What is Per Diem Nursing? An Introduction to Flexible Healthcare Opportunities
By NurseRecruiter Team · Facebook LinkedIn Email
Per diem nursing means working shift by shift: the hospital calls when it is short, and you say yes or no. The hourly rate is usually better than staff pay, and almost nothing else comes attached to it — no health insurance, no paid time off, no guaranteed hours. That trade is the whole decision, and it suits some nurses enormously and others not at all.
Per diem nursing jobs have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more nurses seek greater flexibility and autonomy in their careers. While per diem work can offer many benefits, it's important to understand the potential drawbacks as well before you decide if this type of role is right for you.
One of the biggest advantages of per diem nursing is the flexibility it provides. Per diem nurses typically work on an as-needed basis, which means they can choose when and where they want to work. This can be ideal for nurses who have other commitments or simply want more control over their schedules.
In addition, per diem nurses often earn higher hourly rates than full-time employees, and they may have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings and specialties. This can be a great way to gain valuable experience and build your resume. How much higher depends a great deal on where you are — we mapped nurse wages state by state, and the gap between the best and worst-paying parts of the country is wider than most people expect.
However, there are also some potential downsides to per diem nursing. One of the biggest challenges is the unpredictable nature of the work. You may not always know when or where you will be needed, which can make it difficult to plan your personal life.
Additionally, per diem nurses typically do not receive the same benefits as full-time employees, such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement benefits. This can be a major drawback for some nurses who value these benefits.
If you're considering per diem nursing, it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. You'll need to be comfortable with the unpredictability of the work and be prepared to manage your own benefits and taxes. However, if you value flexibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, per diem nursing may be a great option for you.
Ready to pick up some per diem shifts?
Per diem work rewards nurses who want control over their calendar and can absorb a quiet month. It punishes anyone who needs a predictable paycheck. If you know which of those is you, the next step is small: our guide to getting started walks through what you need and how the shifts actually reach you.
If you're interested in pursuing per diem nursing, we encourage you to register today and start your journey as a per diem nurse!
