Full time vs Part time vs Per Diem

Nurses General Nursing

Published

  1. What do you prefer Full time, Part time, or Per Diem?

    • 7
      Full Time
    • 9
      Part Time
    • 11
      Per Diem

27 members have participated

I used to be a full time nurse on the floor 4-5 days a week. Sometimes I would be forced to work late, not getting to have my lunch was the expectation, and by the end of the day my feet were killlling me. I was burning out fast. I still loved being a nurse but each week it was something different. Drama, emergencies, and god forbid something happened with my kids. I decided I had enough with working full time. So I looked into dropping down to part time hours maybe work a couple days a week. It didn't work out because the hospital still mandated my schedule, and long story short I ended up getting a job at this company that does per diem work. Its great, I signed up took me no time and I pick where I want to work, when I want to work for top pay. No asking for vacation time or a day off here and there to watch my sons basketball games.

I prefer this a lot more than working full time on my feet ill tell you that, But what does everyone else prefer?

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Unfortunately what someone prefers isn't always what they can afford.

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Sounds like you are recruiting...where are these magical wonderful places you are being sent to work for as a per diem?

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Specializes in Pedi.

I would love to some day only work per diem but, as it stands right now, I am the bread winner and I need health insurance so I need to work full-time.

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I work per diem and it is pretty dang cushy I'll tell ya that. High pay, any schedule you want.

I've scheduled myself to have 3 weeks off for vacation without a single shift, and I've scheduled myself for 5x shifts a week. Lots of flexibility and pros to it.

I am single with no kids. That's the only reason per diem works for me. Most people have family commitments.

If I stick with nursing, I will stay per diem the rest of my working career. It's been that good to me.

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I'm fortunate to have health insurance for myself and my kids provided by my spouse. I absolutely love per diem for the near complete control over my schedule and the minimum amount of work required.

The only down side is that I'm always the first to float. But at this point, I've floated so much that I feel at home anywhere.

I am also the first to get canceled, but I don't mind that.

1
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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

Would love to just work per-diem, but since I am single I cannot do that. Lucky you though!

Annie

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I've worked per diem at, or for, a hospital. I also loved it.

I am confused by the way the post is worded. It sounds like she works per diem for a "company" that sends her out to work in different hospitals like an agency nurse? Which I would think could be very stressful.

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I've worked per diem at, or for, a hospital. I also loved it.

I am confused by the way the post is worded. It sounds like she works per diem for a "company" that sends her out to work in different hospitals like an agency nurse? Which I would think could be very stressful.

Agency work is my worst nightmare. I have seen agency nurses with long term assignments, on occasion. That might not be so bad. Going "all over" would kill me, though ...especially considering I'd be going there specifically because they're short staffed.

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Would love to just work per-diem, but since I am single I cannot do that. Lucky you though!

Annie

Why not? I am single and work per diem. I buy private insurance which is very affordable. It's doable as a single person.

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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.
Why not? I am single and work per diem. I buy private insurance which is very affordable. It's doable as a single person.

I heard private insurance is very expensive, plus i have asthma and require regular medications and visits for that. Plus I am getting older and having more problems, much to my surprise. Mostly joint stuff, but you it's not going to get any better so I would rather keep my company insurance.

I aslo have a mortgage so I could not take chances with not getting enough hours, as I live in the northeast and it isn't cheap!! Not worth the risk, as I would still have to work the same amount of hours, but they wouldn't be guaranteed! Then add the extra anxiety over whether or not I would get the right amount of hours... it's just not worth that!

Then add in walking to work if my vehicle gets repossessed because I cannot pay for it...

If you don't mind me asking how much are you paying a month for insurance and what is your decidable etc.

I need a sugar daddy!!

Annie

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Then add in walking to work if my vehicle gets repossessed because I cannot pay for it...

If you don't mind me asking how much are you paying a month for insurance and what is your decidable etc.

I need a sugar daddy!!

Annie

I relate to much of your concerns. However, I work two per diem jobs. That allows me to make sure I get all of my hours on a regular basis. Between the 2 jobs, there is always a need somewhere. Even in the summertime. However, I pick up in the ICU and ER both, and occasionally float to sister hospitals in the city that are of the same company. So I'm just saying... you could get two per diems, or pick up in other units to get your hours in, if needed. I get calls all the time begging me to work.

My medical, dental, and vision, is $260/month. Total. It's not a very fancy plan but I don't need lots of extras. My insurance covers a couple prescriptions, and all the other regular stuff.

I need a sugar daddy too. Where can we find one?

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