Travel Nurse Across America provided this article.
As a travel nurse, you already know the value of flexibility and adaptability in your career. What if you could take that flexibility to the next level and boost your income at the same time?
PRN shifts offer travel nurses the opportunity to supplement their earnings while maintaining control over their schedules. Whether you’re saving for the holidays, planning a dream vacation, or just want to earn more on your travels, PRN shifts can be a game-changer.
Why PRN Shifts Are Worth Considering
1. Flexibility Around Your Schedule
PRN shifts are designed to be flexible, allowing you to choose when and where you want to work. This makes them a great option to earn more between contracts or if you have gaps in your schedule. Even if you’re in the middle of an assignment, PRN shifts can often be tailored to fit your days off. If you have a few free days before your next contract starts or a light week for your current contract, picking up a PRN shift can make the most of that downtime.
2. Expand Your Experience
In addition to financial benefits, PRN shifts can help you grow as a professional. Working in different settings or specialties can broaden your skills and diversify your resume. These shifts often place you in top-rated facilities, giving you valuable exposure to various procedures and patient populations.
3. Earn Extra Money, Fast
One of the best aspects of PRN shifts is that many facilities pay quickly, with some offering payouts as frequently as twice a week. This means you can see the fruits of your labor sooner rather than later—perfect for covering holiday expenses, building up savings, or funding a special trip.
Since PRN shifts often come with competitive hourly rates due to the immediate need for coverage, they can be a great way to maximize your earnings as a travel nurse.
Determine if PRN Shifts Are Right for You
Before committing to PRN shifts, it’s important to evaluate whether they align with your priorities and current workload. While the extra income can be enticing, it’s essential to balance these opportunities with your primary focus as a travel nurse.
Your travel nurse assignment should always come first. As a travel nurse, your contract obligations are your top priority, and PRN shifts should never interfere with your scheduled shifts. You cannot call off a travel shift to accommodate PRN work, so ensuring your primary assignment remains your focus is vital.
Additionally, consider your energy levels, workload, and personal goals. Overloading your schedule can lead to burnout, diminishing your ability to excel in both your assignment and PRN work. If you decide to take PRN shifts while on assignment, start small—one or two shifts a month can help you earn extra income without sacrificing your downtime. Remember, part of the travel nursing experience is enjoying new destinations and the flexibility to explore and recharge.
Finding PRN Shifts as a Travel Nurse
1. Use Trusted Platforms
Many agencies and platforms specialize in connecting nurses with PRN opportunities. When searching for shifts, prioritize platforms that work with top-rated facilities and offer reliable, fast payment options. Partnering with a reputable agency or service can simplify the process, ensuring you’re matched with facilities that respect your time and expertise.
2. Utilize Your Recruiter
Just like your recruiter can help you find great travel nurse opportunities, they may also have leads for PRN shifts. Tell your recruiter you are interested and see what industry insight they have. Some travel agencies even offer PRN shifts in addition to travel, so be sure to clarify what your agency offers as you shop around.
3. Be Prepared
Because PRN shifts are often posted on short notice, staying organized is key. Keep your credentials and licensure updated so you can jump on opportunities as they arise. Facilities may require documentation like certifications or proof of experience, so having these ready can save time and secure your spot quickly.
PRN Shift Benefits Beyond the Paycheck
PRN shifts offer travel nurses unmatched freedom and flexibility, allowing them to earn extra income without committing to long-term contracts. You can work as much or as little as your schedule permits, making it easy to align with personal goals and financial needs. This flexibility also helps maintain a healthy work-life balance, enabling you to earn additional funds while preserving personal time and self-care.
PRN shifts also provide valuable networking opportunities, connecting you with new fellow nurses, managers, and facility staff. These connections can open doors to future assignments and strong references in the future.
Taking PRN shifts while on assignment may not be right for every travel nurse, but for those with the capacity and energy, PRN shifts can be an excellent way to meet financial goals, expand clinical skills, and build connections in new facilities. With thoughtful planning and balance, you can make the most of both your travel assignment and PRN opportunities.
Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!
Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.
Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment
Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.
