Explain Per Diem to Me?

[Pachinko]

I'm a new grad nurse just starting my first job. I'm a "career" nurse, but many of the people with whom I oriented are "resource" (which I'm assuming is another word for per diem). I know you have to have at least a year to do resource/per diem, but I have some other questions about it and would so appreciate any input!

Can you hold a full time job and work per diem at another facility?

Do per diem jobs usually have a regular schedule, or are they more "on call" kinds of positions?

Are per diem jobs hard to come by? I'm in Los Angeles.

I really appreciate your responses!

[Lacie, BSN, RN]

When I worked per diem I pretty much was able to make my own schedule. The NCM would let me know what shifts/days she needed the additional coverage and I gave a yes or no for those times. Also I could be called in as needed but wouldnt be required to go. I did have to give at least 1 day per week and one weekend per month requirement. It all depends on the institution you work for what thier requirements are to remain per diem. You usually are able to work another job if you like also. Downfall is no benefits usually. I have friends who work for Maxim per diem while holding full time jobs in the hospital just for the extra dollars around Christmas or giving flu shots during the season when needed. You can also do per diem only and put in full time hours which is what I did. I had other health insurance at the time so bennies wasnt an issue then for me.

[barneyrn]

Per diem means "by the day"...some institutions call this status

"occasional". Ususally the institution wants you to cover shifts they have difficulty covering. Also, (usually) Per diem work means no benefits or accruals of sick leave time or vacation time. Also no reitirement. The big upside of working per diem, is you generally get to pick when and where you'll work. If you accept even a .2 FTE job, that allows the institution to assign you days (shifts) to cover and you are at their mercy (and they have none). Usually at this rate, you still get no benefits, retirement or accruals of sick leave or vacation time. It's a good way to manage as a second job, find a primary job you like with benefits and then do per diem somewhere else as a second job. Good luck. BarneyRN

[Pachinko]

Thank you both for the input!

[barneyrn]

I used to do a lot of 'Resource ' work in ICU and ER. Basically, the Peceptor's job is to have a (usually med surg RN or other RN) new Nurse shadow you through your shift, or parts of your shift, to learn how all the credentialling they've been put through, really plays out in the 'real world'. So, you get to see, first hand how ACLS works out for the coding patient. You get your hands in to give you a feel for the work. I remember as a Paramedic in Nsg School in the 80's I was grateful for the bright, motivated RN's who guided me along. take advantage of their expertise, it'll help you save lives down the road. And they'll teach you the things you never learned in Nursing School!!Good luck. BarneyRN