Average hourly pay for per diem agency RN?

[CowsRGreat]

Hi,

I jst recently became a per diem agency RN in LA. I have a BSN, work tele/ms, and have two years experience in a acute care teaching hospital. I know we really don't discuss numbers here, but I can't help feeling like I'm being ripped off. I won't mention the agency I'm with but I will say that I am making $36/hour + time and a half for every 4 hours I work over 8 hours during a 12 hour shift. I typically work 3-12's/wk. I don't have benefits or any other incentives. I love working for my agency, but feel that I should be making a bit more. It would be great if you guys could disclose some known rates/hr!

Thanks,

Victoria

[gardenwalker]

I'm a new grad RN in Oregon. Two months after getting my license and still no job. Some leads but nothing solid. Is agency nursing a good idea for new grads?

[PMFB-RN, RN]

gardenwalker said:

I'm a new grad RN in Oregon. Two months after getting my license and still no job. Some leads but nothing solid. Is agency nursing a good idea for new grads?

*** No it is not. Few agencies will hire new grads without experience. Though I have heard of agencies hiring new grads for things like flu shot clinics or blood donor sites.

Agency nurses are expected to have lots of experience and be able to hit the floor running with minimal or even no orientation. I have been responsibe for an immediate post CABG patient 30 min after first setting foot in the hospital for the first time in my life as an agnecy ICU nurse.