What Does It Mean to Be a Per Diem Nurse?

Nurses across the United States are finding professional satisfaction and earning additional funds by picking up shifts as a per diem nurse. You may be familiar with the concept, but the following can help shed some light on lesser-known aspects of per diem nursing, including the benefits and challenges.

Per diem comes from the Latin language, meaning “by the day.”

In other words, nurses working in a per diem role are essentially working daily shifts. Nurses, typically, prefer to live within 60 miles of the facility where they are assigned, but exceptions may apply.

Working Per-diem means different things based on the facility or organization. For example, the nurse may be called the same day for a shift to work. Shifts may vary from a partial shift to an eight to twelve-hour day depending on the organization. Per diem nurses can also be pre-scheduled to fill in for regular staff who will be off on vacation, etc.

Most per diem nurses work 12-hour shifts. But in some instances, eight-hour and 10-hour shifts are available. Per diem nurses can also be hired for seasonal staffing coverage; for example, during cold and flu season when patient care demand spikes, or summer when many nurses go on vacation. Holiday coverage is also sometimes considered “seasonal,” as many nurses request that time off.

Benefits of Becoming a Per Diem Nurse

The benefit of working daily shifts is that nurses can choose when they want to work. They can decline offered shifts if they are not available and accept work on days when they are. They can pick up holidays where the pay will be higher. They can be available for their children’s daily needs. Also, they are not tied to any specific schedule. Per-diem nurses also are typically paid more than regular staff as they do not have set hours and sometimes have no benefits such as health insurance.

Some nurses will opt for per diem nursing to check out a potential full-time or part-time position. It offers the opportunity to learn about the facility’s culture, staffing ratios, and how the organization treats its people without a commitment. Per diem nursing also allows nurses to improve their skills, try working in different settings, and grow their resumes to enhance their careers.

While most per diem assignments are in hospitals and nursing homes, per diem nurses also might be needed in physician offices and clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, rehab centers, and other organizations. Positions are available at small and large hospitals.

Because per diem nurses often work on short notice, they usually receive higher compensation than nurses working in full-time positions. Per diem nurses are confident in their nursing skills, and facilities are willing to pay for that expertise. Per diem nursing also allows nurses to supplement their part-time or full-time salaries with additional hours.

Disadvantages of Becoming a Per Diem Nurse

One of the disadvantages of working per diem is that sometimes nurses may not be needed. They may go a week or two without an offered shift. This can result in financial strain if the nurse has no other source of income. Also, per diem nurses are typically not benefited. They may not have health insurance, paid vacation, sick time, etc. This is why working on a contract as s travel nurse may be more beneficial to the nurse.

Not knowing what days or shifts they might be working, per diem nurses must find other ways to manage household responsibilities while taking care of themselves and family. Nurses can also work with their recruiter to find some longer-term assignments that could be more beneficial.

How Do You Become a Per Diem Nurse?

Transitioning into a per-diem nursing role is an attractive option for many nurses seeking flexibility and autonomy in their careers. Here’s a simplified guide on how to become a per-diem nurse:

• Obtain Licensure and Certification: Complete a nursing education program approved by the state board of nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN (or NCLEX-PN) exam. Additional certifications, like ACLS or PALS, may be required for certain specialties.
• Gain Clinical Experience: Gain at least one year of experience in various healthcare settings to enhance your skills and marketability. This can include hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or home healthcare agencies.
• Network and Research Job Opportunities: Network with your peers to find out more about what they are doing and contact Assured Nursing, your go to staffing agency, to help educate and direct you how to get started.
• Update Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills, experience, and availability. Emphasize flexibility, adaptability, and clinical expertise.
• Excel at the Interview: Prepare for interviews by practicing responses that highlight your ability to work independently, handle unpredictable schedules, and provide patient-centered care.
• Prepared to Work: Being prepared to work at all times is the way to be successful when working per-diem and thus make financial strides towards your goals.
• Maintain Continuing Education: Stay current with advances in healthcare by pursuing continuing education opportunities and renewing required certifications or licenses.