effectively, and prioritize your professional development. With dedication and perseverance, you can find the perfect per diem nursing opportunities to match your goals and lifestyle.
