Per diem nursing is a permanent type of employment. It is not contract-based or temporary. There is no end date or risk of losing your job simply for choosing to be per diem. Once hired, a per diem nurse will be hired directly by the employer system and be a part of the union if there is one. This ensures the per diem nurse has the same protection, rights, and security as their full-time counterparts.

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The unpredictability of shifts can be challenging for some nurses, especially those who prefer routine. Sometimes, shifts are most available when patient acuity is high and staffing is low. However, a per diem nurse has total control of their schedule allowing them flexibility with work. 

Unlike a full-time or part-time position, hours are not guaranteed for per diem nurses. Many per diem positions have a low minimum monthly requirement allowing them to have as much time off as they want while also allowing them to work more if they want to. The trick to per diem nursing is to take advantage of when the unit is busy; when they need nurses the most, go to work!

Although per diem nurses might not work on the unit regularly, learning opportunities such as in-services, competencies, and special trainings will usually be identified in advance and communicated through email. You’re able to attend the learning opportunities you’re actually interested in as you find time in your life.

Per diem roles often lie outside the traditional hierarchy of a healthcare facility. A per diem nurse needs to be proactive in finding opportunities to shine while at work. Per diem nurses advocate to become specialized in certain skills such as being a member of the PICC team or learning advanced roles such as charge nurse. 

A per diem nurse can work as many available hours as they would like. Working more means doctors and coworkers become more familiar with the per diem nurse. This will build trust which allows them to be fully integrated into the team.

Some facilities might reserve more complex cases for regular staff, believing they’re more familiar with the hospital’s protocols. Working more allows more time for the per diem nurse to “show off” their skills and capabilities which in turn highlights them as a valuable and critical member of the healthcare team.

Every employer system has its own procedures, equipment, and team dynamics. Coming into a new environment can be stressful for nurses and requires some adaptability. Fortunately, the MAJORITY of nursing is the same no matter where you work. Minor variances in practice can be learned through reading policies and asking a more knowledgeable team member for education and advice.

Successful per diem nurses are savvy with budgeting and financial planning. Building your savings account gets a lot easier when you start making a significantly higher hourly wage as a per diem nurse. Additionally, investment brokers can help with the best retirement and investment options for you.