Question - PRN pay and ambulatory specialties you like :)

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Feb 8, 2023

May I suggest that complete a FULL YEAR in current position to learn major aspects of nursing in this specialty before you try branching out as still a novice. Will be a much stronger candidate to another employer with having a solid nursing base, especially since you report mental health issues in prior position; no guarantee another position might cause mental health strain.

Take the time to learn your craft so you can have a successful nursing career.

Nurse Alexa, MSN, RN · Feb 8, 2023

I have down travel nursing for the past 2 years now and I know many facilities are looking for 2+ experience so keep that in mind.

In addition, per diem pay I would say should be Atleast $50-70/hr. And this comes without benefits, which is one of the reasons I'd rather work with an agency.

Agencies will provide full benefits and stipends for contracts at least 50 miles from your tax home. It's something else to consider if you're looking of alternative methods to make some extra money

Good luck and my best advice to you is to continue to get good experience so you can work anywhere per diem. It'll help you in the long run to get a solid work experience prior to traveling

**CommunityRNBSN, BSN, RN** · Feb 13, 2023

potatoz said:

Fellow Nurses,

I became a RN a year ago. I did impatient nursing for 6 months before quitting because my mental health suffered tremendously. Currently I'm doing outpatient nursing at an ambulatory surgical center which only focuses on a single body part and it seems to be a good fit. But I want to spread my horizon and try different specialties.

I'm interested in PRN shifts and am aware that it pays higher than full-time or part-time staff (I don't need benefits as I use my spouse's). But I'm wondering how to negotiate for pay and how much especially since I only have 6 months of outpatient nursing experience. I'm located in AZ and most job posts offers $32-$45, but this would be for core staff. How much would PRN nurses make based on that range and much should I ask for?

As a side question, what are you guy's favorite outpatient speciality and why? ?

I've always worked part time or per diem, and always outpatient!

Currently I'm a substitute school nurse-- which is a per diem gig. I love it! I get paid by the day, and it works out to around $40 per hour.

I've also done per diem at the FQHC where I used to be a permanent employee. As a per diem, I got $44 an hour.

potatoz, RN · Feb 15, 2023

NRSKarenRN said:

May I suggest that complete a FULL YEAR in current position to learn major aspects of nursing in this specialty before you try branching out as still a novice. Will be a much stronger candidate to another employer with having a solid nursing base, especially since you report mental health issues in prior position; no guarantee another position might cause mental health strain.

Take the time to learn your craft so you can have a successful nursing career.

Thank you. My current role focuses on a single specialty and the opportunity for growth is limited. I was hoping to broaden my horizon by learning other specialties. Thank you for your comment ?

potatoz, RN · Feb 15, 2023

CommunityRNBSN said:

I've always worked part time or per diem, and always outpatient!

Currently I'm a substitute school nurse-- which is a per diem gig. I love it! I get paid by the day, and it works out to around $40 per hour.

I've also done per diem at the FQHC where I used to be a permanent employee. As a per diem, I got $44 an hour.

It's comforting to me to read that it's possible to make a living from per diem ? There is less security but the flexibility that comes with it is very attractive. I'm hoping to have several PRNs a week so it turns into what can seem like full-time ?. And to be honest it feels less boring that way, I enjoy having variety in my life ? Thank you for sharing your rates so I can estimate what is realistic and expected.