Per Diem?

Sour Lemon · Nov 6, 2017

Hey guys, so I'm considering going per diem due to stress and some mental issues I am dealing with currently. I've been researching it at my facility and think it could be a good idea, I know how much I need to work to support myself financially and at my facility that does not appear to be an issue now or in the foreseeable future. The benefits right now are not an issue either. My question is, how do I approach management regarding my thoughts? I fought so hard to get the job in this department and I feel a little silly wanting to decrease my hours when I'm not in school or anything, the only real reason is so perhaps I can start feeling better. How would you approach this? Also, if there are any per diems out there, how is that going for you?

I would ask for a moment with the nursing manager when she's in a good mood. Then I'd casually say that I might have to cut back on my available hours in the future and ask her if per diem would be a possibility if that happened. Stress the might. Stress the if. You don't want to back yourself into a corner, you just want to introduce the idea and see how she reacts.

I've known plenty of people who started as full time and switched to per diem. I also know some who were turned down and told it was full time or nothing.

I love working per diem, but will mention a few negatives that you might not have considered. Per diem are usually the first to get canceled. So if you're working just enough to support yourself, that could be an issue. I've been canceled for weeks in a row during low census times. Per diem are also typically the first to get floated. Some people like that, but I'm a long-range planer with a narrow comfort zone and find it somewhat stressful.

RNperdiem, RN · Nov 7, 2017

Before you approach your manager, have a plan in mind.

Does your unit even offer per diem? From what I read here, a lot of places need to have room in the budget to hire per diem staff. Sometimes you just don't go per diem, you need to apply for a transfer to that position, and there needs to be a position available.

Think about how much you do want to work, what shifts and what days. Per diem often has a minimum number of shifts you have to work per pay period. Since you will be the first one cancelled or floated, if you prefer to work the less popular days and shifts, you are more likely to work.

As a per diem, life is good. I made the switch to make meeting family needs easier. My first born leaves for college in a couple of years, and I really don't want to go back to full-time hours or having less control over my schedule. Of course, I have to give credit to my husband who earns a lot and has great health benefits.