The abbreviation ‘PRN’ in a job context stands for the Latin phrase pro re nata, which translates to “as the thing is born” or “as needed.” In employment, it signifies a work arrangement where an employee is called in to work only when needed by the employer, rather than following a fixed schedule. For instance, a nurse working on a per diem basis fills in when the hospital is short-staffed.
This type of employment offers significant flexibility to both the employee and the employer. For the employee, it allows for control over work hours, enabling them to balance personal commitments or supplement income from other sources. For the employer, it provides a cost-effective way to manage staffing levels, particularly during peak periods or to cover absences. The concept of contingent labor, from which this arrangement evolved, addresses fluctuating operational demands effectively.
