Per Diem

Specialties Private Duty

Published

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?

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Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

I'm not sure I understand your question, sorry! How what translates, exactly? Skills? Hours?

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Okay, Per Diem means you are not full time or part time, no benefits. You and the staffing person, decide on a schedule that works for both of you and you work that. You are not guaranteed hours, just the hours you sign up for. So another words, if you have 30 hours available to work this month, they may only need you for 15 of those hours. You also let them know which shilfts you can work, whether its 7 to 3 or 3 to 11 or 11 to 7. Per Diem usually get paid more, but watch your terms, some places want you to work a least one weekend a month, some dont pay holiday pay, some dont pay shift diff. So ask that question when signing up. Per Diems can be experienced or newbies, you do get orientation, and usually they will train you as much as you need, usually in my experience two weeks.

Agency is when you need experience and hit the ground running. I suggest go to LTC, you can get good solid experience in Long term, then go to Rehab, which these days is quite near acute. You might get into a hospital too. But becareful you dont sign on with too many. Do one at a time, get it under your belt, and if you have more time, pick up another one.

Also remember after you agree on your dates to work, you CAN turn down other dates when they call you after your orientation to pick up more time. They will work you to death if you let them, and you are NOT doing them a "favor". No one is going to say, oh, she made that med error because she was overworked, but she was doing me a favor. NOpe, its still your license, listen to your body say NO, that alone will increase your skill set, there are many among us who still cant say no.

hope that helps... others will chime in soon.. excuse spelling/grammar I was typing fast...

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2ndcareerchange, thank you! That was just the type of information I was looking for. Really clear.

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In home care,it is sort of different.

While you make work 40 hrs,its not considered full time.I had to sign an official letter saying i was full time with 1 of my agencies.

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I'm thinking I just got screwed. I accepted a private duty position and did the paperwork Tuesday. (Signing that I was given P&P, W4 form, OSHA info, etc.) During my first phone interview, and my in person interview with the RN recruiter, I was told its a "full time" position taking care of an infant with a Gtube. The ad I had answered also said full time and listed amazing benefits. However the acceptance letter I had to sign the other day with the recruiter again said PRN and I had to circle and initial that part. Thinking back through the flood of info I was given at the two hour "orientation" there was absolutely nothing said or given about benefits. The nursing handbook says insurance and such are available to full time employees, but the recruiter specified that I was being hired as PRN and said all shift nurses are. The acceptance letter only said that I will earn $17/hr and nothing else. During the phone interview I was told also that it is M-F 8-4:30 shift. The recruiter claimed to know nothing about that and said the scheduler would call me that afternoon. As of.this morning I haven't heard from her.

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Some companies start everyone as PRN...then after your probation period you're full time.

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Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

$17 for a PRN PDN job sounds very, very low, especially for an RN not receiving benefits. That number should at least start with a 2. They are shafting you. I'd renegotiate or run.

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Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.
I'm thinking I just got screwed. I accepted a private duty position and did the paperwork Tuesday. (Signing that I was given P&P W4 form, OSHA info, etc.) During my first phone interview, and my in person interview with the RN recruiter, I was told its a "full time" position taking care of an infant with a Gtube. The ad I had answered also said full time and listed amazing benefits. However the acceptance letter I had to sign the other day with the recruiter again said PRN and I had to circle and initial that part. Thinking back through the flood of info I was given at the two hour "orientation" there was absolutely nothing said or given about benefits. The nursing handbook says insurance and such are available to full time employees, but the recruiter specified that I was being hired as PRN and said all shift nurses are. The acceptance letter only said that I will earn $17/hr and nothing else. During the phone interview I was told also that it is M-F 8-4:30 shift. The recruiter claimed to know nothing about that and said the scheduler would call me that afternoon. As of.this morning I haven't heard from her.[/quote']

Typical. You have to get full time status which is next to impossible to get benefits. They prefer to make everyone PRN to avoid benefits. All agencies are scam artists. They will get away with what you let them get away with.

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$17 for a PRN PDN job sounds very, very low, especially for an RN not receiving benefits. That number should at least start with a 2. They are shafting you. I'd renegotiate or run.

I think (d/t username) she is an LPN.

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Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

Still low for any PRN skilled nursing.

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I wonder where her location is?

I was making $18/hr in South Carolina as an Rn with 5 yrs experience working with vents/trachs and Picc lines.

Most agencies,the only people considered full time are office staff and the nursing supervisors.

The agency i signed the document for to be full time has rules,such as:

if your hours fall below 34/week you get demoted to prn status and lose your health benefits or you have the option of paying the PRn rate for health insurance.

For a family of 4,the health insurance rate is $150/week for full timers.

For the same health insurance its $300/week for PRN.

Also,full times get 1 week Pto.

Full times must also work anywhere and be available for shifts at all times.

For ex,if your client is in the hospital,and you are under 34 hrs,if your company wants you work a night shift 100 miles from your home, well you got to do it.

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