· ShiftFlow Editorial Team · Glossary · 6 min read
What Is a PRN Employee? Definition, Examples & Guide
Learn what PRN means in employment, how PRN workers differ from full-time and part-time staff, typical PRN hourly rates (20–40% higher), industries that hire PRN employees, and the pros and cons of working as-needed shifts.
What Does PRN Mean in Employment?
PRN stands for pro re nata, meaning “as needed.” In employment, PRN workers are on-call employees who fill shifts with no guaranteed hours—also called as-needed staff, per diem workers, or casual employees in flexible staffing models.
Unlike traditional part-time or full-time positions, PRN employees earn 20–40% higher hourly rates but receive no employer benefits. This on-call work arrangement is most common in healthcare, hospitality, and seasonal industries where demand fluctuates.
Quick Answer
PRN employees work flexible, on-call shifts without guaranteed hours, earning premium pay (20–40% higher) in exchange for no benefits. Ideal for workers needing schedule flexibility.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, contingent workers (including PRN employees) represent approximately 5.9 million U.S. workers as of recent surveys.
How Is PRN Different from Part-Time or Full-Time Work?
| Employment Type | Guaranteed Hours | Schedule Predictability | Benefits Eligibility | Hourly Pay Rate | Can Decline Shifts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time | 32–40/week | Set schedule | Full benefits | Base rate | No |
| Part-Time | 15–30/week | Regular reduced hours | Limited benefits | Base rate | Usually no |
| PRN | 0 (as needed) | No set schedule | Usually none | 20–40% premium | Yes |
| Per Diem | 0 (daily basis) | No set schedule | Usually none | 15–30% premium | Sometimes |
Key Differences
PRN employees have maximum flexibility but zero guaranteed income. Part-time workers have predictable reduced schedules and may qualify for some benefits. Full-time staff receive complete benefits and stable hours but less scheduling flexibility.
PRN vs Per Diem: While often used interchangeably, per diem technically refers to daily-rate workers (common in travel nursing), whereas PRN emphasizes the “as-needed” nature of the work arrangement.
What Industries Hire PRN Employees?
PRN employment originated in healthcare but has expanded to any industry with fluctuating demand:
| Industry | Common PRN Roles | Typical Pay Premium | Call-In Notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Nurses, therapists, techs, CNAs | 25–40% | 2 hours–2 days |
| Hospitality | Front desk, housekeeping, banquet servers | 15–25% | 4 hours–1 day |
| Education | Substitute teachers, tutors, support staff | 10–20% | Same day–3 days |
| Events | Setup crews, AV techs, catering staff | 20–35% | 1–7 days |
| Retail | Seasonal associates, stock teams | 10–20% | 1–3 days |
| Transportation | Shuttle drivers, delivery support | 15–25% | Same day–2 days |
| Food Service | Line cooks, servers, dishwashers | 12–22% | 4 hours–1 day |
| Customer Support | Call center agents, technical support | 18–28% | 1–3 days |
Healthcare remains the largest PRN employer, with over 1 million PRN healthcare workers filling critical gaps in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities across the United States. Many nurses transition between night shift jobs and PRN roles to gain schedule control.
How Much Do PRN Employees Earn?
PRN employees earn 20–40% higher hourly rates than comparable full-time staff. This premium compensates for no guaranteed hours, no health insurance or retirement benefits, no paid time off, and short-notice scheduling.
Real-World Pay Examples
- Registered Nurse (RN): $32/hour full-time → $38–45/hour PRN
- Physical Therapist: $42/hour full-time → $50–59/hour PRN
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): $16/hour full-time → $19–22/hour PRN
- Hotel Front Desk: $15/hour full-time → $17–20/hour PRN
- Event Setup Crew: $18/hour full-time → $22–24/hour PRN
What Are the Pros and Cons of PRN Work?
Advantages: Accept or decline shifts freely, work around other commitments, earn 20–40% premium rates, gain diverse experience, and avoid long-term obligations.
Disadvantages: Zero guaranteed income, no employer benefits (health insurance, PTO, retirement), excluded from advancement tracks, short-notice scheduling, and difficulty qualifying for loans.
Do PRN Employees Qualify for Benefits?
Most PRN employees receive no traditional benefits because they don’t meet minimum hour thresholds. The Affordable Care Act requires employers to offer health insurance only to employees averaging 30+ hours per week—PRN workers rarely qualify.
Some employers offer professional liability insurance, employee assistance programs, or continuing education reimbursement. Workers’ compensation coverage is legally required for all employees, including PRN staff.
How Do You Manage PRN Staff Effectively?
Offer competitive premiums and clear expectations during recruitment. Maintain 15–25% more PRN staff than needed and use shift scheduling software for automated callouts. Include PRN workers in communications, recognize top performers, and offer pathways to full-time roles.
Many organizations use similar strategies when managing administration fees from staffing agencies versus building internal PRN pools.
What Are the Legal Requirements for PRN Workers?
PRN workers are W-2 employees, not independent contractors. Employers must provide proper tax withholding, workers’ compensation, and overtime pay (time-and-a-half after 40 hours per week) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
State rules vary. California requires daily overtime after 8 hours. Workers covering double shifts may trigger additional overtime thresholds depending on state law.
How Do You Find PRN Jobs?
Search hospital career pages, healthcare staffing platforms like ShiftMed and Clipboard Health, and general job boards. Filter for “PRN,” “per diem,” or “as needed.”
Emphasize your flexibility and availability for short-notice shifts. Keep credentials current, respond quickly to interview requests, and ask about typical shift frequency and pay rates during the interview.
Is PRN Employment Right for You?
PRN works well if you:
- Value scheduling flexibility over income stability
- Have health insurance through a spouse, parent, or other source
- Want to supplement existing income from another job
- Are semi-retired and want occasional work
Consider other options if you:
- Need steady, predictable paychecks for budgeting
- Require employer-sponsored health insurance
- Want career advancement and professional development opportunities
The Bottom Line
PRN employees work on-call with no guaranteed hours but earn 20–40% higher rates than full-time staff. This model suits workers prioritizing flexibility and employers needing cost-effective surge capacity.
Try ShiftFlow’s scheduling tools to manage PRN shifts more easily with automated notifications and callout tracking.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Contingent and Alternative Employment Arrangements
- U.S. Department of Labor – Fair Labor Standards Act Overview
- Healthcare.gov – Affordable Care Act Employer Requirements
Further Reading
- 3rd Shift Work Guide – Overnight scheduling strategies
- Administration Fees Explained – Staffing agency cost alternatives
- Call-Off Management – Reduce last-minute absences
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PRN mean in employment?
PRN stands for “pro re nata,” meaning “as needed.” PRN workers are called in to fill shifts with no guaranteed hours.
How much do PRN employees make?
PRN workers typically earn 20–40% higher hourly rates to compensate for lack of benefits. A nurse earning $32/hour full-time might make $38–45/hour as PRN.
What is the difference between PRN and part-time?
Part-time workers have regular reduced schedules (like 20 hours/week) and may receive some benefits. PRN employees have zero guaranteed hours, work only when called, receive no benefits, but earn higher hourly rates.
Do PRN employees get benefits?
Most PRN workers receive no traditional benefits because they don’t meet minimum hour thresholds. Higher pay compensates for this.
Can PRN employees decline shifts?
Yes, PRN workers can typically decline shifts without penalty. However, repeatedly declining may reduce future opportunities.
How many hours do PRN employees work?
PRN hours vary from zero to 40+ hours per week depending on organizational needs. There are no guaranteed minimums.
Is PRN the same as per diem?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Per diem technically refers to daily-rate pay (common in travel nursing), while PRN emphasizes as-needed scheduling.
Can you work PRN at multiple facilities?
Yes, many PRN workers hold positions at multiple organizations to increase earning opportunities. Check contracts for non-compete clauses.
