Tired of rigid schedules? PRN nursing jobs (short for the Latin term pro re nata, meaning “as needed”) are positions where you work on an on-demand or fill-in basis rather than a fixed, full-time or part-time schedule. This means you’re typically called in to cover staffing gaps — such as employee absences or a high influx of patients during a busy season. And with nursing shortages stretching healthcare systems to their limits, there is no shortage of per diem opportunities.
Ready to explore per diem nursing jobs? From acute care hospitals to outpatient centers, rehabilitative care facilities, and home health agencies, PRN roles are great for nurses who value freedom and variety. Let’s break down how it all works — and where to find quality opportunities.
What Are PRN Nursing Jobs?
PRN nurse jobs are flexible work opportunities that allow you to pick up shifts based on your availability and the needs of a healthcare facility.
Key features of PRN jobs include:
- No guaranteed hours or consistent schedule
- Flexible shift selection — you often choose when to work
- Often, higher hourly pay to make up for fewer benefits
- Usually, limited or no benefits compared to full-time positions
Per Diem Nursing Specialties
While medical-surgical nursing accounts for over 41% of per diem jobs worldwide, you can still find PRN roles in many different specialties. Whether you want to add the fast-paced energy of acute care or the more laid-back rhythm of residential care to your work life, there are opportunities waiting for you.
Here’s a snapshot of specialties that commonly offer PRN positions:
Perks of Nursing Per Diem Jobs
PRN jobs offer unique advantages that make them an appealing option for many nurses. Some key benefits of this type of work include:
Ability to Choose to Work When You Want
One of the significant benefits of having a per diem nursing job is the control you have over your schedule. If a shift conflicts with other things in your life, you have the option to decline it. Let’s say you have a family to care for or you’re currently in school — you don’t have to bend over backwards to accommodate a shift that’s been assigned to you, since you’re not contractually obliged to fill it.
Ability to Choose to Work Where You Want
Per diem nursing shifts keep your work life interesting. They give you the chance to explore new facilities or float across different units within the same hospital, building diverse experience for your nursing resume and cover letter. On top of that, these varied experiences give you real examples to draw from when answering nursing interview questions, helping you stand out to potential employers.
Enjoy a Higher Income Potential
Want to maximize your salary as a nurse? Per diem jobs often pay more than the national or regional average. Check out the average earnings for various levels of nursing:
Looking for the most up-to-date information about the typical PRN nursing job’s salary? Check out Credenza’s job board to see what employers are offering right now:
What to Look for in PRN Jobs
How do you choose the best PRN opportunities in nursing? Per diem jobs should match your skills, schedule preferences, and career goals, while offering a supportive work environment and fair compensation.
Here are key factors to consider when selecting a job:
- Facility and shift options: Choose locations and hours that fit your lifestyle.
- Pay structure: Check whether pay is daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Benefits eligibility: Understand what benefits are available.
- Scheduling tools: See if there’s an app to track your shifts and payments.
- Extra earning opportunities: Consider overtime, holiday, travel, or hazard work opportunities, as they often pay more.
- Professional growth: Look for access to continuing education and professional growth opportunities.
Find PRN Nursing Jobs That Work for You
Looking for good-paying per diem nurse jobs? Credenza can match you with the latest nursing shifts in your specialty area and preferred facility type. Get started today.
