Key Takeaways
PRNs are part-time nurses who fill in when facilities need coverage for nurses on leave or experience high demand.
PRN positions offer greater independence and more flexibility than most traditional nursing jobs.
PRN nurses make their own schedules and only take on shifts when they are ready to work.
PRN is an acronym for the Latin term “pro re nata,” which means “as the situation demands,” or “as needed.” PRN nurses are fully licensed professionals who have a degree in nursing but want to work on call instead of as full-time employees. Wondering how to become a PRN? Read on for the pros, cons, and essential details about this type of nursing.
What Is a PRN?
PRN nurses may work a single shift or may work a variety of shifts, filling in for nurses on vacation or in times of high need.
Graduates of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program are well prepared for a variety of nursing opportunities; however, not everyone needs or wants a full-time position. Perhaps you have a family to care for and limited help with childcare. Or you like to try new things, meet new people, and work in a variety of different healthcare environments.
The good news is that you can still pursue a nursing career even if you are not interested in a full-time position. Instead, consider taking on a role as a PRN nurse, filling in at healthcare facilities that need temporary help.
How to Become a PRN
To become a PRN nurse, you must be a licensed registered nurse. The first step is to complete an approved nursing diploma, ADN, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program.
Graduates must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which takes about five hours and allows future nurses to put their real-time clinical thinking skills to the test. After passing the NCLEX-RN, aspiring nurses need to apply for licensure with their state’s board of nursing.
Most employers require their PRN nurses to have at least a year of experience working in a traditional nursing role. As-needed staff members are expected to be able to step into fast-paced environments without much orientation or onboarding, so prior experience in the field is critical.
Nurses can look for PRN positions through hospital job boards, specialized staffing platforms, or temporary staffing agencies.
Why Consider Becoming a PRN?
Becoming a PRN offers nurses many benefits, including independence and flexibility, which are particularly important to nurses who want to stay active in the profession while managing their other responsibilities. But it is not a path for everyone, and it does have drawbacks.
Pros of Becoming a PRN
What is a PRN nurse’s most valuable benefit? Flexibility. If you need to set your own schedule, becoming a PRN nurse is a great way to do so. You will have the flexibility to work the shifts that you choose to take and reject shifts that do not fit your needs. This flexibility allows you to work around your family's schedule, and can be ideal for nurses who are changing careers or have other responsibilities to balance.
Becoming a PRN can also mean having a higher earning potential. Pay rates are often higher for part-time, short notice work, and as a PRN nurse you will have the opportunity to pick up last-minute shifts if your calendar opens up, which is not always an option for nurses with a dedicated schedule.
PRN nurses often work in different areas of a hospital, which allows you to cross-train and gain experience in multiple specialties. As a result, if you enjoy learning or want to add new experiences to your resume, it can be an excellent way to accomplish this goal.
Becoming a PRN also allows you to stay active in your career, pursue a growing healthcare role, and keep your license current, even if you do not have the ability or desire to work full time.
Cons of Becoming a PRN
If you are the primary breadwinner in your home and need a stable income, PRN roles may not be the right fit for you. Hours are not guaranteed for PRNs. Work schedules are often created in advance, and PRN nurses can be sent home if the shift is light and they are not needed, resulting in a loss of hours and pay. Additionally, PRN nurses typically do not get benefits, such as healthcare insurance or retirement plans.
A less tangible drawback is that you may not form friendships with other members of the staff, since you will not be consistently assigned to the same floor or department. It can also be difficult to quickly learn the new protocols of each department you enter.
Become a PRN, and Take Control of Your Career
Whether you are already a registered nurse or are just beginning to consider nursing and how to become a PRN, this kind of nursing career puts you in charge of your schedule and offers flexibility and independence.
If you are ready to pursue a rewarding future in healthcare as a nurse, explore St. Paul’s School of Nursing’s Associate Degree in Nursing program. The holistic program is offered at our Staten Island and Queens campuses and can be completed in as little as 20 months. Contact us for more information, or call us today at (855) 822-3018 and speak to one of our career counselors.
Recommended Readings
What Does It Take to Get Into a Two-Year Nursing Program in New York City?
5 RN Specialties You Can Pursue With an Associate Degree
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