What Does PRN Mean? The Benefits of PRN Nursing Explained

Dec 3, 2024

You’ve heard of full-time and part-time nursing, but what about PRN? If you’ve ever seen ‘PRN’ on a job posting or prescription bottle and wondered what it really means, you’re not alone. In the medical world, PRN is more than just a term—it’s a flexible career path that many nurses swear by, offering the freedom to choose your own hours. But is it the right fit for you?

What Does PRN Mean in Medical Terms?

First things first – let’s decode the abbreviation. “PRN” stands for “pro re nata,” a Latin phrase meaning “as needed” or “as the situation arises.” In the healthcare industry, working Per Diem refers to a type of employment where nursing professionals work on an as-needed basis, typically stepping in to cover shifts or fill gaps in staffing.

What’s it Like Working PRN Shifts in Healthcare?

A lot of nurses switch to working per diem shifts because it allows them to create their schedules. Nurses who work with PRN agencies tend to make more money than staff nurses and experience a better work-life balance.

Flexibility at its Finest

One of the greatest advantages of working PRN in the healthcare industry is the unmatched flexibility it offers. It allows healthcare professionals to choose when and how often they work, giving them greater control over their schedules. Nurses have the freedom to prioritize personal commitments, pursue further education, or explore other interests without being tied down to a rigid work routine.

More Growth Opportunities

Unlike full-time roles that can get routine, per diem exposes you to different settings. One day you could be in a fast-paced emergency room, the next in a calming hospice environment. This keeps things interesting and challenges you to adapt your approach.

Hospitals have various departments, from pediatrics to cardiology. As a per diem worker, you can choose shifts in areas that pique your curiosity which broadens your knowledge base and may spark an interest in a specialty you weren’t interested in.

When you work in different facilities, you encounter different equipment, protocols, and patients. This hones your ability to handle diverse situations and makes you a more resourceful healthcare provider.

Each setting throws unique challenges your way. In a clinic, you might focus on preventative care, while long-term care involves understanding chronic conditions. This exposure equips you with a wider range of skills to tackle various healthcare scenarios.

When you return to a full-time job search, your per diem experience showcases your adaptability, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn. It demonstrates you’re a well-rounded provider who is comfortable in different environments.

Escape the Burnout Trap

burned out nurse thinking about switching to PRN shifts

The healthcare industry is notorious for demanding work schedules and high-stress environments, which often leads to employee burnout. Working Per Diem can be a breath of fresh air for anyone seeking a change of pace. With the ability to set your hours, PRN employment can help mitigate burnout risks and improve overall job satisfaction.

It also allows you to have a work-life balance that works for you. When you work per diem you can switch your schedule every week which gives you the ability to attend all of your commitments while allowing yourself the time you need to rest.

Nurses Who Work PRN Jobs Make More Money

While PRN work may not provide the stability of full-time employment, it does come with some financial perks. Per diem workers usually earn higher hourly rates compared to their full-time counterparts. Additionally, working PRN can provide an opportunity to supplement income for those already employed full-time, allowing them to save for specific goals or pay off debts more quickly.


Pro tip: You can work full-time hours as a Per diem employee. If that is what you are looking for, keep your availability open!

Can New Nurses Work PRN?

While Per diem nursing offers more flexibility, there may be better options for recent graduates. Most facilities prefer experienced nurses for these roles since PRN nurses have to quickly adapt to different settings without in-depth orientation or supervision. However, new nurses can still pursue work in this field if they have prior clinical experience, or by starting off with a full-time role to build foundational skills before transitioning into PRN nursing.

How Do You Find PRN Jobs?

The right job-hunting strategy gets you access to the best nursing opportunities. Agencies like Cascade Health Services always have open per diem jobs across different facilities, but it’s also smart to look at multiple places.

Where to Look for Jobs:

Benefits of Being a PRN Nurse

There are a lot of advantages for nurses who work for per diem agencies. Here are a few of the main benefits:

Reduced Burnout

Nursing is a challenging and rewarding career, but the intensity of the work can sometimes lead to stress or burnout.

Working on a Per diem basis allows nurses to manage their workload and minimize exhaustion, creating a healthier and more sustainable approach to the profession.

Enhanced Flexibility

In these roles, you have the freedom to design your work schedule around your life. Whether it’s planning vacations, avoiding weekend shifts, or selecting hours that align with your personal preferences, PRN nursing offers more flexibility. This makes it particularly appealing for those balancing multiple responsibilities, such as parenting, caregiving, or continuing education. Per diem jobs provide a more flexible alternative to traditional nursing positions.

Improved Work-Life Balance

If you find work taking over your personal time, you can easily adjust your commitments to focus on your well-being and priorities. This level of control allows PRN nurses to maintain a fulfilling career while dedicating time to family, hobbies, or self-care.

Increased Earning Potential

Per diem nurses often enjoy higher hourly wages compared to staff positions, especially when covering high-demand shifts like weekends or holidays. Many facilities also offer opportunities for additional assignments, providing the chance to boost earnings further. This makes PRN nursing a financially attractive option for those looking to maximize their income.

PRN Nurse FAQs

Is a PRN Position Worth It?

Absolutely! Working as a Per diem nurse allows you to earn competitive pay while enjoying a flexible schedule and excellent work-life balance. We asked some of our nurses why they loved working these kinds of shifts, and the overall theme was a love for flexibility.

Do PRN Nurses Choose Their Shifts?

Yes, per diem nurses have the flexibility to select shifts based on their availability. You can choose to accept or decline shifts as needed. Typically, the process works like this:

  1. Nurses provide their availability to the agency.
  2. The agency alerts them of shifts that match their availability.
  3. Nurses decide if they want to pick up the shift or not.

This setup offers the freedom to work full-time without being tied to a fixed weekly schedule, making it an ideal option for those seeking flexibility.

How does a PRN nursing schedule work?

Agency PRN nurses don’t have a set schedule, instead, they fill in at healthcare facilities experiencing a staffing shortage. They have a lot more flexibility since they don’t have to pick up any shifts. When you work per diem, you can make your schedule on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. I recommend sticking with daily or weekly because shifts and your availability can change.

Some nurses will work “on call” which just means they need to keep themselves available during pre-determined times in case.

If you work PRN through a facility, you will most likely get your schedule every week when a healthcare facility has shifts to fill in your role.

Advice from a PRN nurse

Insights From PRN Nurses

We interviewed one of our PRN nurses and asked her what it is like working as a PRN nurse. Here’s what she had to say:

What Tips Would You Share For Managing Stress as a Per Diem Nurse?

“Stress is definitely part of the job, but I’ve found a few things that help. Staying organized is a big one—having a small notebook or using an app to jot down key details during shifts keeps me on track. I also make self-care a priority.”

What Has Been Your Experience Working With W-2 Agencies Versus 1099 Contracts?

“Honestly, I’ve had a much smoother experience working with W-2 agencies. They take care of taxes, offer benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, and give me a sense of security. When I tried 1099 contracts, the pay was higher per hour, but I had to manage taxes myself, and there were no benefits or protections. It works for some people, but for me, the W-2 route feels more stable.”

Remember, that W-2 agencies can also offer contracts, but they are different than a 1099 contractor. In the W-2 PRN nursing world, we use contracted shifts as a way to guarantee hours to nurses.

Related Read: Do PRN Nurses Get Benefits?

What Advice Would You Give to Someone Considering PRN Work for the First Time?

“I’d say to work with a good staffing agency—they make a world of difference by finding shifts and advocating for you. Be adaptable, because every facility is different, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help when you’re unsure. Most importantly, know your limits and don’t overcommit. The flexibility of PRN nursing is a huge perk, but it only works if you protect your time and energy.”

Keep in Mind

While the PRN arrangement may sound ideal, it is essential to consider a few potential challenges. If you go the 1099 route fluctuating income and a lack of benefits, such as healthcare coverage or retirement plans, are common downsides. Nurses who use “gig apps” receive little to no support or communication from the app owners, and are required to keep all of their credentials up to date on their own.

Nurses who work for W2 PRN agencies receive more support because they are considered employees. Full-time nurses can receive benefits, get support from staffing managers, have an HR team help them with credentials, and staffing managers can help find them a new shift if they get canceled.

Working Per Diem in the healthcare industry provides professionals with a unique and flexible career path. It offers the freedom to tailor one’s schedule and explore various clinical settings, all while providing the opportunity to avoid burnout and potentially earn higher wages. However, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks before diving into this employment arrangement. Whether you are a seasoned healthcare professional or just starting your career, working Per diem might be the right choice for a more balanced and fulfilling professional life.

What we do

Allied Healthcare & Nurse Staffing Services

Founded in 1988, Cascade Health Services is a leading healthcare and nurse staffing agency in the United States. More than 2,500 nurses, nurse aides and allied health professionals work with Cascade across the nation. We are hiring RN, LPN, LVN, CNA, CMA, CMT and other healthcare professionals for immediate Travel, Contract and PRN jobs in Nursing Homes, Long Term Care Centers, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living, Rehabilitation Centers and Hospitals.