An RN PRN is an on-call registered nurse. An RN PRN is not a full-time permanent staff member of the hospital or health care system. RN PRNs work on an as-needed basis, which means RN PRNs work the shifts that other nurses do not want. This includes the full-time or part-time shifts that other staff members could not work, as well as covering other nurses that may have called off or requested time off.

What is an registered nurse prn and how to become one

Q: Do you need a degree to be a PRN?

Yes, you need a degree to be a PRN. However, more than just a degree is required to become a PRN. Obtaining a degree in nursing is the first requirement in becoming a PRN. Once an Associate of Science or Applied Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is acquired, you qualify for certification.

Q: How much does a PRN make a year?

A PRN makes about $55,000 a year. Wages for a PRN vary per state but average the hourly pay of $33 an hour. Based on the United States, salary for a PRN ranges from below $50,000 to over $100,000 in a few states. Another variable to consider is how much a PRN is able to work.

Q: How much experience does a PRN nurse need?

A PRN nurse needs at least one year of relevant work experience. In order to acquire an RN license, an Associate of Science or Applied Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is required. Then you will be qualified to take the National Certification Licensure Exam to officially become an RN.

Q: What are the requirements for PRN?

The requirement for PRN is becoming a registered nurse (RN) with at least one year of experience. Having the necessary knowledge and experience is required to perform the duties of the shifts you would work as a PRN.

Q: What does PRN mean on the job?

PRN means "as-needed" on the job. Working as a PRN means you work selective shifts as they come. PRN is an acronym for the Latin term "pro re nata." The direct translation is "as the situation demands" but is more commonly known as "as-needed." Many use the term PRN and per diem interchangeably, per diem also being Latin and meaning "by the day."

Q: What is a PRN Registered Nurse?

A PRN Registered Nurse is an on-call registered nurse. A PRN registered nurse is not a full-time permanent staff of the hospital or health care system. PRN registered nurses work on an as-needed basis, which means PRN registered nurses work the shifts that other nurses do not want. This includes the full-time or part-time shifts that other staff members could not work, as well as covering other nurses that may have called off or requested time off.

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

Lisa Rebeschi Ph.D.,

Kim Raines

A registered nurse PRN works on an as-needed basis, rather than a full-time schedule. Their responsibilities include assessing patients' health conditions, administering medications and treatments. As a registered nurse PRN, you may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Additionally, they must maintain accurate medical records and ensure that patients receive high-quality care. A registered nurse PRN plays a vital role in the health of patients in any healthcare setting.

What general advice would you give to an registered nurse prn?

Lisa Rebeschi Ph.D.

Associate Dean of the School of Nursing Professor of Nursing, Quinnipiac University

One of the suggestions for new graduates is the importance of self-care. We have long known of the demanding nature of the nursing practice. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the nursing role's critical importance and the unique contributions made by nursing professionals. As the healthcare environment is extremely complex and challenging, nurses must remember to advocate for themselves and prioritize self-care.

ScoreRegistered Nurse PRNUS Average

Salary

6.1

Avg. Salary $77,449

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

10.0

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.44%

Asian 8.87%

Black or African American 12.20%

Hispanic or Latino 8.84%

Unknown 4.25%

White 65.40%

Gender

female 89.31%

male 10.69%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress level

10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.1

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.8

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an registered nurse prn?

Pros

Higher hourly pay compared to full-time nurses
Ability to supplement income or work part-time while pursuing other interests
No long-term commitment to a specific employer
Opportunities for professional growth and networking
Ability to develop time management and organizational skills

Cons

Lack of benefits typically offered to full-time employees
No guaranteed income or job security
May require frequent travel and/or commuting long distances
Limited access to training and continuing education programs
May be required to work holidays, weekends, and overnight shifts

Key steps to become an registered nurse prn

Explore registered nurse prn education requirements

Most common registered nurse prn degrees

Associate

43.7 %

Bachelor's

41.9 %

Master's

6.7 %

Start to develop specific registered nurse prn skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	28.80%
Home Health	6.95%
Acute Care	6.80%
Acls	6.63%
Rehabilitation	4.43%

Complete relevant registered nurse prn training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New registered nurse prns learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an registered nurse prn based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real registered nurse prn resumes.

Obtain the necessary licensing

Becoming an licensed registered nurse prn usually require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed registered nurse prn in most of states. 43 states require registered nurse prns to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.

State	Education	Exam	License url
Alabama	Degree required	State exam required	Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Alaska	Degree required	Third-party exam required	Nurse, Licensed Practical
Arkansas	Degree required	Third-party exam required	Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
California	Degree required	Third-party exam required	Licensed Vocational Nurse
Colorado	Degree required	Third-party exam required	Licensed Practical Nurse

Gain additional registered nurse prn certifications

Registered nurse prn certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific registered nurse prn certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for registered nurse prns include Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC).

More About Certifications

Research registered nurse prn duties and responsibilities

Manage patient pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention, monitor patient response and record care plans accordingly.
Float nurse for the emergency department, ICU, CCU, telemetry and adult psychiatric unit.
Deliver high-quality and compassionate treatment to sickle cell specialty patients and other hematology and oncology patients.
Work in various areas including ER, CCU, ICU, and Tele.

Prepare your registered nurse prn resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your registered nurse prn resume.

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