PRN Nurse: Definition, Responsibilities & How It Works

A PRN nurse, also known as a per diem nurse, works on a day-to-day basis to fill in for regularly scheduled nurses who are on leave. A PRN nurse may also be asked to help out regular staff when the patient census abruptly rises.

History

• The term PRN is an acronym for "pro re nata," a Latin term meaning "when circumstances require" or "as needed."

Identification

• A PRN nurse is offered available shifts but is not guaranteed a set amount of work in any given pay period. She may be scheduled for several shifts in a pay period, or may have to wait to be called the day of a shift.

Types

• Some PRN nurses work for one hospital, floating to different kinds of nursing units. Others float between different hospitals within a health system, specializing in a niche such as critical care nursing.

Features

• A good PRN nurse is experienced, has good critical thinking skills, and knows how to be a team player.

Considerations

• PRN nurses may be in great demand for holiday, night and weekend shifts. When patient volume drops, PRN nurses' shifts will be the first to be canceled.