Times are changing, and so are the nature of employment possibilities. For nurses who want to have jobs in which they work “by the day” or as needed by facilities or institutions, there’s per-diem nursing. While there are challenges associated with this role, there’s even more appeal.
So, if you want to know more about the benefits you can enjoy while working as a per diem RN, read this article. Here, we will examine the benefits of choosing per diem RN jobs and share some tips for a successful career in per diem roles.
Top 5 Benefits of Choosing Per Diem RN Jobs
- Flexibility and Freedom
Rather than being assigned a fixed schedule, per diem RN jobs require nurses to be on call when hospitals or other healthcare facilities need extra help. It offers flexible scheduling, the freedom to choose shifts and days off, and a better work-life balance.
- Variety of Work Environments
Per diem RN jobs are available in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, residences, and nursing homes. Specific duties will vary based on the type of facility and its requirements. Such diversity permits you to gain experience in disparate specialties and environments.
However, if you want freedom of working outside a healthcare facility, e.g., in outpatient settings, RN outpatient jobs are ideal. Outpatient RNs work in an outpatient setting, providing care to patients who do not require hospitalization. These settings include clinics, medical offices, ambulatory care centers, and other healthcare facilities where patients receive care without being admitted to a hospital.
- Higher Earning Potential
Compared to full-time positions, per diem RN jobs often offer higher hourly rates and the potential for overtime pay and bonuses. According to Glassdoor, the average U.S. salary for such positions in 2023 was $106,041 annually.
- Skills Development and Networking
Working as a per diem nurse offers learning opportunities in varying healthcare settings. It often requires quickly adapting to unfamiliar environments and patient needs. It helps you to develop skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability. As the position requires mobility, it allows you to construct a robust professional network.
- Reduced Burnout and Stress
Per diem nurses, in contrast to other RNs, have relatively lower levels of burnout and stress. It is primarily due to flexible scheduling, as well as regular changes in routine. You get to make your own schedule, which can include taking time off when you need it.
Challenges of Per Diem RN Positions
Every position has its potential challenges, and that’s true for per diem RN jobs as well. Possible concerns may include no health insurance, inconsistent working hours, and occasional shift insufficiency. Other challenges include a lack of paid vacation time, decreased job security, and calls for weekend and holiday work.
Doing some comparison shopping to find a suitable health insurance plan you can afford can help resolve the health insurance issue. HealthCare.com, eHealth, and HealthInsurance.com can get you started. Let your travel nurse agency know where you’d prefer to work and what shifts to get suitable gigs. Getting a side gig can help offset income inconsistencies.
You can also work multiple per diem jobs for extra money since you aren’t required to stick with a single institution. Picking up seasonal work is another possibility. And while you won’t get paid for vacation, you can snag travel contracts that basically allow you to get paid to hit the road.
Tips for Success in Per Diem Roles
There are many ways to handle per diem positions successfully. Helpful strategies include finding a mentor and asking questions to help you understand policies and procedures. It will help you avoid stepping on your toes.
Bonding with co-workers and observing what works well and what doesn’t will make your presence more appreciated. Other tips include refraining from engaging in department politics and being generally friendly, approachable, and helpful. The key is to make every effort to adapt to the environment.
- Time Management Tips
Developing routines where possible will help you manage your time. It is true for mornings and evenings to help you stay atop your per diem work schedules. It is also a good idea to make a habit of reviewing upcoming shifts regularly. Keeping a to-do list and using technology tools such as mobile apps can also help keep you on schedule.
- Networking Strategies
Networking opportunities are abundant for per diem nursing jobs. These include participating in workplace initiatives, joining online communities for fellow nurses, and attending professional events. Make it a point to get to know the people you work with at each site. Stay in touch with them when you move on to your next assignment.
- Balancing Multiple Per Diem Positions
As mentioned, per diem nursing can entail more than one position simultaneously. However, you must be certain your schedules mesh. For instance, some facilities require holiday work. If you have multiple positions, you could end up pulling doubles on holidays. Different places have different per diem policies. Learn what they are to help you keep things manageable.
Make the Most of Your Per Diem RN Jobs
While there are challenges associated with per diem RN jobs, the potential advantages are increasingly alluring to nurses considering such travel positions. For many, schedule flexibility, higher income, less stress, and a better work-life balance are powerful enticements. They are certainly an option worthy of consideration.
If you want to secure the best traveling per diem RN jobs, explore our platform. Wanderly has created a transparent marketplace to revolutionize the healthcare staffing industry. At Wanderly, you can explore and connect with nursing agencies, offering a variety of nursing jobs, such as travel RN, PCT, and outpatient RN jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I try per diem RN jobs before taking full-time positions?
Yes. Many nurses who aren’t sure where they want to work can start with per diem RN jobs to see if it’s a good fit.
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Can shifts for per diem RN jobs be canceled at the last minute?
Yes. Shifts for per diem RN jobs can be canceled by facilities. It is advisable to have sufficient savings or a side gig to cover your canceled shift.
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Are per diem RN jobs easier for nurses with children?
Yes. As per diem RN jobs allow you to pick where you work and the shifts you work so that you can attend to your children’s needs more efficiently.