How Much Do PRN CNAs Make? Understanding CNA PRN as a Career Option

Have you ever come across a job add for a “CNA certified nursing assistants PRN” and wondered what that meant?

If you’re considering a career in nursing, you may have come across the term “PRN nurse.” PRN is Latin for “pro re nata,” which means “as needed.” In the context of nursing, a PRN nurse, or per diem nurse, is a nurse who works on an as-needed basis, typically filling in for other nurses who are on vacation, sick, or on leave.

Certified nursing assistant PRN shifts grew rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic as front-line workers became in high-demand.

But is a career as a PRN nurse the right option for you? Here’s what you need to know.

What does a PRN CNA do?

As a PRN nurse, your job is to fill in for other nurses as needed. This means that you may work at different healthcare facilities or units, depending on where you are needed. You may work on a short-term basis or for an extended period of time, depending on the needs of the facility or unit you are working in.

PRN nurses are typically responsible for providing patient care, including administering medications, monitoring vital signs, performing procedures, and assisting patients with activities of daily living (ADLs).

They may also be responsible for charting and communicating with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and other nurses.

What is the difference between PRN and CNA?

While registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses can technically also work as PRN nurses, due to different certifications and lower education required for certified nursing assistants, PRN is more common with CNAs.

Responsibilities for PRN certified nursing assistants and full-time certified nursing assistants are largely the same; however, the work may vary with the type of employer and/or the supervisor on duty.

Can I make a good living as a PRN Certified Nursing Assistant?

As a full-time certified nursing assistant considering switching to part-time or PRN, you may be wondering if it’s possible to make a good living while working on an as-needed basis.

The answer is yes, you can make a good living working as PRN certified nursing assistant – but it all it depends on who you choose to work for.

Some platforms pay more than others, and sometimes your pay can be tied to a review from the facility you worked for. Other platforms can charge you a multitude of fees, from insurance to getting paid.

Always be sure you know how much you are going to make before you agree to working a PRN shift, and when in doubt, ask. Additionally, negotiating with human resources for benefits such as tuition reimbursement or commuting expenses can further enhance your overall compensation.

Let’s Start with the Average Salary for Certified Nursing Assistants

The average salary for a certified nurse assistant varies according to patient care experience, geography and the type of facility – for instance, hospital experience may pay more than a long term care facility.

The national average salary for a certified nurse assistant, according to nurses.org, is $34,352 or $17 per hour.

As a Certified Nursing Assistant in Texas, the average full time salary is $34,175.

The highest salaries for CNAs in Texas is $40,972 and the lowest salary range for CNAs is $28,384. Keep in mind, these salaries are for full-time employment.

Averaging this out per hour, the pay range for as a certified nursing assistant is $13.85 to $20.12 in Texas.

How much do PRN CNAs make?

Typically, the hourly rate for PRN nurses and CNAs is higher than that for full-time nurses and CNAs. Switch, for instance, pays $18.00 to $22.00 per hour for a normal shift. Per hour pay can increase even more with shift differentials or for last-minute shift incentives.

You also have the opportunity to work as much or as little as you want as PRN certified nurse assistant. It is not uncommon to get paid shift differentials for nights and weekends, or earn shift bonuses for hard-to-fill shifts.

However, your overall income can be more variable than that of a full-time nurse or certified nursing assistant, depending on your certification, they types of facilities you work at, where the facility is located, and the number of shifts you work.

Factors Affecting Salary

Several factors can impact a certified nursing assistant’s salary. These include:

• Location: Salaries can vary significantly depending on the state, city, or region. For example, CNAs working in urban areas tend to earn higher salaries than those in rural areas. This is often due to the higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services in cities.

• Work Setting: The type of facility or organization a CNA works in can also affect their salary. For instance, CNAs working in hospitals or specialty clinics may earn higher salaries than those working in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Each setting has its own pay scale and budget constraints, which can influence earnings.

• Experience: The more experience a CNA has, the higher their salary is likely to be. Experienced CNAs may also have more opportunities for career advancement and higher-paying job roles. Employers often value the skills and knowledge that come with years of hands-on patient care.

• Certifications and Education: CNAs with specialized certifications or advanced education may earn higher salaries than those without. For example, a CNA with a certification in gerontology or pediatrics may be able to command a higher salary than a CNA without specialized certifications. Additional training can make a CNA more valuable to employers.

• Shift and Schedule: CNAs who work non-traditional shifts, such as nights or weekends, may earn higher salaries than those who work traditional day shifts. Shift differentials and bonuses for hard-to-fill shifts can significantly boost hourly pay.

Salary by Work Setting

Certified nursing assistants can work in a variety of settings, each with its own salary range. Here are some examples:

• Hospitals: CNAs working in hospitals tend to earn higher salaries than those working in other settings. The national average salary for a CNA working in a hospital is around $35,000 per year. Hospitals often have larger budgets and more complex patient care needs, which can lead to higher pay.

• Nursing Homes: CNAs working in nursing homes tend to earn lower salaries than those working in hospitals. The national average salary for a CNA working in a nursing home is around $28,000 per year. Nursing homes may have tighter budgets and different staffing requirements, impacting salary levels.

• Assisted Living Facilities: CNAs working in assisted living facilities tend to earn salaries that are similar to those working in nursing homes. The national average salary for a CNA working in an assisted living facility is around $29,000 per year. These facilities often provide a mix of healthcare and personal care services, influencing pay rates.

• Home Healthcare: CNAs working in home healthcare tend to earn higher salaries than those working in other settings. The national average salary for a CNA working in home healthcare is around $32,000 per year. Home healthcare positions often require more travel and individualized care, which can lead to higher compensation.

Are you a CNA and need help choosing the right agency to sign up with to pick up PRN shifts? Read this article here.

Challenges of Being a PRN CNA

Working as a PRN (per diem) CNA can be challenging in several ways. Here are some of the common challenges PRN CNAs face:

• Unpredictable Schedules: PRN CNAs often have to work on short notice and may have to be available to work at a moment’s notice. This can make it difficult to plan personal and family responsibilities. The lack of a consistent schedule can be a significant drawback for those who prefer stability.

• Variable Pay: PRN CNAs are often paid on an hourly basis, which can make it difficult to budget and plan financially. While the hourly rate may be higher, the lack of guaranteed hours can lead to income variability. This can be a challenge for those who need a steady paycheck.

• Lack of Benefits: PRN CNAs are often not eligible for benefits, such as health insurance or paid time off, which can make it difficult to plan for the future. Being an independent contractor means that PRN CNAs must cover their own benefits and taxes, which can be a financial burden.

• High Stress Levels: PRN CNAs often have to work in high-stress environments, such as hospitals or emergency rooms, which can be physically and emotionally demanding. The need to quickly adapt to different settings and patient needs can add to the stress.

Career Advancement Opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants

Certified nursing assistants have several career advancement opportunities available to them. Here are some examples:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): CNAs can advance to become LPNs by completing a training program and passing a licensing exam. LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians to provide patient care. This role offers increased responsibilities and higher pay.

• Registered Nurse (RN): CNAs can advance to become RNs by completing a training program and passing a licensing exam. RNs work independently to provide patient care and may also supervise LPNs and CNAs. This career path offers significant opportunities for growth and specialization.

• Nurse Educator: CNAs can advance to become nurse educators by completing a training program and passing a certification exam. Nurse educators teach nursing students in academic settings. This role allows CNAs to share their knowledge and experience with the next generation of nurses.

• Nurse Administrator: CNAs can advance to become nurse administrators by completing a training program and passing a certification exam. Nurse administrators oversee nursing staff and may also be responsible for budgeting and planning. This leadership role offers opportunities for significant career growth and impact.

By considering these factors and opportunities, CNAs can make informed decisions about their career paths and potential for advancement.

Still need help to decide if a PRN certified nursing assistant is the right career option?

Whether or not a career as a certified nursing assistant PRN is the right option for you depends on your personal preferences and career goals.

Here are some factors to consider:

1. Flexibility:

   • If you enjoy flexibility and variety in your work schedule, a career as a PRN certified nursing assistant may be a good option for you. If you are looking for part time CNA work, then per diem work is also a great way to balance your busy life. You will have the opportunity to work in different healthcare settings and units, which can be both challenging and rewarding.

2. Job security:

   • On the other hand, if you are looking for a stable and predictable work schedule, a career as a PRN certified nursing assistant may not be the best option for you. As a PRN certified nursing assistant, your work schedule and income can be more variable than that of a full-time nurse. PRN options vary, and while you may have work this week, you may not find anything the following week. Depending on the agency you work for, if a contract ends, they may not have additional work for you right away.

3. Career advancement:

   • If you are interested in pursuing advanced nursing roles, such as a nurse practitioner, registered nurse, or nurse educator, working as a PRN certified nursing assistant may provide a flexible work schedule while you attend school and advance your career. Some companies or employers provide stipends or scholarships for school if you continue to work part time, covering tuition reimbursement and commuting expenses.

4. Salary:

   • While PRN nurses may earn more per hour than full-time nurses, their overall income may be less due to the variability of their work schedule. Full-time employees at a facility may resent seeing PRN CNAs making more per hour than they do. Additionally, PRN CNA’s are typically hired as independent contractors, meaning that they pay for benefits like health insurance, transportation and liability insurance – as well as taxes – out of their own pocket.

In conclusion

A career as a PRN certified nursing assistant can offer flexibility and create variety in your work schedule, but it may not be the best option if you are looking for stability or opportunities for career advancement. Ultimately, the decision to become a PRN nurse should be based on your personal preferences and career goals.

Switch: Empowering Nurses and Direct Caregivers

At Switch, we understand the importance of job flexibility, a robust selection of available shifts, and competitive pay for nurses and direct caregivers. Our platform is designed to connect nurses and CNAs with healthcare facilities, employers and clients who need their services on an as-needed basis.

By joining Switch, you can enjoy the following benefits:

1. Job Flexibility:

   • Our platform allows you to choose the shifts you want to work, so you can balance your work and personal life.

2. Robust Selection of Available Shifts:

   • We work with a variety of healthcare facilities and clients, which means there are always plenty of shifts available.

3. Competitive Pay:

   • We pay our nurses and CNAs a fair wage that reflects their skills and experience.

4. Value for Direct Caregivers:

   • Switch was created by a former caregiver who knows what it’s like to be in your shoes. We see you and value you for the work you do, and we appreciate how difficult your job can be.

Join Switch Today

If you’re looking to make a good living working as a PRN nurse or CNA, Switch is the right partner for you! We value job flexibility, a robust selection of available shifts, and competitive pay for our nurses and CNAs. Join our platform today and start working with healthcare facilities and clients who need your services on an as-needed basis.