Anyone work Per Diem?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hello all.

I've been seriously considering transferring to per diem status. I'm just tired. I work on a very busy, chaotic floor and I'm pushing 40.

I'm tired of the long shifts, the politics, orienting the never ending flow of new grads (because our turnover is so high), being charge with full assignment, etc. and so on.

I feel worn out and abused.

Anyway, enough bitching. LOL

Does anyone work per diem? Is it worth it? I'm afraid of switching and then getting no hours because my NM can be vindictive.:mad: BUT it would be so nice to just schedule myself for a few shifts a month until I find something else I want to do.

thanks.

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Have you thought about being a consultant? If you are seasoned people will hire you for advice.

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A consultant? I don't even know where to get a job like that.

I've worked as a nurse/paralegal before, so I can do that type of work. I was also considering case management.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Wound Care.

I work per diem and love it! I did my 20 years of full time and felt the same as you. Know I book the days I want to work, go in and give my patients the best care I can, and go home. No floor politics, no drama!! I should have done it a long time ago!

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I switched to per diem at one point years ago. I had trouble with getting scheduled for a while, but eventually my NM asked me to come back on staff and I did.

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I worked per diem for years and was scheduled. I agreed to work one day a week scheduled and picked up extra days from coworkers as I felt like it. Can you get a scheduled per diem day?

Just make sure you can still get benefits somewhere (health, retirement savings- you can do retirement yourself with a Roth).

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I loved it..did it for years, but got divorced and had to have bennies. I wasn't very good about putting money back while working per diem, either. Especially for retirement. but the flexibility sure was nice.

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Specializes in Infusion, Oncology, Home Care, Med/Surg.

Per diem is great, but only is you are planning on it temporary. While the pay is great and you make your own schedule, there are no benefits. So do consider if you want : to buy medical coverage somewhere else, no vacation (or vacation without pay),no sick time, no 401/403 retirement plan contribution from your work. If you do per diem for your specific floor, you still will be in charge only because you have more experience.

Probably doing agency or local travel assignments are better option for you as you'll get good hours, high pay and all the benefits.

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Thank you everyone, for your comments and suggestions.

I don't know what I will do yet, but will keep you all posted.

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