Do you want to work as a nurse without the long-term commitment of staying in one healthcare facility? If you seek flexibility in your career, consider being a per diem nurse. What does a per diem nurse do, and what are the pros and cons? Is per diem nursing for me? Read this article to see all you need to know about per diem nursing.

What is per diem nursing?

Ever heard of per diem nursing or temporary nursing? In per diem nursing, you work as a nurse only short-term.

A per diem nurse is a registered nurse who takes on the role on a per-need basis. When a healthcare facility, hospital, or clinic is short-staffed, they usually call a per diem nurse to relieve them.

What are the tasks of a per diem nurse?

The responsibilities of a per diem nurse vary and depend on the assigned roles. As a per diem nurse, you can work in the emergency room, operating room, doctor’s clinic, and other departments. It depends entirely on the need.

If you feel your strength is more in a certain department, seek per diem nursing roles in that field. Human resource people often indicate the roles of per diem nurses when hiring.

It is called per diem nursing because your shift is per diem or per day. Your salary is calculated based on the dates you render work.

What are the pros of per diem nursing?

Per diem nursing has a lot of advantages which is why many nurses prefer this setup.

Higher salary rate

A per diem nurse is paid for every hour of your shift. The hourly rates of temporary nurses in healthcare facilities are typically higher than those working full-time. With this, you earn more while enjoying flexibility in your schedule.

Good sideline job 

If you are looking at earning extra, then working as a per diem nurse is an excellent source of income. You get to work whenever you are available or want to without fully committing to a regular schedule. Plus, you get to practice your nursing skills.

No institution exclusivity

Since you are just temporarily filling the nursing role in that healthcare facility, you are not tied down or fully committed to that institution. You are free to take on many jobs in different facilities. 

By doing so, you also get a glimpse of the work environment in different institutions. This is particularly useful if you are looking for a full-time job as you get a taste of what it’s like to work in a certain facility.

Time flexibility

Is per diem nursing for me? If you want to have control over your time, then per diem nursing is definitely for you! One of the reasons why nurses choose this setup is time flexibility. 

You can always say no if the time is not convenient for you. However, do not always decline. When dealing with agencies, they might give you fewer opportunities if you always turn them down.

More work experience

Nurses who are still starting in their careers or feel stagnating should consider working as per diem nurses. Though temporary, working in different departments and institutions will give you varied work experience. You will learn new things and develop new skills.

Better work-life balance

Because of time flexibility, you can have a better work-life balance as a per diem nurse. You can choose your shifts and adjust them based on your schedule. 

Nurses starting a family or having kids appreciate the work-life balance that per diem nursing gives them. They can build their schedules around family time and dedicate time to caring for their kids and families.

What are the cons of per diem nursing?

As with any other job, per diem nursing has its disadvantages too.

Inconsistent monthly income

The downside of per diem nursing, as with other freelancing jobs, is that you are not assured of getting a monthly paycheck. There is no financial stability if this is the only job you have. You will have no constant source of income because they pay you for your work hours.

No benefits or incentives

Because you are a temporary employee, the law doesn’t mandate companies to give you benefits, days off, or compensation when you get laid off. You won’t also be part of incentive programs that the institution has.

Minimal job security

Facilities will not always need a per diem nurse. Other nurses are in the nursing pool, so that competition might get tight. Many factors affect whether you land a job as a per diem nurse. Do not expect to have job security with this setup.

Is per diem nursing for you?

Being a per diem nurse or working temporarily has its pros and cons. Is per diem nursing for you? The answer depends on what you are seeking. In general, per diem nursing is good if you do not rely on it entirely for your finances. It’s a good avenue for you to grow as a nurse, but there is no job security.