You have many options available to you once you have your nursing license. One of these options is a per diem nursing job. This type of job allows you to pick up various shifts as needed at local hospitals, instead of holding a steady position with a set schedule. Keep reading to discover some of the benefits of this type of position.

1. Higher Hourly Rate

You do not earn benefits, accrue vacation time, or get sick days while working a per diem nursing job. The tradeoff is that the hourly pay rate tends to be higher to compensate for the lack of other benefits. If your spouse or partner gets good benefits, this route may make more financial sense for you.

2. Set Your Schedule

When you work as a per diem nurse, you can set your hours. If a hospital calls you in, you always have the option to decline the job. You can decide what days or what shifts you want to work which gives you a lot of flexibility.

3. Test Out Different Workplaces

It’s becoming more and more common for nurses to work a per diem nursing job before accepting a full-time position. This allows them to work in different local hospitals and see which one is the best fit for them. Some even try out different settings, such as the ER or cardiac floor, to see which they prefer working. You can test out different workplaces before committing to one.

4. Less Risk of Burnout

Per diem nurses are less likely to experience burnout when compared to full-time nurses. According to Nursingprocess.org, since per diem nurses are not immersed in the institution or hospital setting 24/7, they are less likely to experience burnout. This helps to create a better home and work-life balance and increases job satisfaction.

If you have your nursing license, you can take a full-time nursing job, work as a traveling nurse, or obtain a per diem nursing job. There are benefits to each of the options, and you have to decide which one is the ideal fit for you, given your needs and lifestyle. If you’re looking to work as a per diem nurse, we can help. We connect healthcare workers with medical centers and hospitals looking for employees. Call us today to learn more.

Posted 9/12/23