What is the difference between part time and prn

A per diem nurse could very well work 40 hours a week — or even more. Schedule flexibility is a benefit for both. While there are other similarities, the differences will determine which role is right for you. In the medical industry, part-time nursing jobs vary by employer, but the term generally refers to positions that are scheduled for fewer shifts than full-time positions — often less than 30 hours per week. These hours do not have to be set for specific times or days, which means part-time nurses may work several shorter shifts or fewer shifts that last longer.

While the overall hours may be less, a part-time time role offers several advantages. For starters, part-time nurse hours offer more time to devote to other priorities, such as raising a family, volunteering in the community, pursuing further education, or working additional jobs. For this reason alone, many nurses choose part-time positions to help them achieve a healthy work-life balance.

When it comes to benefits, some employers will offer coverage to part-time nurses while others elect not to. If health insurance or other benefits are an important consideration for you, be sure to ask potential employers for their part-time benefits policy. By delivering professional nursing care when regularly scheduled nurses are unavailable, per diem nurses provide a valuable service.

Schedule flexibility is the primary benefit of working as a per diem nurse. The number of hours per diem and PRN nurses work can vary greatly by employer and professional field, but by design, the hours are not guaranteed. A busy schedule one week does not mean the trend will continue. For this reason, many per diem nurses choose to work for multiple healthcare facilities, picking up shifts when and where they can.

While per diem nurses do not receive standard employee benefits, many employers choose to pay a premium for nurses who will cover shifts on short notice. In many cases, this additional premium, coupled with the ability to select the shifts they want to work, makes per diem nursing a career choice that is personally and financially rewarding.

While the following lists aren't exhaustive, they offer a good summary of each position's benefits and challenges. Gale Healthcare Solutions offers the perfect solution for per diem nurses who want total control of their work schedules. I always recommend reviewing your state requirements.

If you work 40 hours per week, you are a 1. If you were hired to work three hour shifts, you are a 0. Part time: Part time definition varies by employer as state and federal governments do not decide what constitutes part or full time. Part time for one employer may be considered full time by another. Always check with your human resources department to give you the final word on this for your organization.

This determination usually affects benefits eligibility. Part-time employees are usually scheduled, however, fewer shifts than a full-time employee. Between you and your employer, you are scheduled hours based on the status and FTE you were hired to fill. Benefits of part-time employment are mainly around time. Part-time work gives you more freedom to do other things in your life, such as time with family or going back to school.

It also may improve work-life integration with less stress. With part-time employment, you may be responsible for paying a higher amount of your healthcare benefits compared to that of a full-time employee.

Per diem status might be noted as a 0. Even if you work full time, the status you were hired into is per diem. You are not technically guaranteed any hours and your position is one that is used for substitute coverage, such as sick calls, vacation or FMLA. One week there might be 40 hours for you and the following week there may be no hours for you.

The benefits of per diem are more freedom in scheduling your hours and an increase in hourly pay. The down side is if you need some amount of steady income, you may need more than one per diem position to obtain the income you need. Both part time and per diem statuses have different implications for staffing. A well-run organization, hospital or healthcare organization will have a mix of full-time, part-time and per diem staff to cover their schedules.

Which one is right for you? Typically, part-time and per diem positions are benefits eligible. However, the amount you are responsible to pay for benefits may vary based on your hired FTE.

Often part-time employees pay higher employee rates than full-time employees. Part-time employees typically are paid the same rate as full-time employees and per diem employees may be paid a premium rate. There are many things to consider with working part time vs per diem vs full time in nursing.

But having the option to flex your hours and contribute to our profession continues to be a great benefit of our profession. Lack of self-care can lead to compassion fatigue, personal health issues and deteriorating relationships with your staff.

Worker pros : As a PRN employee, you have more freedom and flexibility with your schedule than most full time employees. Additionally, if you are required to work a minimum number of hours, you may find yourself working even more than you might have wanted to maintain your PRN status.

Business pro : Businesses can theoretically save money by not offering benefits for employees. They can also keep operating costs low if they only call in staff as they need them. Longevity and loyalty can also be potentially limited for workers who are only brought in as needed. There are many reasons people take PRN work over part or full-time employment.

It can be a supplemental or second income, which can be helpful if you are:. If you do accept a PRN role, get the terms in writing so you have a firm understanding of both your rights and your obligations. Lisa McQuerrey has been an award-winning writer and author for more than 25 years. Work Human Resources Employee Relations.

Contractual Employee vs.