What does PRN mean in jobs?

Well, have you heard of jobs that don’t require you to work on a day-to-day basis? But, when the demand arises, you have to work hard and stay available at work. PRN is that type of job.

The word comes from a Latin term, which I have discussed in detail in the following sections. Yes, you have to work on demand, and the rest of the time, you have no work to do. There are both perks and problems to these jobs.

Most PRN jobs are associated with the nursing or healthcare sectors. Hospitals around the world employ lots of people on a PRN basis.

Keep reading to learn more about PRN and the types of jobs under PRN.

What Does PRN Mean In Jobs? 

So, are you looking for a full-time job in the healthcare sector? If yes, you can go for the PRN jobs. This will help you take your first step into a healthcare sector job. But what do the PRN jobs mean? Well, it is derived from a Latin term called “pro re nata.”

The meaning of this term is “as the situation demands.” PRN jobs require you on the job when the situation is dire, and they need you. Of course, there is a lot of time off because you may not be required for the work all the time.

That is the exact reason why it is pretty difficult to build your life and your budget around these jobs. Well, are you interested in a career in this sector? If yes, follow along to learn more about what are PRN jobs.

Different Types Of PRN Jobs 

In the hospital sector, working in the pool or per diem is similar to working in PRN. The healthcare sector cannot stop itself or close the door to people in need. When emergencies like COVID-19 break out, they will need extra hands to help the workforce. Most hospitals need backup doctors, nurses, technicians, and similar other ancillary professionals.

The healthcare sector will always need ancillary staff and members to work if the permanent workers are on vacation or are sick.

As a PRN employee, one has to commit to a specific hour or time in a month. If you are working as a PRN nurse, you have to commit to a specific time in the month should one of the team members be sick or on leave. Of course, you will get a certain number of hours or time in a month. However, you must be flexible with your shift.

How Does One Become A PRN Nurse

So, now that you know what PRN means in nursing jobs, let’s help you understand what steps you will need to build your career as a PRN nurse –

1. Obtain Your Degree

First, you have to obtain a nursing degree. You can either go for a nursing associate’s degree or look for a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The first option should take around two years to complete with nursing studies and general coursework. However, a bachelor’s degree also stretches that to four years with some clinical experience.

However, if you don’t want to go for either a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, it is fine. Instead, you can go for a diploma, which should take around three years to complete.

These courses give students a practical environment in a hospital or in a healthcare center. They have a more hands-on approach to dealing with patients, learn practical ways of dealing with patients and more.

2. Gain Licensure

Upon completing a nursing education program and earning a degree, individuals are required to acquire a license to practice nursing professionally. The criteria for obtaining this license differ across states and depend on the specific nursing specialization chosen by the individual.

To become a PRN (as-needed) nurse, one must undergo the National Certification Licensure Exam to attain the status of a registered nurse (RN). Following that, a minimum of one year’s experience working as an RN is necessary before transitioning to a PRN nursing role.

3. Find PRN Nursing Opportunities

When willing to work as a PRN nurse, aspirants usually have two choices. One option is to join a temporary nurse pool at a hospital. This means you’re on a list the hospital can call when they need extra nurses. Another option is to look for opportunities through a medical staffing agency.

The agency can connect you with nursing roles, but they might have specific requirements for your credentials or skills. PRN nurses usually handle various nursing tasks, though some employers might prefer nurses with certain specialties.

If you go through an agency, you might get extra benefits like bonuses, insurance, and retirement plans. However, if you work directly with a hospital’s staffing pool, it can provide more stability. This is because agencies can have PRN nurses operating at different hospitals or facilities.

Advantages & Disadvantages Of Working As PRN Nurses

There are both rewards and risks of doing any type of job. PRN jobs are no exceptions. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of doing PRN jobs.

Advantages Of PRN Nursing Jobs

Flexible Assignment Choice: PRN nurses have the power to choose their assignments. They can decline shifts that don’t fit their schedule or preferences, providing a level of flexibility not often found in traditional nursing roles.

Seasonal Work Opportunities: PRN nurses can take advantage of seasonal work demands. During events like pandemics or nurses’ strikes, hospitals may require additional staff, presenting PRN nurses with opportunities to earn extra income during high-demand periods.

Higher Hourly Pay: PRN nurses typically receive higher hourly pay compared to regular registered nurses. This is because they don’t receive benefits and are not tied to set working hours. The pay rates vary across different states.

Self-Managed Schedule: PRN nurses can create their own schedules, deciding which days they want to work. This autonomy allows them to balance their personal and professional lives according to their preferences.

Diverse Learning Opportunities: PRN nurses have more chances for learning and skill development compared to regular registered nurses. They can easily switch between different specialties, gaining experience in various medical settings.

Flexible Work Hours: PRN nurses aren’t bound to a 40-hour workweek. They can choose when to work, allowing them to overwork during busy periods, such as flu seasons or holidays, and then take breaks as needed.

Active License After Retirement: Working as a PRN nurse post-retirement helps maintain an active license and keeps skills fresh. It also provides an opportunity to explore different areas and specialties, allowing nurses to pursue their hobbies and passions.

Disadvantages Of PRN Nursing Jobs

Last-Minute Calls and Sent-Home Scenarios: PRN nurses may be called in at the last minute and sent home if regular staff nurses become available. This unpredictability can be challenging for those seeking more stable work schedules.

Lack of Government or Agency Benefits: Unlike regular staff nurses, PRN nurses don’t benefit from government or agency perks. They miss out on benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.

Varied Medical Situations: PRN nurses must adapt to various medical situations with different presentations and management. This requires flexibility and the ability to quickly adjust to diverse healthcare settings.

Before choosing a PRN nursing role, individuals should weigh these pros and cons to determine if the flexibility and opportunities align with their personal and professional preferences.

Final Words

The type of job you want to do or end up getting employed at affects your lifestyle (most desirably, for the better). While some people want to do a nine-to-five conventional day job, some would rather have a flexible job opportunity. If you are among the second type, then PRN jobs might be what you are looking for. PRN nursing jobs can be a great way to find flexible work schedules and live the life you are hoping to live.

What does PRN mean in jobs? Hopefully, you have found the answer to your question. Thank you for reading.

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