Nurse Tips: Is Per Diem or PRN Right for You?

Many nurses across different specialties are increasingly drawn to per diem positions. The global per diem nursing staffing market is expected to grow by 5.4% by the year 2030, which shows the popularity and stability of this flexible nursing career option. While there are many benefits of per diem and PRN nursing jobs, there are also some drawbacks to consider as well.

Read on to understand more about the structure of PRN and per diem nursing opportunities, and to learn if this type of position might be a good fit for you as a nurse. 

PRN and Per Diem: What’s the Difference?

The terms PRN and per diem are sometimes used interchangeably to refer to a position that works as needed, but there are distinct differences between the two types of positions. When considering these types of opportunities, it’s important to know the specifics and determine which might be a better fit for your situation. PRN and per diem positions are both great ways to gain new experience as a nurse or achieve more professional flexibility.

What is PRN Nursing?

The term PRN is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase “pro re nata,” which translates to “as needed.” This means that this type of nursing position only works when needed — extra support during a busy season, filling in for staffing shortages, or filling a temporary position that is not a regular need for a facility. Many healthcare settings have nurse-to-patient ratio requirements, and meeting those requirements sometimes means filling in staffing gaps with PRN nurses. 

A PRN position is guaranteed a certain number of hours or shifts, but they have limited flexibility in choosing what those hours are. They also only work for a single medical facility, rather than floating between multiple locations. They can sometimes receive workplace benefits. PRN nurses can also be float pool nurses.

What is Per Diem Nursing?

Per diem is also a Latin term and translates to “per day.” This means that per diem nurses work on a day-to-day basis, and they’re paid for the days they work with no contract for part- or full-time. They have more flexibility regarding both hours and facilities, as they choose their schedules and can work at multiple locations. This flexibility comes with fewer promises — they aren’t guaranteed shifts, hours, or benefits. They are also not direct employees of their facilities.

Types of Facilities

Many types of healthcare settings offer PRN and per diem positions. You can often find temporary nursing positions in these facilities and others:

• Hospitals
• Home Health Settings
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Long-Term Care Facilities
• Outpatient Clinics

The Advantages of Per Diem and PRN Positions

There are many advantages to per diem and PRN positions. While some of the benefits below are widely associated with these temporary positions, others aren’t talked about as often. Read on to learn about a few of the top benefits of PRN and per diem positions.

1. Higher Pay: Coming in for last-minute shifts or covering for staffing shortages often means top pay. These positions usually cover holidays or peak times, which means another potential increase in what you can earn. The average annual salary for a per diem nurse is just over $94,000.
2. More Flexibility: Many full-time or part-time nurses consider per diem work when they begin to feel burned out by their schedule. Working per diem allows professionals to own their schedules and fit their careers around their lifestyles. Sometimes nurses want to increase their hours rather than slow down, and per diem opportunities are a great fit for that as well. 
3. Learning Opportunities: Experiencing per diem shifts at different facilities will sometimes help you gauge if that setting is a good fit for you. These shifts can be a test drive to see if would consider working long-term or full-time there. You can also work per diem shifts to learn if certain specialties are where you want to focus your career. Working in various facilities is also a great way to add valuable, broad experience to your résumé. 
4. New Contacts: Working different shifts as needed will significantly expand your professional network. These new contacts could be beneficial when searching for career positions in the future. They can also be great professional connections as you specialize or shift gears in your nursing career.
5. Local and Travel: As a per diem nurse, you can work when and where you choose. You can even plan your life around travel nursing opportunities that are per diem. This flexibility allows you to build your schedule with local experience or travel opportunities, or even fit both into your routine. 

Considerations for Per Diem and PRN Jobs

While the pros of PRN and per diem nursing often outweigh the cons, there are some drawbacks to be aware of when considering this type of position. Some of these include:

1. Benefits: Higher pay doesn’t necessarily mean a higher bottom line. Sometimes the benefits you’re missing from not being a full-time employee are costing more than you realize. Certain jobs are not eligible for health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation time, etc. Paying for these things out of your own pocket should be factored into your budget when considering per diem positions.
2. Patient Relationships: Patient relationships will look different when there is no follow-up time to build them. You’ll need to consider if that drop in continuity of care due to short-term patient relationships is something you want.
3. Adaptability: While there is freedom in changing locations often, that also comes with a constant lack of familiarity with processes and people. This requires a high degree of flexibility and an ability to adapt constantly. Starting a new job can be draining, and per diem and PRN jobs can sometimes prolong that feeling. If you prefer structure and routine, a part- or full-time job may be a better fit for you.

Find the Right Position at SHC

The demand for per diem and PRN nurses will continue to grow in the future. Supplemental Health Care (SHC) can help nurses find the right fit with dedicated recruiters to support them every step of the way. Contact us today and a staffing specialist will reach out to you directly!