Is working per diem worth it ?

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Specializes in CCRN, Geriatrics.

I recently was hired for a job working per diem i was wondering how everyone manages their finances working just per diem. Im afraid i will not have enough hours per week especially if the census is low. This was the only option that was available to me. No full time positions at the moment. Management said it may not be for another six months. Does it make sense to have multiple per diem jobs?

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The only reason I can work per diem is that I have a spouse who has a high paying full-time job with medical benefits.

I like the flexibility of schedule and it helps me have a good work/life balance.

If you need to pay the bills on per diem, it is worth taking a look at how this particular place does per diem. Is low census a common problem? Would you work for one department or work for a float pool? Can you talk to some other per diem staff and ask about how frequently they get cancelled?

Do you need medical insurance, and how would you finance it yourself? What about retirement money? Would you open and fund your own IRA?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

Per diem is better than no job. My job, I can usually get full time hours. If you get another job, you can still keep your per diem job for extra money. People sometimes have multiple per diem jobs, others do agency or travel nursing (in larger metro areas, you may find contracts closer to home).

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If you don't need benefits and like the extra money it's great. Otherwise, will you purchase your own insurance benefits elsewhere?

At the same time, if there's no full time available anywhere it's better than being at home and having no job at all.

I agree with what the other posters have said. You have to see if the pros outweigh the cons and go from there and do what's best for you and your familial situation.

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Specializes in CCRN, Geriatrics.
25 minutes ago, CalicoKitty said:

Per diem is better than no job. My job, I can usually get full time hours. If you get another job, you can still keep your per diem job for extra money. People sometimes have multiple per diem jobs, others do agency or travel nursing (in larger metro areas, you may find contracts closer to home).

I’ve gotten a total of 3 offers for per diem positions i was not sure if it would be a good idea. I could use the benefits but it sounds as if this is my only option.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

It is about seeing what fits into your schedule. And making sure you can meet the "minimum requirements" if they have them. I need to do ~1/3 weekends, and a summer and winter holiday for mine.

But, in nursing, work is better than no work. Actually, in general, work is better than no work unless you're independently wealthy.

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Specializes in NICU/Mother-Baby/Peds/Mgmt.

And doing well at a per diem job may lead to a full-time job....

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Specializes in ED, med-surg, peri op.

I would wait and see how the job goes before you go looking for another per diem job.

Ive been working per diem for almost two years. At first I was worried like you, but it’s turned out to be a good thing.

I have control over my roster. I dont have work night and holidays if I don’t want to. I can take leave when I please. And I’ve almost always had enough shift.

Last December for about 3 weeks or so I wasn’t getting enough work, but meant I could enjoy the holidays for once, since I’ve always worked through them. I was a little worried at the time though, but financially it wasn’t an issue. Still earned enough over those weeks for my bills.

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Specializes in CCRN, Geriatrics.
10 hours ago, Newgradnurse17 said:

I would wait and see how the job goes before you go looking for another per diem job.

Ive been working per diem for almost two years. At first I was worried like you, but it’s turned out to be a good thing.

I have control over my roster. I dont have work night and holidays if I don’t want to. I can take leave when I please. And I’ve almost always had enough shift.

Last December for about 3 weeks or so I wasn’t getting enough work, but meant I could enjoy the holidays for once, since I’ve always worked through them. I was a little worried at the time though, but financially it wasn’t an issue. Still earned enough over those weeks for my bills.

Thanks for sharing. I was a little concerned because it is a 60 bed facility with only a 39 patient census. But i will see how things go .

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Specializes in Cardiovascular Stepdown.

If it doesn't work, you can always keep looking for a full-time job. Per diem usually pays quite a bit more, so theoretically you can afford to work less.

When I was doing it, I wasn't making enough to buy insurance on my own, so that was an issue for me. I did enjoy the money while it lasted and now have a full-time job and work the per diem as I please.

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Specializes in CCRN, Geriatrics.
1 hour ago, tinyRN72 said:

If it doesn't work, you can always keep looking for a full-time job. Per diem usually pays quite a bit more, so theoretically you can afford to work less.

When I was doing it, I wasn't making enough to buy insurance on my own, so that was an issue for me. I did enjoy the money while it lasted and now have a full-time job and work the per diem as I please.

Thanks for the insight. The company informed me that eventually they may have a full time position. My only question is can a job lower your hourly wage if you switch from per diem to full time?

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Specializes in Cardiovascular Stepdown.

Yes and they will. I did this at one job. Seasonal with no benefits was $45. Per diem (also no benefits) was $35 and full time was $29. Keep in mind, I am in a low pay state.

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