A per diem nurse works shift by shift, on their own terms — no set weekly schedule, no guaranteed hours, and usually a higher hourly rate in exchange. “Per diem” means “per day”: you pick up the shifts you want, at the facilities you want, when you want. This guide covers what per diem nursing pays, where the work is, the real trade-offs, and how to start.

How per diem nursing actually works

Per diem is an as-needed arrangement. You agree to a specific shift, you work it, you get paid for it — and you’re not committed to anything beyond that. Facilities use per diem nurses to cover the gaps a fixed staff schedule can’t: call-outs, seasonal surges like flu season, vacation coverage, and open nights and weekends.

Here’s how it compares to the other ways nurses work:

Status	Typical hours/week	Set schedule?	Benefits?
Per diem	Varies (0–36+)	No	Rarely
Part-time	20–30	Yes	Often partial
Full-time	36–40	Yes	Yes

Shifts usually run 4 to 12 hours, and per diem nurses are often expected to step onto a unit with minimal orientation and, at times, float to wherever the census is heaviest. You can pick up per diem work two ways: directly with a hospital or health system’s internal float pool, or through a staffing platform that connects you to open shifts across multiple facilities.

What per diem nurses actually earn

Pay is the biggest reason nurses go per diem. Because there are no guaranteed hours and usually no benefits, the hourly rate is typically higher than an equivalent staff role.

Nationally, per diem RNs average around $48 an hour, with most rates landing between roughly $40 and $80 depending on state, specialty, and shift (ZipRecruiter, Nurse.org). Two things move you up that range:

• Location. The highest rates are in California, New York, and Massachusetts, and high-cost metros like San Francisco, Boston, and Seattle. Pay in other regions runs lower — so compare rates against your local market, not a national headline number.
• Specialty and shift. ICU, ED, and psych shifts sit at the top end, and night, weekend, and holiday shifts carry premiums on top of the base rate.

CNAs and LPNs can also work per diem; both earn less per hour than RNs, and rates vary widely by market. Whatever your credential, the trade is the same: you’re exchanging guaranteed hours and employer benefits for a higher rate and control over your schedule. Whether that math works depends on how consistently you pick up shifts — and how fast you actually get paid. (On Switch, per diem shifts come with same-day pay, so a shift you work today doesn’t sit in a two-week payroll cycle.)

Where per diem nurses work

Per diem shifts exist in nearly every care setting:

• Hospitals and acute care — med-surg, telemetry, ICU, ED, plus specialty units, surgery centers, and dialysis.
• Post-acute and long-term care — skilled nursing facilities, rehab, and assisted living, where CNAs and LPNs are in especially steady demand.
• Outpatient and community — urgent care, infusion clinics, home health visits, and public-health events like vaccination clinics, which often run shorter, more predictable shifts.

The real pros and cons

The upside is straightforward: higher hourly pay, control over when and where you work, and exposure to a range of units and facilities that’s hard to get in a single staff job.

The downside is the part staffing platforms rarely put in writing. Per diem income isn’t guaranteed — shifts thin out during slow census and budget crunches. You often walk into a unit cold. And the frustration nurses name most: a shift that falls through. A facility cancels last-minute, or fills the spot internally and never updates the app — so you drive in, scrub on, and get told you’re not on the schedule. The day is gone, and on most platforms, so is the pay.

That last problem is a design choice, not a law of nature. It’s the specific thing Switch was built to fix: when a facility cancels late or fills a Switch shift internally without canceling, the penalty lands on the facility, not you — because a shift on Switch is a commitment on both sides. It’s also why continuity matters more here than in most gig work. A rideshare rider never needs the same driver twice; a resident in a nursing home gets better care from someone who’s been back before and knows them. Switch is built to send you back to facilities you know, not to treat every shift as a stranger filling a slot.

Who per diem nursing is a good fit for

Per diem rewards clinical confidence and adaptability — you need to integrate into a new unit quickly. It tends to fit:

• Experienced RNs (roughly 1–2+ years in acute care) who can float and work independently.
• Nurses balancing school, an advanced degree, family, or semi-retirement who want flexibility.
• Nurses “test-driving” different facilities or cities before committing to travel nursing or a permanent move.
• Anyone picking up shifts for supplemental income alongside a staff role.

New grads can find per diem work in lower-acuity or long-term-care settings, but most guidance points new nurses toward a structured residency first, then per diem once you’ve got your footing.

Licensure and credentialing

Credentialing tends to come up more often for per diem nurses, since you may work across several facilities. The basics:

• Current, active RN license (or CNA/LPN certification for those roles).
• Up-to-date immunizations, TB test, background check, and drug screen.
• Unit-specific certs: BLS everywhere; ACLS for tele/ICU/ED; PALS for peds; crisis-prevention training for psych.

A multistate license under the Nurse Licensure Compact widens where you can work — as of 2026, about 43 jurisdictions have joined the NLC, with roughly 40 as full members (Nurse.org, NCSBN). Track every expiration date closely: a lapsed credential means a canceled shift and lost income.

Making per diem work for you

The flexibility is only worth it if you manage it on purpose:

• Anchor a core schedule of recurring shifts, then add last-minute openings for extra income.
• Mix your units — balance high-intensity floors (ED, ICU, psych) with lower-acuity clinic work to protect against burnout.
• Protect your rest between shifts, for patient safety and your own.
• Set your limits up front: max hours, preferred shift types, and which weekends or holidays you’ll take.

Done deliberately, per diem is also a career accelerator, not a detour — different populations, technologies, and workflows in one year that a single staff role can’t offer, plus a widening network of managers and teams at every facility you return to.

Frequently asked questions

How to start picking up per diem shifts

1. Check your credentials — license active, certs current, immunizations up to date.
2. Know your preferences — units, locations, and shift types you actually want.
3. Create your profile on Switch — set your credentials and availability.
4. Pick up your first shift — choose what fits, work it, and get paid the same day.

Per diem nursing offers what few career structures can: flexibility, a premium rate, control of your schedule, and real variety. If that’s the career you want, the thing that makes it sustainable is a platform that pays you fast, has your back when a facility doesn’t, and sends you back to the places you like to work. See per diem shifts near you.

Picking up PRN shifts means working on an as-needed basis — you choose which shifts, days, and facilities you work, and you’re paid per shift instead of on a fixed salary. To start, you need an active credential (CNA, LPN/LVN, or RN) and a way to find open shifts: a facility’s internal pool or a staffing platform. This guide covers how the work and pay actually function, what to look for, and how to pick up your first shift.

What “PRN” means — and how it relates to per diem

“PRN” comes from the Latin pro re nata, meaning “as needed.” In practice, a PRN nurse or CNA works shift by shift rather than a set weekly schedule. You’ll also hear the term per diem (“by the day”) used for the same kind of work — and while the two overlap heavily, there’s a distinction worth knowing: PRN work is usually tied to a single facility, while per diem work is picked up across multiple facilities. (We break that down in detail in per diem vs. PRN nursing, and cover the basics of as-needed work in what a per diem nurse is.)

For this guide, the important part is the shared core: you decide when and where you work, and you’re not guaranteed hours. That’s the trade — flexibility and a higher hourly rate in exchange for guaranteed shifts and benefits.

How picking up PRN shifts actually works

The arrangement is simple: a facility has an open shift it can’t fill with regular staff — a call-out, a vacation, a seasonal surge — and you agree to work it. You’re paid for that shift, and you’re not committed to anything beyond it.

A few things to expect:

• Shift lengths typically run 4 to 12 hours.
• Minimal orientation. You’re expected to step onto a unit and work, so comfort with new environments matters.
• You may float. Depending on census, you could be assigned to different units.
• Two ways to find shifts. You can join a single facility’s internal PRN pool, or use a staffing platform that shows open shifts across many facilities in an app. A platform gives you more to choose from and the freedom to work wherever you want.

How much do PRN CNAs and nurses make?

Pay is the biggest draw. Because there are no guaranteed hours and usually no benefits, the hourly rate for as-needed work is typically higher than an equivalent staff role.

Role	Typical hourly range	Notes
CNA	~$20/hr and up	CNAs averaged about $20/hr in nursing homes in 2025 (Skilled Nursing News); per-diem shifts often pay a premium above staff rates.
LPN / LVN	Between CNA and RN	Falls between the two; varies by market and setting.
RN	~$44–$48/hr average, up to ~$80	Per diem RNs average around $44–$48/hr (Indeed, ZipRecruiter); highest in high-cost states like CA, NY, and MA.

Two things push you toward the top of the range: location (high-cost metros pay more) and shift (ICU, ED, nights, weekends, and holidays carry premiums). For a deeper breakdown, see our PRN CNA pay guide.

How does same-day pay work?

One of the biggest frustrations with as-needed work is waiting on a two-week payroll cycle for a shift you already worked. Some platforms fix that with same-day pay — the money for today’s shift is available today.

On Switch, per-diem shifts come with same-day pay, so your cash flow keeps up with your schedule. If you’re picking up shifts because you want flexible income — around school, a primary job, or family — getting paid fast is part of what makes the flexibility actually work.

How to pick up your first shift

Getting started takes days, not weeks:

1. Confirm your credentials. Make sure your license or certification is active, and your CPR/BLS and immunizations are current.
2. Know your preferences. Decide your units, preferred locations, and shift types before you start browsing.
3. Create your profile. On a platform like Switch, you [create your profile], add your credentials, and clear a background check and any facility-specific requirements.
4. Browse and claim. Open the app, see the shifts near you, and claim the ones that fit — often with a single tap.
5. Work it and get paid. Show up, do the work, and — on Switch — get paid the same day.

What to look for in a shift app (or facility pool)

Not every option treats you the same. Before you commit anywhere, compare on the things that actually affect your day and your paycheck:

• How fast you get paid — same-day, or a two-week cycle?
• Whether real people answer when something goes wrong with a shift or your pay.
• What happens when a shift is canceled (more on this below).
• Transparent pay — you should see the rate before you claim the shift.
• Continuity — can you return to facilities you know, or is every shift a cold start?

We compare the major options in detail in our guide to the best apps for picking up shifts — but those five questions are the ones to ask anywhere.

What happens if a facility cancels your shift?

This is the one that burns people. You claim a shift, plan your day around it, and then the facility cancels last-minute — or fills the spot internally and never updates the app, so you drive in, scrub on, and get told you’re not on the schedule. On most platforms, that lost day is just gone, and so is the pay.

It doesn’t have to work that way. On Switch, when a facility cancels late or fills a shift internally without canceling, the penalty lands on the facility, not you — because a shift on Switch is a commitment on both sides. It’s a small thing that tells you a lot about whether a platform actually has your back.

Making PRN work into a career

As-needed work isn’t a step down from a “real” nursing job — done deliberately, it’s a way to build a broader career on your own terms:

• Anchor a core schedule of recurring shifts, then add last-minute openings for extra income.
• Return to facilities you like. Building relationships with charge nurses and managers who request you back turns a pile of one-off shifts into a reliable roster.
• Mix your settings to protect against burnout and build a wider résumé.
• Keep your credentials current so shift offers are never delayed.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to pick up your first shift?

If you want control of your schedule, higher pay, and same-day pay — without being locked to one facility — Switch is a straightforward way to start. Download the app, create your profile, complete your onboarding, browse shifts near you, and claim the ones that fit.

You choose the work; Switch handles the rest, pays you same-day, and has your back when a facility doesn’t.

The best app for picking up shifts depends on what matters most to you — how fast you get paid, whether you can go back to facilities you know, and whether a real person helps when a shift falls through. The major options — Switch, ShiftKey, Clipboard Health, CareRev, Nursa, and ShiftMed — are all app-based marketplaces that let you choose your own shifts, set or see your rate, and get paid fast. This guide compares them on the things that actually change your experience, and helps you pick the right one.

The main apps, at a glance

They’re more alike than different: each lets you browse open per-diem shifts in an app, upload your credentials, and claim the shifts you want. Fast pay and shift-choice are standard across the board. Where they genuinely differ is what happens around the shift — which is where the table below focuses.

App	Roles	Fast pay	How it works
Switch	CNA, LPN/LVN, RN	Same-day	Set your own bid rate, pick up shifts across facilities, built for continuity + accountability
ShiftKey	CNA, LPN/LVN, RN	Yes	Bidding-based marketplace
Clipboard Health	Nurses & aides	Yes	On-demand shift marketplace
CareRev	Nurses	Yes	Focused on hospital and health-system shifts
Nursa	CNA, LPN/LVN, RN	Yes	Direct facility connection, no contracts
ShiftMed	CNA, LPN/LVN, RN	Yes	Offers guaranteed-shift options

Sources: NurseJournal, Coastal Care Staffing, ShiftMed. Features and availability change — confirm current details in each app.

What actually matters when you compare them

Fast pay and setting your rate are close to table stakes now — most of these apps, Switch included, offer both. So once you’re past those, here’s what actually separates a good experience from a frustrating one:

• Continuity — can you go back to facilities you know? Returning to the same buildings means you know the residents, the routines, and the charge nurse — and the work is easier and better every time. Some apps treat every shift as a cold, one-off placement; others are built to send you back.
• Accountability — what happens when a shift falls through? The most common complaint about shift apps: a facility cancels last-minute, or fills the spot internally and never updates the app, and you eat the lost day. How an app handles that tells you whether it’s actually on your side.
• Real human support. When your pay is wrong or a facility gives you trouble, do you reach a person who knows what you do, or a help form?
• Rate transparency. You should see or set the exact pay before you commit to a shift — no surprises at payday.
• Coverage. Does it support your credential (CNA, LPN/LVN, RN) and have shifts in your area?

Where Switch is different

Switch does the table-stakes things well — you set your own bid rate, pick up shifts across facilities, and get paid the same day. But the reason nurses and CNAs stay with Switch is two things most apps don’t build for:

1 – Continuity by design. Switch is built to send you back to facilities you’ve worked before, so per-diem doesn’t have to mean starting cold every shift. You build a roster of buildings that know you — and where the charge nurse asks for you by name. Most apps treat shifts as interchangeable; Switch treats the relationship as the point.

2 – Accountability that runs both ways. A shift on Switch is a commitment on both sides. If a facility cancels late or fills your shift internally without canceling, that’s on the facility — not you. Paired with real human support on the other end of the phone, it means you’re never left eating the cost when something goes wrong.

That’s the difference between an app that just lists shifts and one that actually has your back.

How to choose the right app for you

There’s no single “best” — there’s the best for you. Since pay speed and setting your rate are common to most of these apps, the real question is how much you value the things that aren’t:

• If you mostly want maximum shift volume across every marketplace, some providers run more than one app at once.
• If you want hospital shifts specifically, CareRev leans that way.
• If you want guaranteed shifts, ShiftMed offers options built around that.
• If continuity and having someone in your corner matter most — going back to facilities you know, setting your own rate, and not eating the cost when a shift falls through — that’s what Switch is built for.

The smartest move for a lot of providers: try Switch, see whether it actually shows up for you, and build your roster from the facilities that ask you back.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to try Switch?

If continuity, same-day pay, setting your own rate, and a platform that has your back when a facility doesn’t sound like what you’re after, Switch is a straightforward place to start. Download the app, create your profile, browse shifts near you, and claim the ones that fit.

New to picking up shifts? Start with our guide to how to pick up PRN shifts.

If you’re a CNA looking for flexible work, you can find per-diem shifts through a traditional staffing agency or, increasingly, through a staffing platform like Switch. The difference is control: a platform lets you browse and claim open shifts yourself, get paid the same day, and go back to facilities you already know — instead of waiting on a recruiter to place you.

Agencies vs. platforms: how CNAs find per-diem work now

For years, the only way to pick up flexible CNA shifts was a staffing agency: you’d talk to a recruiter, they’d match you to an opening, and they’d manage the placement. That still works, but it puts a middleman between you and the shift.

A staffing platform flips that. On Switch, you see the open per-diem shifts near you in an app, and you claim the ones you want with a tap — no waiting for a callback. Switch handles the credentialing and the payment behind the scenes, but you decide when, where, and how often you work. Switch focuses on local per-diem shifts for CNAs, LVN/LPNs, and RNs — not travel contracts or long-term placements — so the whole thing is built around flexibility.

How to find per-diem CNA shifts with Switch

Getting started is straightforward, and most CNAs are picking up shifts within days:

1. Create your profile in the Switch app.
2. Add your credentials — CNA certification, CPR/BLS, and immunization records.
3. Clear compliance — a background check and any facility-specific requirements.
4. Browse open shifts near you and claim the ones that fit your schedule.
5. Work the shift and get paid — the same day.

That’s the whole loop. There’s no long contract and no commitment to a single building. You pick up a shift when it works for you, and if it doesn’t, you don’t.

What to look for when choosing where to pick up shifts

Not every option treats CNAs the same way. Before you sign up anywhere, it’s worth comparing on the things that actually affect your day and your paycheck:

• How fast you get paid. Switch pays same-day, so a shift you work today doesn’t wait for a two-week payroll cycle.
• Whether real people answer. When something goes sideways at a facility or with your pay, you want a human — Switch has a support team on the other end who knows what you do.
• What happens when a shift falls through. This is the one most CNAs get burned on: a facility cancels last-minute, or fills the spot internally and never updates the app, and you eat the lost day. On Switch, that triggers a penalty for the facility, not you — because a shift is a commitment on both sides.
• Transparent pay. You should see the rate before you claim the shift, with no surprises at payday.

Why coming back to the same facilities matters

Here’s something a recruiter-driven agency can’t really offer: continuity. Picking up shifts at the same facilities — where you know the residents, the routines, and the charge nurse — makes the work easier and the care better. Switch is built to send you back to buildings you’ve worked before, so per-diem doesn’t have to mean starting cold every shift. It’s better for you, and it’s better for the residents who’d rather see a familiar face.

Get the most out of per-diem work

Treat every shift like a working interview, and per-diem becomes a career, not just extra income:

• Keep your credentials current — license, CPR/BLS, immunizations — so shift offers aren’t held up.
• Respond quickly to open shifts; the fastest response often gets the assignment.
• Tell your preferences — shifts, locations, and unit types — so the offers you see are the ones you’d actually take.
• Build relationships with the charge nurses and managers who can request you back, so you build a roster of facilities that ask for you by name.
• Submit your time accurately and on time to keep pay smooth.

Working across different facilities also builds a broader resume and can open doors to new specialties or further nursing education down the road.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need experience to pick up per-diem CNA shifts? You need an active CNA certification and current credentials. Experience helps for higher-acuity settings, but many per-diem shifts are open to CNAs at all stages.

How much do per-diem CNAs make? CNAs average around $20 an hour in nursing homes as of 2025 (Skilled Nursing News), and per-diem shifts often pay a premium over staff rates. Exact pay depends on your market, specialty, and shift.

How fast do you get paid? On Switch, same day — you don’t wait on a payroll cycle.

Do I have to commit to one facility? No. Per-diem means you choose each shift; there’s no contract and no obligation to any single building.

Is per-diem CNA work steady? Demand is strongest during high-census periods and dips during slower stretches, which is why many CNAs keep a primary role and pick up per-diem shifts on top of it.

Ready to pick up your first shift?

If you’re a CNA who wants control of your schedule, flexible per-diem work, and same-day pay, Switch makes it simple to create your profile, complete your onboarding, and start browsing per-diem shifts near you — with a real support team behind you. Download the Switch app today.

New to per-diem work? Here’s what per-diem nursing actually is before you start.

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.