Is 2 Per Diem Jobs unrealistic?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care, Public Health.

Hi all,

I am a 3rd (of 6) semester BSN student and in the process of looking for jobs to keep me busy and in practice for the summer have been accepted at 2 different hospitals for per diem (float pool) nursing assistant positions. They both have their up sides and down sides. The bottom line is, I accepted both positions with the intention of figuring out which I like better. Since I make my schedule (within their minimums of course) I figure its do-able, but thought I would see what experienced folks thought. I worked out a mock schedule for myself and think it looks ok on paper.

I cant say I don't have a couple of doubts about it, but definitely don't feel comfortable telling one "thanks but no thanks" as I feel what makes or breaks a job is the people I would work with and the system I'd work for - neither of which I know at this point. Have any of you worked per diem at more than one place at a time? Is this done, or is this something that would stop people in their tracks if I told them this is what I am doing? If I like one significantly more than the other and quit it when school starts again in the fall, am I at risk of burning bridges? Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

I'm not sure my experience would be representative for everyone else...but I held two per diem jobs the summer through the end of fall semester of my last MSN year, and then 3 per diem jobs the last (spring) semester. I actually took the 3rd job because even with two casual positions, I wasn't working as much as I wanted (despite being a full-time student!).

Ironically, after accepting the third per diem position, we lost a few nurses at one of my other jobs, so I was suddently more in demand...but all in all it was nice, I was able to work as much as I wanted with free time for midterms/finals when I needed it.

Specializes in Critical care/ER, SRNA.

I would say it is not unreasonable at all. It will give you more options if census at one place fluctuates and doesn't need you very much for a while. Plus, if you hate one of the jobs, you will have the other one to fall back on. I think you will be just fine!!:lol2:

Some people in my graduating class did that. I think it's a great idea. You'll have more of an idea what you want to do and where you want to go when you graduate. Good luck!!

Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care, Public Health.

Thanks for the responses. Its wonderful to have one less thing to worry about. Good thing I have a good calendar, so I can keep good track of where I'm going to be on any given day.

Anyone else have any comments on working 2 per diem jobs? Advice?

Sarah

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