Intro
The nursing profession is one of the most in-demand and rewarding careers in the healthcare industry. With the increasing need for quality patient care, hospitals and healthcare facilities are seeking flexible and skilled nursing professionals to fill temporary staffing gaps. This is where per diem nurse jobs come in – offering a unique opportunity for nurses to work on a flexible schedule, choose from a variety of assignments, and gain valuable experience in different healthcare settings.
Per diem nursing is a type of temporary or contract nursing work where nurses are hired to work on a day-to-day basis, usually to fill staffing gaps or cover unexpected absences. Per diem nurses are not permanent employees of the hospital or healthcare facility but are instead employed by a staffing agency or work as independent contractors. This type of nursing work offers a range of benefits, including flexibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to work in different settings and specialties.
Benefits of Per Diem Nurse Jobs
Per diem nurse jobs offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive option for nurses looking for flexibility and variety in their careers. Some of the benefits of per diem nursing include:
-
Flexibility
Per diem nurse jobs offer the flexibility to choose when and where you want to work. You can select from a variety of assignments, including day, evening, or night shifts, and work in different healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. -
Autonomy
As a per diem nurse, you are your own boss. You have the autonomy to choose your assignments, set your own schedule, and work independently. -
Variety
Per diem nursing offers the opportunity to work in different healthcare settings and specialties, which can help keep your job interesting and prevent boredom. -
Competitive Pay
Per diem nurses are often paid a higher hourly rate than permanent staff nurses, which can be a significant benefit for those looking to supplement their income. -
No Long-term Commitment
Per diem nurse jobs do not require a long-term commitment, which means you can try out different assignments and settings without being tied down to a specific job.
How to Find Per Diem Nurse Jobs
There are several ways to find per diem nurse jobs, including:
-
Staffing Agencies
Staffing agencies specialize in placing nurses in temporary and contract positions. They often have a range of per diem nurse jobs available in different healthcare settings and specialties. -
Online Job Boards
Online job boards, such as Indeed and LinkedIn, often list per diem nurse jobs. You can search for jobs in your area and apply directly to the employer or staffing agency. -
Professional Associations
Professional associations, such as the American Nurses Association, often list per diem nurse jobs on their websites. These jobs may be exclusive to members, so it's worth joining the association if you're interested in per diem nursing. -
Networking
Networking with other nurses and healthcare professionals can be a great way to find per diem nurse jobs. Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with other nurses on social media to learn about job opportunities.
Requirements for Per Diem Nurse Jobs
To work as a per diem nurse, you typically need to meet the following requirements:
-
Licensure
You must have a current nursing license in the state where you want to work. -
Experience
Many employers require per diem nurses to have at least one year of experience in a hospital or healthcare setting. -
Certifications
Depending on the specialty and employer, you may need to have specific certifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). -
Background Check
You may need to undergo a background check before starting work as a per diem nurse.
Types of Per Diem Nurse Jobs
There are several types of per diem nurse jobs available, including:
-
Med-Surg Nursing
Med-surg nursing involves working on medical-surgical units, where you will care for patients with a range of medical conditions. -
ICU Nursing
ICU nursing involves working in intensive care units, where you will care for critically ill patients. -
ER Nursing
ER nursing involves working in emergency departments, where you will care for patients with acute injuries or illnesses. -
OR Nursing
OR nursing involves working in operating rooms, where you will assist with surgeries and care for patients during the perioperative period.
Challenges of Per Diem Nurse Jobs
While per diem nurse jobs offer many benefits, there are also some challenges to consider:
-
Unpredictable Schedules
Per diem nurse jobs often involve working on short notice, which can make it difficult to plan your schedule in advance. -
Variable Pay
Per diem nurses are often paid on an hourly basis, which means your pay can vary depending on the assignment and employer. -
Lack of Benefits
Per diem nurses are often not entitled to benefits, such as health insurance or paid time off, which can be a disadvantage for some nurses.
Conclusion
Per diem nurse jobs offer a unique opportunity for nurses to work on a flexible schedule, choose from a variety of assignments, and gain valuable experience in different healthcare settings. While there are some challenges to consider, the benefits of per diem nursing make it an attractive option for many nurses. If you're looking for a career that offers flexibility, autonomy, and variety, per diem nursing may be the perfect choice for you.
What is per diem nursing?
+Per diem nursing is a type of temporary or contract nursing work where nurses are hired to work on a day-to-day basis, usually to fill staffing gaps or cover unexpected absences.
What are the benefits of per diem nurse jobs?
+Per diem nurse jobs offer flexibility, autonomy, variety, competitive pay, and no long-term commitment.
How do I find per diem nurse jobs?
+You can find per diem nurse jobs through staffing agencies, online job boards, professional associations, and networking with other nurses and healthcare professionals.