What is a prn nurse?

A PRN nurse, which stands for pro re nata (Latin for "as the thing is needed"), is a healthcare professional who works on an as-needed basis. Unlike full-time or part-time nurses, PRN nurses don't have a set schedule. Their hours depend on the fluctuating staffing needs of a healthcare facility.

Here's some key information about PRN nurses:

• Flexibility: One of the biggest advantages of being a PRN nurse is the flexibility it offers. They can often choose when and where they want to work, allowing for a better work-life balance. This is also useful for managing other responsibilities or educational opportunities.

• Coverage: PRN nurses are commonly used to fill in for absent staff (due to illness, vacation, or leave), cover periods of peak patient census, or provide additional support during staff shortages.

• Pay: PRN nurses often earn a higher hourly rate than their full-time counterparts. This is to compensate for the lack of benefits, such as health insurance and paid time off, which are usually included in full-time employment packages.

• Benefits: Generally, PRN nurses do not receive benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, or health insurance from their employer. However, some agencies or facilities may offer limited benefits packages.

• Job Security: Job security can be a concern for PRN nurses, as their work availability directly depends on the demand for their services. During periods of low patient census or when the healthcare facility is adequately staffed, PRN nurses may not be called in to work.

• Requirements: The educational and licensure requirements for PRN nurses are the same as for other nurses (RN, LPN, LVN) in their respective locations. This includes holding a valid nursing license and meeting any continuing education requirements.

• Assignments: PRN nurses might work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home healthcare agencies. The specific duties of a PRN nurse depend on their job title (https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/job%20title), specialization, and the needs of the facility where they are working.

• Employment Agencies: Many PRN nurses find work through nursing agencies (https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/nursing%20agencies), which connect nurses with healthcare facilities in need of temporary staffing. Others may work directly for hospitals or healthcare systems as internal PRN staff.

• Orientation: When starting a new assignment, PRN nurses usually receive a brief orientation to familiarize themselves with the facility's policies, procedures, and patient population. However, they are expected to be proficient in their nursing skills and able to quickly adapt to different environments.

• Taxes: Since PRN nurses are often classified as independent contractors or temporary employees, they are responsible for paying their own taxes, including Social Security and Medicare taxes.

• Continuing Education: PRN nurses need to stay current with their nursing skills and knowledge by completing continuing education (https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/continuing%20education) courses and maintaining their licensure.