Is working per diem worth it ?

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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?

Specializes in CCRN, Geriatrics.
17 minutes ago, tinyRN72 said:

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.

Wow thats a big difference. My state is also a low paying state. Hopefully i can negotiate something if a position opens up.

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Specializes in Cardiovascular Stepdown.

Keep in mind, the per diem rate is usually a set amount that is the same for everyone in your job class. A full-time rate will be based on your education and experience level.. and your negotiation skills.

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Specializes in Dialysis.

As others have stated, it depends on how busy the unit is. I work per diem, but can float to another hospital in our system to make up hours. The other unit I float to always needs help and I have more than enough hours per week.

I do work in California for a union hospital so my per diem rate is high and I can afford to purchase my own health insurance. The per diem rate is 25% higher than the full time rate.

I had a second per diem position because I was worried about hours, but realized that I have more than enough at one job, so I let the second job go.

You can take multiple per diem positions to make sure you have enough work and then quit one site once you get a full time position.

The great thing about a per diem position is the flexibility, and again, a per diem job is better than no job.

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