Is Per-Diem Worth It?

[mrod, LPN, LVN]

I have been a nurse for a year now in Massachusetts. Not the Boston area, south towards Providence, RI and the Cape. I started on a telemetry floor for the first 8 months and then recently started in March of this year on a ICU/CCU/SICU. In fact I get off orientation starting on Tuesday!

Anyway, I work 36 hours, overnight 12 hour shifts with some 16 hour shifts because overtime is ridiculous where I work. I was looking into working somewhere else per-diem. I was thinking of a rehab facility or home health care or something but not sure if it is all worth it.

My father works in home health care and he really likes it but he has been doing this for a couple of years now (he is almost 60 and this is his slow down RN career towards retirement as he calls it). I mentioned per-diem at his company doing visits one day a week or admissions. He did tell me that the paperwork can be overwhelming for someone who does it 1 day a week but he will look into it and call me back.

Then there are the rehab places and long-term skilled facilities that are always looking for extra help! Wondering if that is a good choice??

Now some people ask me why I do not just pick up extra time on my unit since I LOVE critical care....well for one I cannot pick up an extra overnight, I mean physically, I cannot. Most of the shifts available are overnight or 3p to 11p, not bad but I was looking to mix up my skills a little bit. Critical care is mentally draining for me right now because I am new at it and wanted just to see what else is out there.

Any suggestions or experiences in per-diem that anyone could share with me?

Also, when I pick up the 16 hour shifts the first 4 hours for me is time and a half and also additional $7 as an incentive for overtime. Pretty good money for overtime but does an 8 hour shift per-diem compare?

Thanks!

[RNperdiem, RN]

How about a per diem job on the telemetry floor you worked on, if that is available?

I would not recommend taking a per diem job in an area you are not well experienced in.

Maybe per diem ICU shifts may be available in a different hospital nearby. I do work with a couple of guys who work per diem in my unit, but have full time ICU jobs in another hospital.

You seem to have the stamina for a second job.

[mrod, LPN, LVN]

Well that is the thing about the Tele, I hated it....the type of nursing and the floor as a whole and also management.

I was always extremely interested in critical care from the get-go but I also had an interest in home health. With that said, I can do 3 nights in a row in ICU and then I have 5 days off, that way this allows me to take one day and do per-diem day shift somewhere.

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

Only you can decide if per diem is for you, both financially and physically. However, it sounds feasible with the info you have given. The only way to know for sure is to apply to an agency and try a few shifts. If, after a few shifts you decide it is not worth it then you can stop.

I do a day or two of per diem almost weekly because I enjoy the change of scenery and my per diem pays double what my staff job does. But when you factor in benefits maybe there isn't that big of an incentive.

A wise man said "a change is as good as a rest" so I always do ER, but at some different locations.

Always makes me glad to be back home in my staff location.

[MassED, BSN, RN]

I have been a nurse for a year now in Massachusetts. Not the Boston area, south towards Providence, RI and the Cape. I started on a telemetry floor for the first 8 months and then recently started in March of this year on a ICU/CCU/SICU. In fact I get off orientation starting on Tuesday!

Anyway, I work 36 hours, overnight 12 hour shifts with some 16 hour shifts because overtime is ridiculous where I work. I was looking into working somewhere else per-diem. I was thinking of a rehab facility or home health care or something but not sure if it is all worth it.

My father works in home health care and he really likes it but he has been doing this for a couple of years now (he is almost 60 and this is his slow down RN career towards retirement as he calls it). I mentioned per-diem at his company doing visits one day a week or admissions. He did tell me that the paperwork can be overwhelming for someone who does it 1 day a week but he will look into it and call me back.

Then there are the rehab places and long-term skilled facilities that are always looking for extra help! Wondering if that is a good choice??

Now some people ask me why I do not just pick up extra time on my unit since I LOVE critical care....well for one I cannot pick up an extra overnight, I mean physically, I cannot. Most of the shifts available are overnight or 3p to 11p, not bad but I was looking to mix up my skills a little bit. Critical care is mentally draining for me right now because I am new at it and wanted just to see what else is out there.

Any suggestions or experiences in per-diem that anyone could share with me?

Also, when I pick up the 16 hour shifts the first 4 hours for me is time and a half and also additional $7 as an incentive for overtime. Pretty good money for overtime but does an 8 hour shift per-diem compare?

Thanks!

I wouldn't go from ICU or another specialized unit to LTC or rehab - you'll have a hard time getting back in. I'd look into another hospital that offers a change for you - something different. Try going on PRN to begin with and go from there.... though I work in an ER in south Boston every other weekend and pick up time when I want. It's just enough for me, but not full-time craziness (since it's always short-staffed, insanely busy and some bad attitudes). I would look around for another ICU unit since you are very marketable and might be able to find a great shift, great hours and a great wage. Good luck!

[Jules A, MSN]

I love per diem as long as you have another job or spouse with health benefits. Its nice imo to pick up extra hours at a different facility because it is refreshing to do something different and I love the bumped up pay rate. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[rnmomtobe2010]

I knew when when I am done, I am definitely considering per diem!! My hubby has the benefits and I hear the pay is better.