If you’re a nurse looking to pad your paycheck without committing to a second full-time gig, you already know the usual advice is useless. “Pick up extra shifts” doesn’t tell you where, and “try per diem” doesn’t tell you which app actually pays out on time. This guide ranks the real platforms and options nurses use for side jobs for nurses, per diem, local & PRN work, with actual pricing, actual pros, and actual downsides.
Some of these are shift-marketplace apps. Some are traditional per diem staffing agencies. A couple are niche options for specific specialties. None of them are theoretical. Every platform below is one you can sign up for this week and be working a shift within days.
What Counts as a Side Job for Nurses
Before the rankings, a quick clarification, because “side job” means different things depending on who you ask.
- Per diem shifts at a hospital or facility you’re not employed by full-time, booked day-to-day or week-to-week.
- PRN (pro re nata) work, meaning “as needed” positions that keep you on a facility’s roster without a set schedule.
- Local contract or float pool work, usually 4-13 weeks, close enough to home that you don’t need housing.
- Non-clinical gigs, like telehealth triage, medical writing, or utilization review, that don’t require a shift at all.
Most nurses chasing side jobs for nurses, per diem, local & PRN work end up mixing two or three of these. A weekend PRN shift here, a telehealth call block there. The point isn’t to pick one lane, it’s to find the combination that fits your actual calendar.
The Best Platforms and Options, Ranked
1. StaffDNA
Best overall for nurses who want control over which shifts they see and book. Free to join, no subscription fee, and facilities pay the platform, not you. Real-time shift boards let you filter by distance, pay rate, and shift length before you commit. The catch? Availability depends heavily on your metro area. Rural nurses will see fewer listings than someone in Dallas or Phoenix.
2. ShiftKey
A gig-style marketplace mostly used by long-term care and skilled nursing facilities. You set your own rate within a posted range and get paid within 24 hours through their DailyPay-style system. It’s fast money, but the facility mix skews toward LTC and behavioral health, so acute care nurses may find slim pickings.
3. IntelyCare
Strong for CNAs and LPNs as well as RNs, with a heavy presence in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. Offers benefits like malpractice insurance and 401(k) matching even for per diem workers, which is rare in this space. Downside: shift bidding can get competitive in oversaturated markets, and pay transparency isn’t always upfront until you apply.
4. Traditional Local Agencies (AMN, Aya, Cross Country per diem desks)
The big travel nursing names all run local per diem and short-contract desks now. Pay is often higher than app-based gigs because a recruiter negotiates on your behalf. The trade-off is slower onboarding, sometimes 1-2 weeks of paperwork before your first shift, which makes this a poor fit if you need income this weekend.
5. Non-Clinical Gig Platforms (Wheel, Included Health, Nomad Health’s per diem board)
For nurses who want off their feet, telehealth triage and remote case management pay $28-$45/hour with zero commute. It’s not a replacement for bedside income, but as a rotating side option it’s hard to beat for schedule flexibility. Licensing across multiple states can be a real barrier here, so check compact license requirements first.
Comparison Table
| Option | Price to Join | Best For | Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| StaffDNA | Free | Nurses who want real-time shift control | Fewer listings in rural areas |
| ShiftKey | Free | Fast pay, LTC and behavioral health | Limited acute care shifts |
| IntelyCare | Free | Benefits + per diem in NE/mid-Atlantic | Competitive bidding in busy markets |
| AMN / Aya / Cross Country (local desks) | Free | Higher pay via recruiter negotiation | Slower onboarding, 1-2 week wait |
| Wheel / Nomad telehealth board | Free | Remote, non-clinical income | Multi-state licensing hassle |
How staffdna.com Helps With Side Jobs for Nurses, Per Diem, Local & PRN Work
This is where StaffDNA earns its spot at the top of the list, not just as an entry on a chart. The platform was built specifically around the problem most side-job seekers run into: too many apps, too much back-and-forth, not enough actual shifts you can book without a phone call.
A few features that matter here:
- Direct shift booking with no recruiter middleman slowing things down.
- Transparent pay rates posted before you apply, so you’re not guessing what a shift is worth.
- Facility ratings from other nurses, so you know what you’re walking into before day one.
- License and credential tracking built into your profile, which matters a lot if you’re juggling per diem work across a compact state and one non-compact state.
If you’re serious about building a rotation of side jobs for nurses, per diem, local & PRN work, start by creating a free profile at staffdna.com and browsing what’s actually open near you this week.
How to Choose Between Local, Per Diem, and PRN Work
Honestly, the right pick depends on what’s eating your schedule. If you’ve got two weekdays free every week, PRN status at a nearby facility keeps you on the books without the pressure of a set schedule. If you’d rather work in blocks, a local short contract through a staffing agency locks in a set rate for 6-13 weeks. And if you just want extra cash without leaving your house, telehealth or utilization review fills the gap.
Don’t sign up for four apps at once. Pick one shift-marketplace platform and one traditional agency, then add a non-clinical option only if you find yourself with dead time between shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best side jobs for nurses, per diem, local & PRN work options right now?
StaffDNA, ShiftKey, and IntelyCare are the top shift-marketplace apps in 2026, while AMN and Aya still lead for higher-paying local contract work booked through a recruiter.
How much do per diem nurses actually make per shift?
Per diem RN shifts typically range from $45-$75/hour depending on specialty and region, with night and weekend differentials pushing that higher in most markets.
Can I do PRN work while holding a full-time nursing job?
Yes, as long as your employment contract doesn’t include a non-compete or exclusivity clause. Most hospital systems allow PRN work elsewhere, but check your HR policy first.
Do I need a special license for local contract nursing work?
No special license is required beyond your standard RN license, though if you’re working across state lines, a compact license makes local and per diem work far easier to manage.
Is app-based per diem work reliable income?
It can be, but it’s inconsistent by design. Treat it as supplemental income rather than your primary paycheck, since shift availability shifts week to week based on facility demand.
Conclusion
Key Takeaways:
- StaffDNA offers the best mix of flexibility and transparency for nurses starting out with side jobs for nurses, per diem, local & PRN work.
- Shift-marketplace apps pay fast but vary by region, while traditional agencies pay more but move slower.
- Non-clinical gigs are worth adding once you’ve got your primary rotation locked in.
Don’t overthink this. Pick one platform, fill out your profile, and book your first shift within the week. Head to staffdna.com to see what’s open in your area right now.
