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Travel nursing is a challenging and rewarding career path that entails working in different healthcare facilities across the United States. For many nurses, it’s the ideal way to explore new places, gain valuable experience, and earn competitive pay. However, not all travel nursing contracts are created equal, which is why many nurses prefer to work PRN or “as needed” positions. In this article, we’ll delve into what travel nursing PRN is, its benefits and drawbacks, and everything you need to know to get started.
What is Travel Nursing PRN?
Travel nursing PRN entails working on a per-diem basis, meaning you only work when the need arises. In contrast to traditional travel nursing positions, which can last anywhere from 8-26 weeks, PRN positions are more flexible and require nurses to be available at short notice. PRN nurses are typically hired to cover staff shortages, last-minute emergencies, or seasonal fluctuations in demand. They work on an as-needed basis and are not guaranteed a set number of hours or shifts.
PRN nurses can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospice, home health, and clinics. They have the same job responsibilities as staff nurses, including administering medications, providing wound care, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and maintaining accurate patient records.
How to Become a Travel Nursing PRN?
Becoming a travel nursing PRN entails meeting the same requirements as traditional travel nurses. These include a valid nursing license, a minimum of one year of clinical experience, and a BSN or equivalent degree. Additionally, travel nurses must be willing to undergo drug and background checks, obtain health certificates, and have current immunizations.
Because PRN positions require a high level of flexibility and adaptability, nurses must have excellent communication skills, be able to work independently, and have the ability to prioritize tasks. They should also be comfortable working in new environments, interacting with diverse patient populations, and learning new technologies and workflows quickly.
The Benefits of Travel Nursing PRN
Travel nursing PRN offers numerous benefits for nurses looking for a more flexible and diversified work schedule. Some of the advantages include:
- Great Pay: PRN nurses can earn higher rates than traditional staff nurses due to the short-term nature of their contracts and the high demand for their services.
- Work-Life Balance: PRN nurses have more control over their work schedules, allowing them to balance their personal and professional lives more effectively.
- Professional Growth: PRN nurses have the opportunity to work in different healthcare settings and gain experience in new areas of nursing practice.
- Travel Opportunities: PRN nurses have the freedom to choose their work locations and travel to different parts of the country or world.
The Drawbacks of Travel Nursing PRN
While travel nursing PRN offers numerous benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. These include:
- Unpredictable Work Schedule: PRN nurses may have inconsistent work schedules and may be called in to work at short notice.
- Less Job Security: Because PRN nurses are hired on an as-needed basis, their contracts may be terminated at any time.
- Isolation: PRN nurses may feel isolated or disconnected from the healthcare team, as they work in different locations and do not have a consistent work environment.
- No Benefits: PRN nurses typically do not receive the same benefits (e.g., health insurance, 401k, PTO) as traditional staff nurses.
FAQs
| What is the difference between travel nursing and PRN nursing? | Travel nursing involves working on a contract basis for a set period of time, while PRN nursing involves working on an as-needed basis without a guaranteed number of hours or shifts. |
| How much do PRN nurses make? | PRN nurses can earn higher rates than traditional staff nurses due to the short-term nature of their contracts and the high demand for their services. According to Payscale, the average hourly wage for a PRN nurse is $30.94. |
| What are the requirements to become a travel nursing PRN? | PRN nurses must have a valid nursing license, a minimum of one year of clinical experience, and a BSN or equivalent degree. Additionally, travel nurses must be willing to undergo drug and background checks, obtain health certificates, and have current immunizations. |
| How long do PRN nursing contracts last? | PRN nursing contracts can range from a single shift to several months, depending on the healthcare facility’s needs. |
Conclusion
Travel nursing PRN is an excellent option for nurses looking for a more flexible and diversified work schedule. While it does come with some potential drawbacks, the benefits outweigh them, including great pay, work-life balance, professional growth, and travel opportunities. If you’re interested in becoming a travel nursing PRN, make sure you meet the necessary requirements and have the skills and personality traits needed to succeed in this unique field.