How PRN Nursing Can Benefit Healthcare Facilities and Nurses
How PRN Nursing Can Benefit Healthcare Facilities and Nurses
The shortage of nurses has been a growing concern, with many facilities facing similar challenges in meeting staffing demands. One 2023 survey by AMN Healthcare found that 94% of nurses report a severe or moderate shortage of nurses in their area.
While contingent and PRN nursing platforms are often met with hesitance, critics often don’t take into consideration why facilities rely on these methods in the first place. From increased access to specialized skills to improved flexibility for both the facility and nurses, these models offer a range of attractive benefits for meeting healthcare staffing demands in a rapidly changing market.
6 Benefits of PRN nursing for healthcare facilities
Expanding on traditional staffing methods, PRN nursing platforms, like NurseDash, offer a unique set of advantages that can help healthcare facilities better navigate the complexities of healthcare staffing. Here are 6 reasons why facilities look to on demand staffing solutions and how these models can benefit your facility.
1. Increased access to specialized skills
PRN or on-demand nursing allows facilities to tap into a wider pool of nurses with specialized skills who may only be needed for a short period of time. This could include nurses with experience in specific medical fields or those with advanced certifications. By having access to these specialized skills, facilities can ensure that patients receive the best possible care without having to make long-term commitments to hiring new staff members who may not be available for full-time positions.
In addition, NurseDash also provides clinicians the opportunity to attend nursing degree programs at discounted tuition or on scholarship, which can lead to advanced education and improved specialized skills.
2. Cost savings for healthcare facilities
While many facilities operate with overtime built into their labor schedule, the costs associated with this can quickly add up. By using on demand nurses to fill gaps in scheduling caused by a staffing shortage, vacations, or illness, facilities can better manage their staffing costs by only paying for the hours they need without the additional overhead expenses. This also helps alleviate strain on full-time staff who may be working extra shifts to cover staffing shortages.
However, unlike traditional healthcare staffing agencies which charge facility fees and high placement costs, NurseDash only charges a fee when the facility fills their open per diem shifts. This ultimately results in approximately 25–35% savings to the facility, just by utilizing NurseDash’s platform, compared to a traditional staffing agency or paying overtime to their internal staff.
3. Flexible staffing solutions
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve and face new challenges, flexible staffing solutions like per diem and on-demand nursing are becoming increasingly necessary. By utilizing these models, facilities can better manage their staffing needs based on patient demand. Facilities are able to post open shifts at rates within their labor budget, while receiving highly-qualified candidates and avoiding understaffing issues. This ultimately leads to better patient care and improved employee satisfaction, creating a win-win situation for both facilities and nurses.
4. Improved hiring outcomes
Not only does utilizing PRN and on-demand nursing platforms allow facilities to build a pool of qualified nurses to turn to when needed, but it can also serve as a trial period for potential full-time hires.
Unlike traditional staffing agencies, NurseDash allows facilities to high their favorites at no cost. As a result, both facilities and nurses are able to mutually decide if they are a good fit for each other before committing to a long-term employment contract. This leads to improved hiring outcomes, as facilities can ensure they have the right nurse for the job and nurses can ensure they are working in an environment that aligns with their needs and values.
5. Improved work-life balance for nurses
Career flexibility and proper work-life balance plays a crucial role in employee satisfaction, which ultimately impacts a facility’s ability to retain nurses. Utilizing PRN staffing solutions allows nurses to self-schedule for the shifts they want, based on their other commitments and priorities. This not only allows for a better work-life balance and more job opportunities for nurses who may not be able to commit to traditional full-time positions, it can ultimately help improve the shortage of nurses by providing more options for those who want to work in the healthcare industry.
6. Efficient recruitment and onboarding
With traditional hiring methods, facilities often have to go through a lengthy and time-consuming recruitment process to find qualified nurses. This can include posting job listings, sifting through resumes, conducting interviews and background checks, and training new hires. However, with NurseDash, facilities can quickly and easily find qualified candidates who are already vetted and ready to work. This streamlines the recruitment and onboarding process, saving time and resources for both facilities and nurses.
Solve your staffing struggles with NurseDash
NurseDash is an on-demand healthcare marketplace that connects facilities with qualified clinicians looking for open nursing shifts. With NurseDash, healthcare facilities can easily find skilled nurses to fill their staffing needs without the high costs and long-term commitments of traditional healthcare agencies. Say goodbye to staffing struggles and hello to seamless staffing solutions with NurseDash.
Contact NurseDash today to learn more about how our on demand nursing platform can help extend your clinician pool, fill shifts faster, and save your staffing budget, while also providing quality care for patients in need.
