Are you trying to decide what career path you want to take after medical school? If you’re considering nursing, you may want to consider becoming a per diem nurse.
Per diem nurses play a big role in a healthcare team, especially because they help make sure the system runs smoothly. But what exactly are their responsibilities, and why should you consider it?
Here’s a look at the basics of what it means to be a per diem nurse to guide you through!
What is a Per Diem Nurse?
By definition, per diem is Latin for “per each day.” So, it means a per diem nurse is a professional whose employment can go from a day to several, depending on the need.
These nurses usually work with different healthcare facilities on an as-needed basis, meaning they only have to clock in when it’s necessary. In a way, they act as an alternative to hiring more full-time staff when a medical institution needs more hands during a specific period.
Because of this, you might find a per diem nurse taking on different roles based on the need. It can be in emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, and more.
The Responsibilities of a Per Diem Nurse
The primary responsibilities of a per diem nurse can vary based on the jobs that need to be completed at the healthcare facility. So, you can expect your role to differ according to what shifts need to be covered and the qualifications it requires.
Even so, there are a few things you should know when you become a per diem nurse. It includes the following:
- Performing basic examinations
- Managing medication
- Treatment plan construction
- Diagnosis and treatment
- General nursing care
- Providing IV therapy
- Communicating with a patient’s family
- Consulting and coordinating with other medical professionals
Moreover, a per diem nurse should follow the orders provided by the primary doctor. These can go from something as simple as giving a patient medication to performing treatments.
Skills Required to Become a Per Diem Nurse
Besides having proper education and credentials in the medical field, it’s also crucial for a per diem nurse to showcase specific skills. This way, they can easily fit the needs of a facility, no matter what it may be.
These skills are as follows:
- Basic Clinical Skills: Per diem nurses must have a solid foundation of basic clinical skills to ensure they know their way around different patient concerns, environments, technology, and procedures. This applies to both understanding and experience.
- Strong Communication: Knowing how to communicate is crucial, especially when speaking with patients and families. It helps establish rapport and maintains quality levels of care.
- Work Independence: Unlike full-time staff, it’s important for you to know how to navigate around your responsibilities independently, regardless of the level of support available.
- Adaptability and Versatility: Knowing how to adapt and keep your skills versatile can make you feel more comfortable working in different settings.
Why You Should Become a Per Diem Nurse
Like most nursing jobs, there are lots of reasons why you should choose one or the other. Becoming a per diem nurse might seem tough, but you get to enjoy a broad range of benefits when you take this path.
It’s best to compare how per diem nursing compares to full-time positions, but here are a few reasons why it’s worth the shot:
Different Work Environments
Working as a per diem nurse means you get exposed to different healthcare settings, meaning you get to work in various environments. It’s a great way to learn more about a facility’s culture and organization, especially if you’re interested in applying for a part-time or full-time position in the long run.
Moreover, it helps you gain experience working in other types of facilities, from public hospitals to private clinics. So, you can easily adapt to working conditions, no matter where you may be placed.
Skill Enhancement
Working as a per diem nurse is one of the best ways to enhance your skills in different aspects. You get to gather your experience as needed while exposing yourself to new fields and responsibilities.
Through this, you can build how you deal with difficult situations and enhance your soft skills. It makes you a better candidate overall and shapes your ability to work in several roles.
Keep in mind that most per diem nurse jobs require you to have the basics down already. As you take on more roles, you get a better understanding of how to go about them with proficiency, helping you work independently.
Competitive Wages
Working as a per diem nurse means you have to start on short notice. Because of this, you can get higher compensation compared to other full-time positions.
It’s also important to feel confident that you can deliver with your expertise. So, you can be considered a strong candidate for future positions with specific roles.
More Flexibility
Most of the time, you don’t work on fixed days as a per diem nurse. Since you only need to come when it’s necessary, you can focus on other priorities and activities until you’re called in.
Despite this, you should remember that most of your tasks come at the last minute. So, it’s important to evaluate your time and ensure you’re within proximity as often as possible.
Bigger Network
The more you explore different environments and settings, the more you can expand your network. In doing so, you can boost your potential career opportunities organically.
Moreover, you can get in touch with more professionals in the field and build strong bonds. This way, you can learn more about their experience and expertise, receive advice and support, and develop interpersonal skills.
The Bottomline
Becoming a per diem nurse takes more work than it seems, but it’s also a great opportunity to explore the medical field while receiving compensation. You get to gather experience in different environments as you hone your skills.
At the same time, it helps you determine what path you want to take further in your career and assess where you want to continue – all the while getting compensated for your services and expertise!
