I'm new:)

Hi everyone! I'm new, obviously! I'm not a nursing student yet, but I will be starting classes this fall. I wanted to know more about PRN (pro re nata) nurses. What exactly do they do? I searched on the web, but strangely, I didn't really find what I was looking for, only that they usually work evening/night shifts. All replies would be GREATLY appreciated!:)

~Midaelyn~

PRN nurses work as needed. (prn means as needed). If you are prn and on staff at my hospital you tell the nurse manager what dates & shifts you are avaible and then she schedules you if she needs you because of census or other nurses vacations. One PRN on our unit works a shift a month another works full time hours another works somewhere betweent that. I don't think our hospital would hire a new graduate as PRN just because you need to gain experience that you can't get working such a little amount.

Hello and welcome!

Although I've found exceptions...typically, PRN nursing is working for a particular facility, choosing your shifts and days (some places do have obligations for PRN others don't....maybe working one weekend shift/month or one hoiday/year) making more cash and not receiving benifits. Also, "floating" is part of being PRN...working a different unit each time you go to work.If there is a system, sometimes it's required that you float to all the facilities.