Confused about Per Diem work -Operating Room

[FLM003]

Hi all,

I am a new mom is who is looking into working per diem. I am an OR nurse and I am confused as to how this all works. I was sent a sheet describing the Tiers and the hours required for each tier. I guess my question is if your are guaranteed the hours that you sign up to work, or can they cancel you at anytime? I know there are usually call and weekend requirements, but the OR is different bc there really aren't any scheduled cases as this small community hospital on the weekend. I just want to make sure that I am guaranteed the 48 hours per month if I agree to that Tier. I am going to talk with HR on Mon to clarify, but I just wanted to see what some of your experiences were.

Thanks!!!

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

In my experience, they are not guaranteed hours. You can be scheduled for that number of hours, but you would be the first person called off if you aren't needed.

[merlee]

In most places, YOU have to ba available for 'x' hours, but if you are per diem, THEY may not have to guarantee that you will be given those hours. Be very careful what you sign, make sure you understand it clearly.

[L8RRN]

I worked at a union facility and per diem people were guaranteed no hours but were supposed to be available for 24 a month (two 12 hour days). If they weren't needed, they did not work. If they were scheduled, but say census was down, they would offer "on call" to full time and part time employees, but if no one accepted, then the per diem employee was called and told not to come in. Your facility may be different (esp if not a union facility), but that is the way ours worked.

[SandraCVRN]

Just ask, it can be different everywhere. Our PRN's tell us the days they will work and regular staff gets scheduled around them....