Full-Time vs Per Diem

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Specializes in Mental Health.

This may seem like an easy decision...but I have been struggling with it. I am starting classes toward being an RN this year, but I work 12 hour shifts so I only work 3 days a week... I would really miss the holiday pay...and paid leave...but the flexibility will not be there...

If you made the switch and are happier, let me know...I don't need the benefits...

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Specializes in lots of specialties.

I actually did.....I love the flexibility.I am an RN student and decided to do distance learning along with per diem work.I signed up at a few agencies and PRN at some facilities.I have one nursing home that is my home base(where I get most of my shifts) and then pick up when I can with the others.I may work various shift and even doubles but it all works out in the end.Dont cry about your holiday pay because you will most likely get paid more than you would plus yu would be getting 1 1/2 or double time in my case for the holiday...or hey dont work the holiday at all.I only really work the holidays I want and take the rest off.Sometimes Ill just work the weekends or just a few days here and there.My hubby takes care of the insurance so I just work what I want.I try to pick up what I can when I can cause you never know when you may have dry spell but with all the places I am on staff with it rarely happens and if it does get slow it doesnt matter because you make quite a nice sum that you dont have to work as many days as you used to.Ok so there is my little long rant on my per diem life

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

It's a very individual decision ... something I've been thinking about as well. I might gain some additional control over my schedule, and we have the option to switch to my husband's benefits at a slightly higher but not unreasonable cost, BUT ... :

I'd lose vacation & holidays, education benefits (something to consider carefully if you're thinking about going per diem to accomodate furthering your education) and the extra per hour $ for having my BSN and specialty certification.

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The paid vacation is the only thing I miss. Otherwise I enjoy more flexibility and a substantially higher salary. I am on my husbands benefits so that is not an issue and our hospital lets PRN staff in on the 401K program, so that is not a problem.

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Specializes in lots of specialties.

im on hubbys benefits too ,I started out full time but it got to be pain in the butt with trying to be available for the events in my childrens lives plus my job would nt flex when it came time for clinicals.This way I get a nice break from the everyday grind sinceworking on my unit is full time stress.Im glad I made the switch.If I know I will be taking vacation then I work a few extra days ....same for hubby if I know he will be taking some unpaid time off I just work and extra shift to cover.I love it!!

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Your unit wouldn't flex for clinicals?! Don't think I'd want to be there either. I have never heard of a floor not flexing for you for clinicals. Must be one of the rare few that actually do not need nurses.

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Specializes in lots of specialties.

well actually they make themselves out like they dont but in the end they kept calling so I swithed to PRN.....more money and more control over my schedule and I picked up at another place PRN just incase the other stars to act funny

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