Work Your Way. Exploring Employment Options Beyond Full-Time
Whether you're a seasoned health care professional seeking better work-life balance, a new graduate exploring what’s out there, or someone considering a return to health care after time away, today's job market offers more flexibility than ever before. From full-time to per diem roles, health care professionals can choose options that fit their lifestyles and career goals.
The NCHWA Nursing Workforce Dashboard was developed to show the distribution of the workforce across various employment models. Understanding the different models can help you find opportunities that best fit your skills and schedule providing the flexibility and compensation you want. STATCheck works with top employers to provide a variety of rewarding health care opportunities and will hand-pick the best options for you.
Among employed RNs, 70% work full-time, 11% work part-time, and about 8% work per diem shifts (The 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey), but these percentages are shifting as professionals discover alternative employment models that help them achieve their professional and personal goals.
We’ve done the hard work for you. Explore the pros and cons of different health care employment models to help you determine which model works best for you.
Full-Time Employment: The Traditional Model
Hours & Schedule: Typically 36-40 hours per week, often three 12-hour shifts or five 8-hour shifts. Most facilities require coverage during weekends, holidays, and nights.
Compensation: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median RN annual earnings was $93,600 per year in 2024. Full-time positions generally offer the most predictable income with regular pay increases and promotional opportunities.
Benefits: Comprehensive packages usually include health insurance, retirement contributions (often with employer matching), paid time off, continuing education support, and tuition reimbursement. These benefits can add 20-30% to your total compensation value.
Flexibility: Limited scheduling flexibility, though many facilities now offer self-scheduling within constraints. Career advancement opportunities are typically strongest for full-time roles.
Best for: Health care professions who are seeking stability, comprehensive benefits, and clear career progression paths. Ideal for those with families who need predictable health care coverage and retirement planning.
Part-Time Employment: Balanced Commitment
Hours & Schedule: Usually 16-32 hours per week, often structured as 1-2 weekly shifts. 20% of health care workers are employed part-time, making this a significant employment segment.
Compensation: Hourly rates are typically similar to full-time positions, but annual earnings are proportionally lower due to fewer hours. Some facilities offer premium rates for hard-to-fill part-time shifts.
Benefits: Vary widely by employer. Some offer prorated benefits for employees working 20+ hours per week, while others provide limited or no benefits.–which is often the determining factor in part-time employment decisions.
Flexibility: Provides better work-life balance than full-time roles while maintaining some employment stability. Often easier to request specific days off or preferred shifts.
Best for: Health care professionals with other commitments such as family responsibilities, continuing education, or those transitioning between careers.
PRN (Pro Re Nata) Employment: Facility-Based Flexibility
Hours & Schedule: Work "as needed" with a single facility or employer, typically without a minimum of guaranteed hours. PRN nurses are typically part of a facility's internal staffing pool, meaning they're more integrated into a specific facility's workforce. Home care employers also offer PRN opportunities that can provide more flexibility.
Compensation: PRN nursing typically pays more per hour than full-time work. In addition, nurses who work overnight shifts or in a specialty field may earn more. The higher hourly rates compensate for the lack of benefits and unpredictable scheduling.
Benefits: Usually none, though some facilities offer limited benefits if you work a minimum number of hours per month. If you are employed by a staffing agency, you may receive benefits at a certain number of hours worked per month.
Flexibility: High scheduling flexibility with the security of working within a familiar facility. You know the policies, technology, and team members.
Best for: Experienced nurses who prefer schedule control while maintaining relationships with one health care team. Often works well for those with benefits through a spouse or other source.
Per Diem Employment: Ultimate Flexibility
Hours & Schedule: Shift work across multiple facilities on a daily-rate basis. Per diem nurses typically work for a staffing agency and are available to work across a number of different facilities.
Compensation: The number of per diem workers contracted by 25% in 2023 and Staffing Industry Analysis projects further contraction in 2024. Per Diem nurses and assistants are typically paid higher wages, but they do not have employee benefits or the security of a full-time job. Per diem nurses may also be responsible for their own taxes and retirement savings.
Benefits: Per Diem nurses are classified as freelance workers, which means they do not receive the benefits that come with being a part-time or full-time employee. Higher pay compensates for the lack of traditional benefits.
Flexibility: Unlike pro re nata (PRN) nurses, a per diem nurse can work for multiple facilities. Per diem nurses aren't bound by a facility's workplace policies regarding a minimum number of hours per week.
Best for: Experienced health care professionals who value maximum flexibility and don't need employer-provided benefits. Excellent for those wanting diverse experiences across different facilities and units.
Travel Nursing: Adventure with Premium Pay
Hours & Schedule: Typically 36-40 hours per week during 8-26 week-long assignments. The average traveling nurse stays at their job for 1-2 years, though this can include multiple assignments.
Compensation: During COVID, demand for travel nurses increased significantly, but in 2024 there was a 37% drop in this segment, according to Staffing Industry Analysis. Since the COVID surge, pay rates have normalized but housing and M&I costs have gone up. While compensation has ebbed and flowed over the past few years, the pay still remains competitive.
Benefits: Many agencies provide health insurance, housing stipends or free housing, travel reimbursements, and completion bonuses. Some even offer 401(k) plans and other traditional benefits.
Flexibility: Travel nursing is perfect for those who want the freedom to choose the assignment and department that fits their lifestyle and interests. Ultimate geographic and professional flexibility with the ability to explore different regions and health care systems.
Best for: These roles are ideal for adventurous professionals without strong geographic ties who want to maximize earnings while gaining diverse experience.
Nurse Staffing Agency Employment: Professional Support
Hours & Schedule: Varies widely depending on assignments accepted. Can include short-term crisis coverage, seasonal work, or ongoing placements.
Compensation: Similar to travel nursing, there was a surge in demand for nurse staffing agencies during COVID, but now the demand is returning to pre-pandemic levels. The compensation rates will vary by assignment type and urgency.
Benefits: Many staffing agencies now offer comprehensive benefits packages to remain competitive, including health insurance and retirement plans. According to MIT Sloan Management Review, while compensation was a key driver of overall satisfaction, those who have worked for staffing agencies appreciate how the agencies solve nurses’ problems and engage in open, honest communication.
Flexibility: Professional support for credential verification, continuing education, and career development. Agencies often provide guidance and advocacy throughout assignments.
Best for: Health care professionals who want the variety of temporary work with professional support. This employment model is a good option for those new to flexible employment models who want guidance and advocacy.
Making the Right Choice for Your Career
Health care employment models are continually evolving. When deciding which model is best for you, consider your priorities:
Financial goals: Travel and per diem roles often offer the highest earning potential, while full-time positions provide steady income and comprehensive benefits.
Lifestyle needs: If you need predictable schedules, full-time or part-time roles are your best bets. For maximum flexibility, consider per diem or travel opportunities.
Career stage: Six out of 10 staffing employees (64%) work in the industry to fill in the gap between jobs or to help them land a job. One in five (20%) cite schedule flexibility as a top reason for choosing temporary/contract work.
Experience level: Most flexible roles require solid clinical experience and the ability to adapt quickly to new environments.
Then, consider the financial implications of your choice:
Be sure to calculate the total compensation including benefits, not just hourly rates.
Consider the tax implications of different employment types.
Remember to account for retirement and health care coverage with non-traditional employment opportunities.
Build an emergency fund for income variability associated with flexible roles.
The health care industry needs talented professionals in every employment model. Whether you choose the security of full-time employment or the adventure of travel nursing, you can find a path that aligns with your personal and professional goals. The key is to honestly assess your priorities and choose the model that supports both your immediate needs and long-term career goals.
As the health care workforce continues to evolve, these employment options provide unprecedented opportunities for licensed professionals to craft rewarding careers that truly work for their lives. And when you’re ready to find your career match, STATCheck offers a wide variety of opportunities with options that meet your unique goals. The choice is yours.