How to Get Started with Per Diem Nursing: Tips for Success

The healthcare industry is evolving, and so are the ways nurses work. If you’ve ever wondered how does per diem nursing work and whether it might be a good fit for you, this article will guide you through the essentials of getting started in per diem nursing. Per diem nursing offers an incredible amount of flexibility, competitive pay, and variety, making it an attractive option for many nursing professionals today.

Whether you’re a newly licensed nurse looking for flexible work hours or an experienced nurse seeking control over your schedule, understanding how per diem nursing works and how to start successfully is essential. Read on for tips, benefits, challenges, and answers to frequently asked questions about per diem nursing.

What Is Per Diem Nursing?

Per diem nursing refers to a work arrangement where nurses are hired on a day-by-day or shift-by-shift basis rather than as permanent staff. The term "per diem" means "per day" in Latin, highlighting the temporary and flexible nature of this employment style.

Per diem nurses fill in staffing gaps, cover vacations, respond to sudden increases in patient volume, and help healthcare facilities maintain quality care without committing to a full-time schedule. This setup allows nurses to choose when, where, and how often they want to work.

How Does Per Diem Nursing Work?

Understanding how does per diem nursing work is crucial to deciding if it’s the right fit for you. Here’s a brief overview:

• Flexible Scheduling: Nurses pick shifts based on availability. This means you can work as little or as much as you want, fitting nursing around your personal life.

• Higher Pay Rates: Because per diem nurses lack benefits like health insurance or paid leave, they often receive higher hourly wages or shift differentials.

• Variety of Workplaces: Per diem nurses can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, outpatient centers, or home health settings.

• Onboarding: Per diem nurses usually undergo a credentialing process and orientation to work efficiently at various facilities.

• No Long-Term Commitment: You aren’t locked into a contract, providing freedom but also requiring self-management for consistent income.

Why Choose Per Diem Nursing?

• Flexibility: Ideal for nurses seeking work-life balance or balancing other commitments like family, school, or travel.

• Increased Earnings: Potential to earn more hourly compared to salaried positions.

• Skill Variety: Exposure to diverse clinical environments and patient populations.

• Less Burnout: Ability to take breaks between shifts reduces stress and fatigue.

How to Get Started with Per Diem Nursing: Tips for Success

If you’ve decided per diem nursing might be your next career step, here’s how to get started successfully.

1. Obtain the Necessary Credentials and Licenses

Ensure your nursing license is active and in good standing. Some states require additional certifications or renewals more frequently. Per diem nursing often requires flexibility to work in different facilities, so maintaining up-to-date credentials is critical.

2. Gain Relevant Experience

While some per diem jobs are open to new nurses, many require experience in specific specialties. Gaining solid clinical experience improves your chances of securing per diem positions, especially in high-demand areas like ICU, ER, or med-surg nursing.

3. Work with a Staffing Agency

Staffing agencies specializing in per diem placements can streamline the job search, manage credentialing, and help match you with shifts that fit your schedule. Agencies like EmpowerCare connect nurses with reputable healthcare facilities and offer support throughout the process.

4. Understand the Facilities’ Requirements

Different healthcare settings may have specific onboarding processes, training, and policies. Be prepared to complete background checks, drug screenings, and orientation sessions promptly.

5. Build Strong Communication Skills

As a per diem nurse, you’ll often work with new teams. Clear communication, adaptability, and professionalism help build trust and can lead to more shift offers.

6. Manage Your Finances and Taxes

Since per diem work is often considered contract or temporary work, you may not receive benefits or tax withholding. It’s essential to budget carefully and set aside money for taxes.

7. Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Use the flexibility of per diem nursing to prevent burnout. Accept shifts that suit your energy levels and personal commitments.

Benefits of Per Diem Nursing

• Flexibility to create your schedule

• Potentially higher hourly wages

• Variety in clinical experience and work environments

• Opportunity to explore different specialties

• Ability to supplement income or transition gradually to retirement

Challenges of Per Diem Nursing

• Income variability due to unpredictable shifts

• Lack of traditional employee benefits like health insurance and paid time off

• Requirement for rapid adaptability to new settings and teams

• Managing multiple credentialing and compliance requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is per diem nursing different from PRN nursing?
A: Per diem and PRN (pro re nata) nursing terms are often used interchangeably, both meaning "as needed." However, PRN usually refers to occasional, on-call shifts, while per diem may imply more consistent, flexible scheduling.

Q: Do per diem nurses get benefits?
A: Typically, per diem nurses do not receive traditional benefits such as health insurance or paid leave, but higher pay rates can compensate for this.

Q: Can per diem nursing lead to permanent jobs?
A: Yes, many nurses use per diem roles to gain experience and network, often leading to full-time job offers.

Q: How do I find per diem nursing jobs?
A: You can search job boards, hospital websites, or use staffing agencies like EmpowerCare specializing in per diem placements.

Q: Is per diem nursing suitable for new graduates?
A: It can be, but many per diem roles require experience. New grads might start with part-time or full-time roles to build experience first.

Partner with EmpowerCare to Start Your Per Diem Nursing Journey

If you’re ready to explore per diem nursing but want expert support, EmpowerCare is a leading healthcare staffing agency that connects qualified nurses with flexible, rewarding per diem opportunities. Their team handles credentialing, compliance, and scheduling so you can focus on what matters most: patient care and your career.

Visit EmpowerCare today to discover per diem nursing jobs that fit your lifestyle and professional goals. EmpowerCare empowers nurses to balance work and life with meaningful assignments.

In conclusion, Understanding how does per diem nursing work is your first step toward embracing a flexible and rewarding nursing career. Whether you want to supplement your income, balance other responsibilities, or explore new specialties, per diem nursing offers unmatched freedom and opportunity.

By preparing your credentials, working with staffing agencies like EmpowerCare, and approaching per diem nursing with professionalism, you can enjoy a fulfilling nursing career tailored to your life.

Start your per diem nursing journey today and take control of your schedule, income, and career growth!