On-Demand PRN vs. Per Diem vs. Travel Nursing: What’s the Difference?

Who this is for: Healthcare professionals exploring flexible work opportunities.

Healthcare offers several flexible work options, but the terms PRN, per diem, and travel are often used interchangeable – even though they have different meanings.

Understanding how each type of work operates can help you choose the opportunity that best fits your schedule, career goals, and lifestyle.

PRN (As Needed)

PRN stands for the Latin phrase, “pro re nata,” meaning “as needed”

PRN caregivers work shifts when facilities need additional coverage, such as:

  • Employee call-offs
  • Vacations
  • High patient census
  • Seasonal staffing needs

PRN is a good fit if:

  • Want maximum flexibility
  • Like choosing your own schedule
  • Want to work at multiple facilities
  • Want to earn extra income

With MyShyft: Most shift opportunities are PRN, allowing you to choose the shifts that work best for you. 

Per Diem

Per diem means “per day.”

Per diem caregivers typically work on an as-needed-basis as well, but they are often affiliated with a specific employer or staffing organizations and may have minimum scheduling requirements.

Per diem may offer:

  • Flexible scheduling
  • Consistent work at one or several facilities
  • Regular opportunities without a full-time commitment

Depending on the employer, per diem positions may require a minimum number of shifts each month.

Travel Healthcare

Travel healthcare assignments are temporary contracts at facilities experiencing staffing shortage.

Assignments often:

  • Last several weeks or months
  • Require traveling away from home
  • May include housing or travel stipends (depending on the employer)

Travel positions are ideal for professionals who enjoy:

  • Exploring new locations
  • Longer assignments
  • Working in different healthcare settings

Unlike PRN work, travel assignments generally require a commitment for the duration of the con

Which Option is Right for You?

Choose PRN if you want to:

  • Control your own schedule
  • Pick up shifts when it’s convenient
  • Earn extra income
  • Work close to home
  • Gain experience in different facilities

Choose Per Diem if you want to:

  • Maintain flexibility
  • Work more consistently with the same employer
  • Supplement another job

Choose Travel if you want to:

  • Work longer assignments
  • Explore different cities or states
  • Experience new healthcare environments
  • Commit to temporary contracts

Why Many Caregivers Choose MyShyf:

MyShyft offers the flexibility of PRN work without requiring long-term contracts.

With MyShyft, you can:

  • Choose when and where you work
  • Browse available shifts in the app
  • Pick up extra shifts when you want to earn more
  • Gain experience at a variety of healthcare facilities
  • Build a schedule that fits your lifestyle

Whether you’re supplementing your income or looking for maximum flexibility, MyShyft gives you the freedom to work on you own terms.

Ready to Get Started?

Download the MyShyft app or sign up here!