Going per diem in first year?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Child care has been an issue for my husband and I ever since I started working. I was getting a child care subsidy while in school but of course now I am no longer eligible. We were able to find a provider to work by the hour at a reasonable rate, but it is still expensive. With three toddlers it is almost cheaper NOT to work! My husband would actually prefer me to go back to being a stay at home mom and only work per diem. I would love to do that, but I haven't even been out of school six months. I have been at my job since June, and I know the four units I could be floated to very well I just wonder what you seasoned veterans think about a new grad going per diem.

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I think working per diem is something best left to the second year of practice. One good, solid year of learning the basics well is needed, imo.

Depending upon your experience (the unit you work on, for example) maybe you could get transferred to a more family friendly unit, like outpatient/same-day surgery units? Or join a weekender program! Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and the rest of the week belongs to you and your family. Just a thought. :)

Actually, the weekender thing you could start now...are you out of orientation for your unit?

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Specializes in ICU, nutrition.

If money is no issue, it would be a good way to keep your foot in the door until you want to work more. I guess you have to weigh whether you'll get out of practice at certain skills if you don't do them very often. Of course, you get out of practice at some things even if you work all the time like I do. I can't tell you the last time I put a foley catheter in someone, but I guess I'd know how to do it if I had to.

And if you found you were forgetting a little too much, you could probably add back, say, one more shift a week and be fine.

Good luck to you!

Jealous Konni (who's working 2 jobs!)

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Per Diem is a great way to learn new skills. I would stay in my position for 1 year though. Talk to your supervisor and try some creative scheduling. Good Luck.

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Specializes in OB.

what is per diem?

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Working on an as needed basis. If you want to work that day, and the hospital has a need, then you can work. If they don't have a need, then you will get cancelled.

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Specializes in ER.

I worked per diem for my first 6 years as a nurse, no jobs available. It didn't hurt me at all- the orientation was full time and then I started signing up. I was able to pick shifts with strong support, and lots of nights so I could get used to the paperwork and ask questions.

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Unofortunately, many facilities no longer provide full orientation for their per diem nurses. Make sure that you check that out...........

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