A REALLY stupid question....

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Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

Hi...uh, I feel like a dork for even asking this, but I need to know exactly what "per diem" means?? Here is my situation:

I'm a first year ADN nursing student and the way our program works is you can take an LPN class in your second semester, allowing you to test for your LPN license, and then come back for the second year to finish your RN. I am thinking about taking this 3 credit class in order to get my LPN so that during the summer I can work. But the problem is I can't work a regular job because of my husband's weird work hours and the fact we have kids that go to their mother's every other weekend. So I need to know if there are any employment opportunities out there that would allow me to work "here and there" without having a "set schedule". I have seen some mention per diem and I thought maybe this is what I'm looking for. If anyone can clear this up, I would appreciate it.

Also, if there is anyone from Nevada, could you maybe tell me what the going rate for an LPN is? I know what RN's get per hour, but have NO idea about LPN's. I know just across the state line in California, the hospital starts LPN's at $19.24/hour but after January, they will no longer be using LPN's on the floor.

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Per diem is what you thought: working PRN or as needed.

Some places will have long term openings in their schedule that are not filled and would allow you to be scheduled in advance, like every other Fri and Sat.

In other situations, per diem nurses are only needed if regular staff calls in sick, goes on vacation, etc. They may call you in to work at the last minute.

Most places will want you to have expereince before they will hire you as per diem.

I am not in Cali, but according to what I've been reading over the last several days, LVNs will still be used on the floors.

http://www.salary.com can tell you what typical wages are in an area.

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Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

Okay, another silly question: What is an LVN? Is it Licensed Vocational Nurse? And if so, how does that differ from an LPN?

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Yes, LVN= licensed vocational nurse. Same thing as an LPN. Cali and Texas call them LVNs, all other states call them LPNs.

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