How to Fill Staff Shortages and Save Money

What should healthcare facilities do to get the workers they need and save money? One solution is to hire a PRN nurse. With PRN nurses, you can immediately help fill staff shortages with experienced healthcare professionals, including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs).

What Is PRN?

PRN is flexible shift work that isn’t tied to working a specific number of hours each week and offers the benefit of extra flexibility that a traditional, full-time 40-hour-per-week job may not offer.

PRN (Pro Re Nata) Meaning

PRN is the acronym for the Latin term "pro re nata." Pro re nata means "as needed" or "as the need arises." In a work setting, PRN means an individual is called upon to work when needed, typically for a few hours of flexible shift work. Some employers may offer PRN roles in some cases, but many PRN workers aren’t hired directly—instead they are often contracted through a staffing agency.

How Many Hours Can PRNs Work?

PRN work is not defined by the number of hours worked, so PRN nurses can work as many hours as they would like by picking up shifts. PRN nurses could work just two hours one week, then 50 in the next week if they want to.

Pay Rates and Compensation

The pay rates for PRN nursing jobs will fluctuate. The factors that may influence pay rate fluctuations are the following:

· Demand: Is there a higher or lower demand for PRN nurses and nursing assistants?

· Urgency: Is the PRN nursing job to cover a last-minute call-off?

· Setting: In what unit or facility type is the PRN shift? Is a specialization required?

· Location: Is the PRN nursing job in rural, suburban, or urban areas?

Benefits

PRN nurses who pick up shifts do not receive any employment benefits. This means PRN employees will be solely responsible for common benefits offered by traditional full-time employment.

Commitment and Autonomy

PRN nurses and nursing assistants have full autonomy to decide how often they work. When a nurse is accepted for a PRN shift, they are committed only to working that shift; there is no expectation for them to work additional hours or shifts. It is entirely up to the PRN clinician whether or not they pick up additional shifts.

Will PRN Nurses Work for You?

If you're interested in learning more about utilizing PRNs in your facility, give us a call. We’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how PRNs can support your team and fill those challenging positions when you need it most.