Per diem nursing refers to a work arrangement in which nurses are hired on an as-needed basis, and paid per shift. The purpose of per diem nursing is to provide hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities with flexible staffing options, allowing them to quickly fill in gaps in their schedules or increase staffing during peak periods.

Per diem nursing has become a popular choice for many nurses due to its flexibility and potential for higher pay rates. Nurses who work per diem have the freedom to choose when they work, allowing them to build schedules that fit their lifestyle or accommodate other commitments. Additionally, because per diem nurses are often hired to cover last-minute staffing needs, they can command higher pay rates than full-time or part-time nurses, making it an attractive option for those looking to supplement their income.

Benefits of Per Diem Nursing

  • Flexibility in work schedule

Per diem nursing offers numerous benefits to nurses who choose this type of work arrangement. One of the most significant advantages is the flexibility it offers in terms of scheduling. Per diem nurses have the freedom to choose when they work, allowing them to build schedules that fit their lifestyle or accommodate other commitments. This flexibility is particularly attractive to nurses who may have family or other obligations that make it difficult to commit to a traditional full-time or part-time position.

  • Higher hourly pay rates

In addition to flexibility, per diem nursing also offers the potential for higher hourly pay rates. Because per diem nurses are often hired to cover last-minute staffing needs, they can command higher pay rates than full-time or part-time nurses. This can make per diem nursing an attractive option for those looking to supplement their income or earn additional money during times when they are not working their regular job.

  • Exposure to different clinical settings

Another benefit of per diem nursing is exposure to different clinical settings. Because per diem nurses are not tied to a specific facility, they may have the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings, from hospitals to clinics to long-term care facilities. This exposure can help nurses broaden their skill set and gain experience in different areas of healthcare.

  • Ability to gain new skills and experience

Per diem nursing also allows nurses to gain new skills and experience. Working in different clinical settings can expose nurses to new procedures, medical equipment, and treatment methods. This exposure can help them develop new skills and competencies that can make them more marketable in the job market.

  • Potential for long-term employment opportunities

Finally, per diem nursing can offer potential long-term employment opportunities. Many per diem nurses are eventually offered full-time or part-time positions at the facilities where they work. This can provide nurses with a path to permanent employment and stability in their careers.

Challenges of Per Diem Nursing

  • Lack of guaranteed work hours

While per diem nursing offers many benefits, there are also some challenges associated with this type of work arrangement. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of guaranteed work hours. Per diem nurses may not be able to work as many hours as they would like, particularly during slower periods when there may not be many open shifts. This can make it difficult for per diem nurses to rely on a steady income.

  • Limited access to benefits and job security

Another challenge of per diem nursing is limited access to benefits and job security. Because per diem nurses are not considered full-time employees, they may not have access to benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off. Additionally, per diem nurses are not guaranteed employment, which can make it difficult to plan for their financial future or build a career path.

  • Need for strong time management and organizational skill

The need for strong time management and organizational skills is also a challenge of per diem nursing. Because per diem nurses may work at multiple facilities and have varying schedules, it is essential that they have strong time-management and organizational skills. They must be able to manage their schedules effectively, prioritize tasks, and maintain accurate records of their work hours and assignments.

In summary, per diem nursing offers many benefits, including flexibility, exposure to different clinical settings, and potential for higher pay rates. However, it also presents challenges such as lack of guaranteed work hours, limited access to benefits and job security, and the need for strong time management and organizational skills. Nurses who are considering per diem work should carefully weigh these factors before making a decision.

Qualifications for Per Diem Nursing

Qualifications for per diem nursing can vary depending on the specific facility and job requirements. However, some common qualifications include an active nursing license, experience in a clinical setting, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and availability to work on short notice.
  • Active nursing license
Having an active nursing license is often a basic requirement for per diem nursing. This ensures that the nurse is qualified to provide medical care and is up to date with the latest nursing practices and procedures. The nurse should also have additional certifications if required by the facility or state.
  • Experience in a clinical setting

Experience in a clinical setting is also essential for per diem nursing. Since per diem nurses are often called in to fill temporary staffing gaps, they need to be able to hit the ground running and quickly adapt to new environments. Having experience in a variety of clinical settings can help them feel comfortable and confident in different work environments.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are critical for per diem nursing because it allows the nurse to build rapport with patients, colleagues, and supervisors. Clear and concise communication can also facilitate a smooth transition as the per diem nurse enters the work environment, receives assignments, and transfers care to other staff members.

  • Availability to work on short notice
Finally, availability to work on short notice is essential for per diem nursing positions. Often, per diem nurses are called in to fill unexpected staffing needs or last-minute schedule changes, so it’s important to be flexible and able to adjust schedules on short notice. Flexibility in terms of work hours and workdays can also be beneficial for per diem nurses to ensure they are available when needed.

Tips for Success in Per Diem Nursing

Success in per diem nursing requires more than just the basic qualifications and experience. Here are some tips to help per diem nurses thrive in their roles:

  • Build a strong professional network  
Building a strong professional network is an important aspect of success in per diem nursing. Per diem nurses who establish positive relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and staffing agencies are often more likely to be recommended for future work opportunities. They can also gain valuable insights into different work environments and build a support system to help them navigate challenging situations.
  • Be proactive in seeking out job opportunities
Being proactive in seeking out job opportunities can also help per diem nurses succeed. This may involve researching job postings, reaching out to staffing agencies or hospital HR departments, and building a reputation as a reliable and skilled nurse. By being proactive, per diem nurses can increase their chances of finding consistent work and building long-term relationships with employers.
  • Stay organized with work schedules and assignments
Staying organized with work schedules and assignments is essential for success in per diem nursing. Because per diem nurses may work at multiple facilities and have varying schedules, it’s important to maintain accurate records of work hours, assignments, and patient care. Tools like organizational apps and calendars can be helpful for keeping track of schedules and tasks.
  • Continuously update and improve nursing skills
Finally, continuously updating and improving nursing skills is critical for per diem nurses to stay competitive in the job market. Per diem nurses should seek out continuing education opportunities, attend training sessions and seminars, and stay up-to-date on the latest advances in medical technology and treatment methods. By investing in their professional development, per diem nurses can increase their value to potential employers and enhance their ability to provide high-quality patient care.

Wrap-Up

In conclusion, per diem nursing is a flexible and rewarding career path that offers numerous benefits to nurses. The ability to choose work schedules, higher pay rates, exposure to diverse clinical settings, and potential for long-term employment opportunities are just a few of the advantages of per diem nursing. However, there are also challenges, such as lack of guaranteed work hours and limited access to benefits.

Despite the challenges, per diem nursing can be an excellent career choice for nurses who value flexibility and variety in their work. By maintaining an active nursing license, gaining experience in different clinical settings, honing communication and organizational skills, and staying up-to-date on nursing practices and procedures, per diem nurses can thrive in their roles and build successful careers.

If you’re considering a career in nursing, per diem nursing may be a great option to explore. Consider the benefits and challenges discussed in this article and weigh them against your personal preferences and career goals. With the right qualifications and mindset, per diem nursing can provide a fulfilling and financially rewarding career path.