Although burnout is a highly talked about issue within nursing, many of us are still trying to figure out ways to resolve it. From developing pre-shift routines to taking days off, deciding what works is hard. We’ve all been there, juggling those back-to-back shifts, managing the emotional toll of patient care, and trying to maintain a semblance of personal life. It’s not easy, and it’s no wonder that many of us find ourselves searching for a breath of fresh air and a change of pace. This is where the concept of per-diem nursing enters the picture as a potential game-changer.
What does it mean to be a Per Diem Nurse?
Per diem, nursing offers a more unique and flexible approach to healthcare staffing. Originating from the Latin phrase meaning “for each day,” per diem nursing is a role where nurses are employed on an as-needed basis rather than adhering to a fixed, long-term schedule. This type of role is important for managing fluctuations in staffing and unexpected call-offs. Per diem nurses are also important for staffing during the holidays and flu season.
As a per diem nurse, you are essentially on-call, stepping in to fill staffing gaps due to illness, high influxes of patients, last-minute leaves, etc. However, most facilities allow you to pick and choose the days you are available to work, which is a huge plus. This flexibility allows you to work on days that align with your personal preferences without being penalized. Unlike staff nursing, where schedules are more predetermined and rigid, per diem nursing provides a level of autonomy and control of your work-life balance.
Per diem nursing was primarily viewed as a supplementary position in the past. Today, it’s looked at as a viable career path for many nurses looking to keep their clinical skills sharp while also having room to breathe.
How Does Per Diem Nursing Work?
So, now that we understand what per diem nursing is, how does it actually work? Here’s the process in a nutshell:
- Shift availability: Hospitals in a certain geographic location often circulate available shifts to their pool of per diem nurses. This could be done with a staffing coordinator, an online scheduling system, or an app.
- Shift Selection: As a per diem nurse, you review these available shifts and choose the ones that align with your availability and preferences. Some nurses prefer night shifts, others weekends; this model allows you to tailor your work schedule to your personal life.
- Work Assignment: Once you select a shift, you’re expected to work in the assigned department.
- Reporting and Responsibilities: Upon accepting a shift, you report to the assigned unit and work under the same policies and standards as regular staff.
- Compensation and Benefits: Per diem nurses usually earn an hourly rate higher than the full-time staff, compensating for the lack of benefits like healthcare or paid leave.
You can work as a per diem nurse through an agency or a hospital system. However, there are some differences. If you choose to work with an agency, the difference is that you’ll have more freedom due to not having to adhere to the hospital system’s scheduling requirements. On the downside, you are more likely to get canceled before the hospital’s staff per diems.
Benefits of Per Diem Nursing
- Better Work-Life Balance: The most significant advantage of per diem nursing is its flexibility. You have the freedom to choose shifts that work with your family obligations, school schedule, or personal interests. This is important for those who don’t want the commitment of a full-time position but still need job security.
- Higher Pay: This is great if you have benefits through your partner, another job, or private insurance. The high pay is a significant draw for those looking to maximize their earnings.
- Reduced Burnout: The flexibility that per diem nursing offers can contribute to less stress and burnout. By having more control over your working hours and environment, you can manage work-related stress more effectively, leading to better mental and emotional health.
- Diverse Clinical Experiences: Working in various departments and settings allows per-diem nurses to gain a broad range of clinical experiences. This exposure can enhance your skills and make you a more versatile and adaptable healthcare professional. It’s an excellent way to explore and figure out which specialty works for you.
- Networking Opportunities: You’ll meet and connect with various healthcare professionals as you work across the different departments and facilities. For example, as a per-diem nurse, I frequently floated to Pacu, allowing me to meet and shadow a few CRNAs.
Disadvantages of Per Diem Nursing
While per diem nursing offers several benefits, it’s important to think about its potential drawbacks to get a balanced perspective. Understanding these challenges can help nurses decide whether per diem nursing aligns with your personal circumstances.
1. Inconsistent Work and Income: One of the most significant challenges of per diem nursing is the lack of a guaranteed, consistent work schedule. The number of available shifts can fluctuate, impacting your income stability. During periods of low demand, you may find fewer opportunities for work, which can be financially challenging, especially if you rely on per diem nursing as your primary source of income.
2. Lack of Benefits: Unlike full-time positions, per diem roles typically do not offer benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off. As a per diem nurse, you need to make alternative arrangements for their healthcare and financial security, which can be a significant consideration, especially for long-term career planning.
3. Less Job Security: Per diem positions often have less job security than full-time roles. Employment is based on the facility’s current needs, which can change, leaving per diem nurses vulnerable to shifts in staffing policies or budget constraints.
4. Limited Career Advancement Opportunities: As a per diem nurse, you are not consistently present in a single department. As a result, you might have fewer opportunities for career advancement within a particular hospital. This includes fewer opportunities for training, mentorship, and promotions that are more readily available to full-time staff.
5. Adapting to Different Environments: Although working in various departments provides diverse experiences, it also requires continuously adapting to new teams, protocols, and patient populations. This constant change can be challenging and may not suit everyone’s working style.
6. Handling Last-Minute Calls: Being on a per diem schedule often means being ready to work on short notice. This unpredictability can be stressful and may interfere with your personal life or plans.
Per Diem Nursing vs. Travel Nursing vs. PRN Nursing
To further understand per diem nursing, it is helpful to compare it with other flexible nursing roles like travel nursing and PRN (as needed) nursing. Each of these roles offers different benefits and challenges, and understanding these distinctions can help you decide which path aligns best with your career goals and lifestyle. Keep in mind that some facilities use Per Diem and PRN interchangeably.
1. Per Diem Nursing:
—Flexibility: Offers the highest level of flexibility in choosing shifts.
—Location: Typically, you work within a local or regional area, allowing you to return home after each shift.
—Commitment: No long-term commitment to a specific facility; work is based on daily needs.
—Pay: Generally higher hourly rates due to the lack of benefits and job security.
2. Travel Nursing:
–Duration: Assignments usually last between 8 to 26 weeks.
–Location: Involves traveling to different cities or states, with housing often provided or stipended.
–Commitment: More stable and continuous work than per diem, but with a fixed-term contract at a specific location.
–Benefits: Often includes benefits like health insurance, and travel expenses are usually covered.
3. PRN Nursing:
–Flexibility: Similar to per diem nursing but often within a specific healthcare system or facility.
–Commitment: Less commitment than full-time roles, but might require a minimum number of monthly shifts.
–Predictability: More predictable and stable than per diem nursing, as you’re often part of a regular pool of staff.
–Pay: Pay rates can vary, sometimes similar to per diem rates, but often with some benefits depending on the facility’s policy.
Deciding which paths to pursue depends on your personal and professional priorities, such as the desire for stability, willingness to travel, need for benefits, and preference for flexible scheduling.
Is Per Diem Nursing Right For Me?
Before starting your journey as a per diem nurse, don’t forget to consider how it will fit into your life/goals. Ultimately, choosing per diem nursing is a personal decision that hinges on how well it fits your needs. It’s a career move that offers a unique blend of flexibility and diversity but also requires high adaptability. Reflecting on these factors will help you decide if per diem nursing suits you. Are you considering becoming a per diem nurse? Leave a comment below!
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