What is it Like to Work as a PRN Nurse?
Are you stuck in a rut and can’t deal with your 9 to 5? Or do you want something exciting and challenging? Or, you simply can’t seem to settle down in a place. Then, choosing to become a PRN nurse might be something that you have been searching for!
It may seem like a fascinating job. However, before deciding if it’s really something that would benefit you and your long-term goals, it’s crucial to take a glimpse of what living as a PRN nurse would look like.
And, if you are trying to find more details regarding the same. Then, don’t sweat it because this article is going to give you all the information that you need while also giving you a sneak peek of what it’s like to have a PRN CNA job.
Getting to know a PRN Nurse
PRN nurse literally means ‘as the need arises.’ This means that these professionals are hired when there’s a shortage of staff. That’s why their working hours also vary from one week to another. Alongside this, these professionals can even work as a personal nurse for older people.
These nurses have the freedom to make a choice. Some of them choose to work on a shift-by-shift basis. On the other hand, some nurses prefer to manage or plan the whole week or month’s schedule.
Getting into this profession can be a tough job to take on. You can never brush off a patient. And, you have to have an immense amount of patience level or you won’t last.
Benefits of being a PRN Nurse
Many professionals wonder why should they choose this profession and how it will help them in their careers. No worries! That’s something we are going to discuss next.
Flexibility and work-life balance: PRN nurses get to have the freedom to create schedules and work on their own terms. Meaning they actually have a say in their roles and where and when they want to work. This leads to a much better and attainable work-life balance.
No age restriction: There are many nurses around the world who are retired but don’t want to quit. Having a PRN job means you can get hired regardless of your age.
Try out new experiences: Flexibility and freedom come with fresh experiences and new workplaces. These specialists work in different units, which enhances their skill set.
Additional skills to have!
Having a basic education may seem like the only criterion. However, there are a few skill sets that can help you perform even better as a PRN nurse.
Empathy: Being a nurse automatically translates to being considerate. They have to walk in somebody else’s shoes every day and understand their pain.
Communication skills: During the whole time, a nurse has to interact with their patients to make them more comfortable. This makes communication a crucial skill to have, and it even has a major impact on hiring decisions and makes a resume stand out.
Positive attitude and attention to detail: While nursing a patient, a nurse always has to pay attention to even the smallest things. From checking the medical history and seeing if the patient is getting timely medicines, their work includes all. While taking care of the patients, these healthcare assistants must have a positive attitude to make the process more seamless.
It’s time to change your career path!
Whether you want something fresh in your life or have that insatiable urge to keep visiting different places, this professional path will get you there. And the demand for these professionals is only going to increase in the future. Why? Because people will continue to seek these practitioners either for medical organizations or clinics.
However, this professional path can turn out to be a prickly road. But at Wanderly, we truly understand what it takes to make this decision. That’s why we provide job recommendations tailored to your specific requirements!
FAQs
- What’s the time frame around which a PRN nurse works? Is it predefined or flexible?
There’s no such timeframe for these nurses as they have the flexibility to choose the jobs. It solely depends on the contract, which can differentiate from zero to 40 hours per week.
- Is there a difference between a PRN and an RN nurse?
It’s common for people to confuse them and think that PRN and RN are the same thing. However, that’s not the case. There’s not much difference, as both are certified and registered. But the main one is the schedule. PRN has a flexible schedule, while RN is a permanent nurse and works on fixed shifts.
- Can I get higher pay when I become a PRN nurse?
Absolutely! Because these nurses work on a contractual basis and aren’t eligible for any employee benefits, their hourly rate is typically higher.
- What are the major roles of a PRN nurse?
Some major roles include attending to patients, maintaining medical records, and preparing lab samples.
- Will getting a PRN cna job be helpful in uplifting my career?
Yes. You get to work in different units and meet experienced people. This can lead to more mentorship opportunities while also increasing your network. Meaning you get to have more opportunities to uplift your career as a nurse.
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