Per diem or full time tech job?

[RunnerD1987]

Hi, currently employed full time as a Psychiatric Technician at a private residential program making $14 an hour. Current employer is relocating my position an extra 15-20 minute drive away and decreasing my pay a $1 less an hour. In addition, rotating shifts between second and third shift. The per diem job is closer to home regularly pays $18 an hour for permanent employees,but $20 an hour plus differential for the per diem pool. I looked into healthcare within the state and actually qualify for a discounted program, so healthcare would not be an issue. Probably eye and dental be the most expensive healthcare to pay for.

I have worked in a similar position at a different hospital and our staff was primarily based off a per diem staff...8 permanent staff to 2 per diem staff for each shift on a regular basis. I definitely believe would get hour's and probably take on substitute teaching position in my city's school system. Additionally, maybe another per diem job at another hospital in similar position, if not under certain work clause. Hour's wouldn't be concerned for me figure I can continue to average 32 to 60 hours a week. That is the down side though with per diem staff do not qualify for overtime due to compensation in their pay difference.

The other plus would be I would have foot in the door at this hospital. I have been trying to apply for a year but to no avail for a full or part time position.

Allows me the chance to have a flex schedule while going back to college. You also receive a financial bonus for working "X" amount of hour's with this hospital and tuition reimbursement if work "X" amount of hour's. You are considered an internal candidate so given preference over external candidate's.

Seeking feedback on pro's and cons of a per diem job? Worked one in the past I should mention, but I worked 40-60 hour's a week in a 6 month period, but then only 20 hour's a month there on. In that case wasn't bad I knew beforehand taking the job was going to occur over that time period. I applied to jobs over tkme and landed a full time job withinin 7 months.

P.S. the job is 15 miles away while current job is 30 miles away...trying to weigh out pro's and con's. Already paying $1,000 a month in bill's probably the scariest part of taking the per diem job.

[nlitened]

Per diem in my area means 2 shifts a month, so if the facility is guaranteeing you more, then I would get that in writing through a work contract. Otherwise, you are definitely going to need that second job. I agree that it will be good to get your foot in the door, especially if it is somewhere you would like to work after you graduate nursing school. I say go for it!

[RunnerD1987]

Never thought about that being contracted only two shifts a month. I always thought they were allowed to pick up hour's on a first come first serve basis...Will definitely have to ask upon interview. I knew at the hospital I worked like I said our staff was predominantly per diem.