General FAQs

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What kind of experience is required?

The more experience the better! The facilities we staff with require our nurses to have 1 year of experience in the last 2 years, in any given specialty (ICU, ER, OR, etc.).

What is locum tenens?

Locum tenens is a Latin phrase that means to “hold the place of”. Locums is the practice of physicians and advanced practice providers, of all medical specialties, substituting for another healthcare clinician for an interim period. Whether due to a shortage of staff, new service line initiatives, or leaves of absence, medical facilities rely on locums to continue providing healthcare services to their communities.

Why work Locum Tenens?

There are many benefits to working Locum tenens – schedule freedom, travel, experience of new practice opportunities, lower administrative burden, and much more. Locum tenens is a great way for physicians and advanced practice clinicians to have a better work-life balance while continuing to practice on their terms.

What facilities use Locum Tenens?

Locum tenens are used nationwide by facilities in all 50 states and can vary from large healthcare systems to private practices.

How long is a typical locum tenens physician assignment?

Locum tenens assignments vary in length and will depend on the flexibility of each provider’s schedule. These assignments can be as long as 12 months or as short as 24-hour shifts all depending on the healthcare facility’s need and the provider’s availability. Schedules for locums’ assignments will vary by healthcare system and specialty. Like a permanent job, shifts of varying lengths are available.

Can I work locums while currently employed?

Many healthcare clinicians work locums to supplement their income while exploring different practice settings and areas of the country. It is a best practice to consult your employment contract or a legal representative to ensure there are no conflicts. Many physicians choose locum tenens as their full-time career and locums are a great option for those providers who are looking to wind down their practice.

What documentation is required to work Locum Tenens?
To work locum tenens through PRN Healthcare you will typically need the following:
  • Complete PRN Healthcare locum tenen application and a release authorization form
  • Signed PRN agreement
  • Updated CV in MM/YYYY format
  • 3 references from peers who have worked with you in a practice setting within the last 24 months.
There is a PRN credentialing process that must also be completed along with any credentialing or privileging process required by the facility contracting your services. At PRN, we will assist you with the credentialing and privileging process as best as possible.  
How does locum tenen compensation work?

Locum tenens are independent contractors (1099) and are paid by PRN Healthcare instead of the facility you provide services to. PRN pays on a weekly or bi-weekly basis via direct deposit. Compensation structures can vary depending on the healthcare facility, coverage needed, and provider.

How Does Locum Tenen Insurance Work?

As an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own benefits such as medical, dental, life, disability, etc.

How does travel work for Locum tenens?

PRN Healthcare will help coordinate all travel details and covers or reimburses for most travel expenses, including standard airfare, a standard one-bedroom hotel, and a midsize car rental.

When does my insurance start?

Your insurance starts on your hire date or the first day of your contract!

Can I stay on insurance in between contracts or if I take time off?

You can stay on insurance if your break is two weeks or less. If it is over two weeks, then your insurance will be termed, and you can re-enroll when you return.

What is the Difference between a HDHP and Co-Pay Health plan?

The PPO co-pay and High Deductible Health plan are different, in the co-pay plan you pay more upfront out of your payroll check weekly. When you see a provider, you will then pay the applicable co-pay at the time of service. In the high deductible health plan, you pay less out of your payroll weekly, but you would need to meet the applicable deductible, once that has been met, you are then responsible for 20% of the bills you acquire. With a high deductible health plan, you also have the option to enroll in an HSA (health savings account) where you can have a dollar amount of your choosing taken from your weekly payroll and deposited into your HSA account where the funds can be used for any medical, dental or health expenses before or after your deductible has been met.

What is the culture like at PRN Healthcare?

We are a work-hard and play-hard company! We value hard work, relentlessness, and innovation but also put a strong focus on family and having fun along the way. You can often see our team celebrating random holidays throughout the year like National Beer Lover’s Day, National Relaxation Day, and National Ice Cream Day. We also have a massage therapist come into the corporate office weekly, offer fitness classes and yoga classes in our downstairs gym, and host outdoor happy hours for our employees and their families in the summer.

Can I work remote at PRN Healthcare?

We have remote workers across the nation but also have hybrid employees and employees that report to the office daily. It truly depends on your position, team, and your manager.

Where are your offices located?

We have three offices throughout the nation. Our corporate office is in Appleton, WI. We also have offices in St. Louis, MO and Bethesda, MD.

How much PTO do I get?

Year one you have 80 hours of PTO, and it increases to 120 hours in year two! We also offer 9 paid holidays, and your birthday off!

What Equipment Do I Need For My First Day?

Just yourself and your ambition! We will provide a laptop and all necessary software and subscriptions.

What kinds of benefits can I expect?

As a full-time employee, you can expect a wide variety of benefits. There’s medical, dental and life insurance, a 401k plan and much more. There’s even a contract renewal bonus just for staying with PRN Healthcare. Check out our full list of benefits here!

Am I eligible for a tax free stipend?

You are eligible for a tax-free stipend if you are duplicating your housing expenses while on contract. We strongly encourage you to seek assistance from a tax professional regarding the matter. Looking for more information right away?  Please visit the exciting world of the IRS at  https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates

How do I submit my timesheet?

You can easily submit your timesheet by uploading it to the Workforce Portal, emailing an image of your timesheet to payroll@prninc.com or faxing a copy of your timesheet to 800.530.8379.

Why am I running into issues completing my eDocs, skills and testing?

How frustrating! We are here to help. Be sure to install Adobe Flash Player to your computer. If you are using Internet Explorer use this link to download it: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/. Next, un-check “optional offers”, unless you plan on using Google Chrome as a second web browser! Our IT team strongly encourages everyone to have a 2nd browser back-up (cough)…Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome. Good news, if you are already using Google Chrome – Adobe Flash Player is already installed – woohoo!

Can I earn extra cash while I am not working?

Yes, you can! It is quite easy – just refer one of your nursing friends to us. Earn $2 for every hour that they work up to 250 hours – easy way to make $500! Know an awesome nurse(s) you want to refer? Check out our refer a friend page for more details!

What does it mean when I say I am "available"?

When you tell our staffers that you are available, be prepared to take the call at confirmation time and ready to work the shift. If you are unsure or do not want to be booked for that shift, then please do not give your availability for that date.

When will I find out if I am working?

We find out two hours before the shift start time which nurses are needed and which nurses have been cancelled. So if the shift starts at 7pm, you can expect a call around 5pm. If you haven’t heard from us by around this time, do not assume either way. Call in and verify with us!

What do I bring to my shift?

It is important to remember to always bring your RN license, credentials (BLS, ACLS, etc.), and a photo ID. The staffing office may ask to make their own copies, even though you have already provided copies to PRN Healthcare. You should also wear your name badge that we send you in your welcome package.

Where should I report for my shift?

Report to the Nurse Staffing Office, sometimes called Nursing Administration. Most of the time, these offices are on the first floor and relatively close to the main entrance.  You need to sign in with the staffer or house supervisor who will give you your assignment.

What do I do if the hospital asks me to book another shift with them while I am there?

If you are at a facility, and they ask you to come back for a future shift, and you are available and want to work with them, then feel free to schedule with them. But please remember to always call and let us know! This will ensure that you are paid properly and also prevent us from promising you to another hospital during that same shift.

What do I do if I have to cancel a shift?

We understand that sometimes life happens and you need to call off a shift. This is not a problem as long as you let us know before the two-hour confirmation time. Of course, the more notice the better, since we want to give the hospital as much time as possible to find a replacement if necessary. Please do not e-mail us cancellations. Make sure to call in and talk to someone.

What is Travel Nursing?

Travel nursing allows you to travel around the country while doing what you love. Hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities from all over the nation call us because they need nurses to fill-in to account for their constantly fluctuating patient count. We then provide them with a nurse who has the skills and experience they require. Travel nursing provides you with an opportunity for adventure and growth.

How long are travel assignments?

It all depends on what the facility needs. Travel contracts can range anywhere between 4 and 16 weeks, with a typical contract lasting 13 weeks.

Do I need a nursing license in each state that I work?

If you live in a compact state and have a multi-state license you will be able to use your multi-state license for those identified states. If you do not live in a compact state you will need a license for every state you work.

Where will I live while on assignment?

PRN Healthcare offers you a housing stipend for your travel contract if you are duplicating housing expenses. There are great options through Airbnb, VRBO, Furnished Finder, Extended Stay America, and Home Stay. Here is more information on finding short-term travel housing!

Am I paid less than a normal hospital job?

No, not at all! In fact, you are actually paid more as a traveling healthcare professional than you would be for most hospital jobs. Plus, you’re eligible to get housing, tax benefits, and the chance to see new faces and places!

Can I bring my pet?

The short answer is, sometimes. If you want your pet to come, make sure you let us know and we will do everything we can to find housing that allows your fur baby! If they do, they usually require a security deposit. Just be sure that bringing your pet is the best thing for both you and your pet.

What if a friend and I want to work and travel together?

If the facility is looking for more than one nurse or allied health professional, then it might be possible for both of you to work together. Just make sure to let us know right away and we will do our best to find a place for the two of you.

Can I stay if I like the facility I am at?

It all depends on the facility and their need. Sometimes they just need someone for a short period of time, and that’s it. But, if the facility is interested in continuing to work with you, we can work to make it happen by extending your contract.

How do I get started with travel nursing?

To start travel nursing you first need to graduate from an accredited nursing program with your Bachelors’s or Associate’s degree. You then need to get licensed in the state(s) you are hoping to work in. Once you have one year of experience in the given specialty you want to work in, simply give us a call at 888.830.8811 or e-mail us at wehirenurses@prninc.com and we can talk about your next adventure!

What is PRN Healthcare's Florida license number?

Florida license #1384

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