Per Diem

[ceebeejay]

This popped up in another thread, rather than rat-hole it I decided to start a new topic. I understand the words "per diem", but I can't say I truly understand the concept as it pertains to nursing. n

If I wanted to look for a per diem RN situation, I probably could not apply to a hospital without acute care experience, right? Does per diem mean I HAVE to go when they call me? Is there generally training? I avoid applying to "per diem" ads because I have always assumed it meant you step in without orientation and just go, go, go.

How does private duty nursing experience translate to a per diem environment in LTC, or rehab?

[ceebeejay]

$17/hr is around the rate in NY for LPN medicaid private duty. I haven't seen any private duty that was "full time" and with benefits of any kind. The reason I prefer to be with an agency is because I don't have to worry about taxes and I get a slightly higher rate per hour. Also, I am not at the beck and call of the patient. If they need coverage they have to deal with the agency; they can't call me up and quasi threaten me. Yes, that has happened. I get my benefits thru the ACA. No paid days off.

[CloudySue]

I'm not sure what the state-mandated pay is for the various states, but I do know that agencies are paid more than twice that, and they get to decide what they want to pay. Believe me, they are keeping much more than the $17 they're paying out. I personally earn $22/hr in PA as an agency PRN LPN an haven't had a raise since I started w them over three years ago. I get 37.5 vacation/sick hours after each 2000 hours I work for them (overtime hours don't go into that tally.) No benefits are available for PRNs but I get them through hubby's work so that's ok by me. I previously worked at a nursing home for $18/hr, I didn't take their benefits but there was no differential anyway (I was considered FT, if I converted to PRN It would have been $21, but I would have lost my sweet schedule.)

[ceebeejay]

I'm not sure what the state-mandated pay is for the various states, but I do know that agencies are paid more than twice that, and they get to decide what they want to pay. Believe me, they are keeping much more than the $17 they're paying out. I personally earn $22/hr in PA as an agency PRN LPN an haven't had a raise since I started w them over three years ago. I get 37.5 vacation/sick hours after each 2000 hours I work for them (overtime hours don't go into that tally.) No benefits are available for PRNs but I get them through hubby's work so that's ok by me. I previously worked at a nursing home for $18/hr, I didn't take their benefits but there was no differential anyway (I was considered FT, if I converted to PRN It would have been $21, but I would have lost my sweet schedule.)

I've always wondered how they made money. I had no idea they pay the agencies more than they do the RN's that work directly for the patient. Interesting.

[caliotter3]

An appropriate rate for LPN/LVN doing home health is $20-$24 an hour. Anything less than that represents an agency taking advantage of the external employees.

[eeffoc_emmig]

An appropriate rate for LPN/LVN doing home health is $20-$24 an hour. Anything less than that represents an agency taking advantage of the external employees.

Can you speak to the agencies in my area? Please? :)

[smartnurse1982]

From what i heard,Medicaid reimburses according to location.

Which is why the rate is $26 and above in some states vs $18 and above in others.

In Nj my rate was as high as $32 but in South Carolina my rate was $18.

i also noticed that agencies pay different according to the office they work for.

in other words,you have to get hired at the right time,under the right circumstance.

That explains the different pay rates between nurses who work at the same agencies,and on the same cases.

[lpn_mom]

My company gets paid $45/hr for lpns from medicaid and we only get paid $16 no shift differential or benefits. I found this info in the pt chart. Im in Florida.