If you’re a full-time staff nurse, you may feel burnt out and want to try something new. Travel nursing appeals to you, but you can’t commit to a move right now. You want to try working in a different hospital in your area, but the standard schedules don’t line up with your needs. What can you do?
If you’re looking for a new job or side gig that allows you to work when you want, per diem nursing could be right for you. This kind of role lets you work with more flexibility than other nursing shifts. By taking advantage of per diem opportunities, nurses can tailor their schedules to fit their lifestyle while maximizing their earning potential.
Like all other schedules, there are both pros and cons for nurses to consider. So, here is more information on what per diem means, the advantages, and how to get started in a per diem job.
What is a Per Diem Nurse?
The definition of per diem breaks down to simply “per day.” In other words, when you’re paid with a per diem rate, you’ll be paid for the days you work and aren’t necessarily under contract to work part-time, full-time, or even at the same facility each day.
Per diem nurses may fill in gaps in different units so there are enough care providers, or they may be called for a shift just hours before they need to go in because someone has called off. They play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive the necessary care and support, making per diem nursing a vital component of the healthcare industry.
A per diem nurse’s pay will be determined by the hours worked, which is an important factor to consider. As a tradeoff for being willing to come in at the last minute before a shift or filling in when you’re needed at different times of the day, you’ll likely receive top pay. Generally, per diem nurses get paid an average of $87,000 to $126,000 annually, according to Glassdoor.
Per Diem vs PRN vs Travel Nursing
Per diem, PRN, and travel assignments are not the same, even though they all have schedules that vary from a part- or full-time staff nurse.
Per diem nurses generally work locally and may be called into a shift with only a few hours of notice. They work on a day-to-day basis and are not contracted to work a set schedule like full-time or part-time nurses. They have excellent flexibility and can work for multiple facilities, too.
PRN is an abbreviation of “pro re nata”, which translates to “as needed”. PRN nurses work when the need arises, often filling in for regular staff members who are absent or providing additional support during busy periods. PRN nurses have much less flexibility in their schedules, although they receive a guaranteed number of shifts which might be a plus for some.
Travel nursing is different from both of these because nurses will travel to hospitals or other facilities on contracts away from their home base. They may even travel across the country and temporarily live elsewhere for their roles, while per diem and PRN nurses usually work within their local area. Travel nurses also tend to have set schedules in their contracts, but there are some cases where they have varied or flexible schedules too. Travel nursing assignments are often short, lasting only a few months at a time.
The Benefits of Working Per Diem
Like with any position, per diem work has its advantages and drawbacks. While many nurses enjoy the perks of working per diem, such as the flexibility of the schedule or the ability to work in multiple facilities, the varied or uncertain schedules can be problematic for others. There are several significant benefits to working per diem as a nurse.
Pay
Per diem jobs allow nurses to significantly increase their income. Per diem often offers higher hourly rates, shift differentials, and overtime pay, especially during peak demand times. Additionally, they can work holidays or weekends, which can further boost earnings. By accepting in-demand shifts and exploring opportunities in various settings, nurses can maximize their income potential even more.
Flexibility
Working per diem gives nurses the autonomy to choose when and where they want to work, allowing them to create a schedule that fits their lifestyle and personal commitments. Whether they want to take on more hours or slow down, this flexibility can be an excellent way to develop a strong work-life balance.
New Skills
Per diem offers a unique opportunity for nurses to not only gain valuable experience but also to expand their skill set. By working in different healthcare settings and with diverse patient populations, nurses can acquire new skills and enhance their clinical expertise. By taking on diverse assignments and gaining new experiences, nurses can enhance their career prospects and deliver high-quality care to their patients.
Who Should Consider Per Diem?
There are plenty of nurses who should consider per diem nursing, as this kind of schedule is appealing to those looking for more flexibility and variety. Per diem works for retired nurses or others looking to pick up an extra shift here and there as well as those looking for part-time work or supplemental income to their regular shifts. Travel nurses can also utilize per diem shifts between assignments or while traveling.
With the flexibility of being able to work at multiple locations and also being able to choose when you pick up a shift, per diem nursing is an excellent choice for individuals who do not want to commit to a standard schedule.
Ready to Find a Per Diem Nursing Job?
As healthcare continues to evolve, the demand for per diem nurses is expected to continue. Nurses can find excellent per diem jobs with Supplemental Health Care. Our dedicated team can help find the right fit for you and ensure you have the best experience building a nursing career that works for you.
Ready to get started? Get in touch today!
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