New grad per diem job offer - am I being ripped off?

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Hello! I'm a new grad nurse, haven't yet taken the NCLEX.

I recently interviewed and was offered a position on a med/surg unit. It is only per diem (they can't guarantee hours but say I will probably get quite a bit) and have a designated new grad program.

However, I know that per diem employees usually are paid more, as they are not guaranteed hours and do not receive benefits. This is not the case - starting pay is $24/hr as a graduate nurse and bumps up to $26/hr once I pass the NCLEX. This is the same for full time and part time employees. I do not accrue PTO, sick time, insurance, etc. insurance is not an issue at this time, though.

I'm pretty tempted to pass on this opportunity. I don't live in a crazy saturated market, but don't have any other active offers (some interest though). I hate to shoot myself in the foot, but also don't want to settle just for the sake of a job. I am at a point of my life where I am not in need of a job immediately (live at home). It also isn't my ideal hospital or preferred speciality.

Thoughts on this offer?

Thanks!

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Specializes in NICU.

I'd say no way. You need guaranteed hours and structure as a new grad. And a per diem should definitely be making more than regular employees, in exchange for giving up benefits as you mentioned.

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Thanks for the reply. They said I would be full time while on orientation (and in the new grad residency) and would likely still get 32-40 hours/week being per diem, but not guaranteed and not on a set schedule. Glad to hear you agree.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

No...look for something else; they are taking advantage of you.

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RUN WHILE YOU CAN!!

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Nope, nope, nope. Keep looking.

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Hello! I'm a new grad nurse, haven't yet taken the NCLEX.

I recently interviewed and was offered a position on a med/surg unit. It is only per diem (they can't guarantee hours but say I will probably get quite a bit) and have a designated new grad program.

However, I know that per diem employees usually are paid more, as they are not guaranteed hours and do not receive benefits. This is not the case - starting pay is $24/hr as a graduate nurse and bumps up to $26/hr once I pass the NCLEX. This is the same for full time and part time employees. I do not accrue PTO, sick time, insurance, etc. insurance is not an issue at this time, though.

I'm pretty tempted to pass on this opportunity. I don't live in a crazy saturated market, but don't have any other active offers (some interest though). I hate to shoot myself in the foot, but also don't want to settle just for the sake of a job. I am at a point of my life where I am not in need of a job immediately (live at home). It also isn't my ideal hospital or preferred speciality.

Thoughts on this offer?

Thanks!

  • You are not desperate for a job.
  • It is not the job you want.
  • There is no guarantee of hours.
  • They are offering well under the going rate.

Well, it does sound tempting.......

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

If they promice per diem 40 hours/week, it is either a blatant lie or the unit is in crying shame in terms of staffing. Please RUN. Run for your life.

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Haha that's a good point. The nurse manager also told me that they just hired 12 (!!!) new grads onto the floor!!

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Haha that's a good point. The nurse manager also told me that they just hired 12 (!!!) new grads onto the floor!!

What is their "new grad program"? They are going to kill whatever experienced staff they have if they try to find preceptors for 12 new grads on one unit. Run and hide!

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What is their "new grad program"? They are going to kill whatever experienced staff they have if they try to find preceptors for 12 new grads on one unit. Run and hide!

They have you with a preceptor for 3 months on orientation. Also have classes once a month that all new hires and required to attend. Online modules, homework, EBP projects...

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Nope, pass up on this offer. You need to get a solid training and experience. I'm looking for a per diem job myself but would pass up on that offer as well because the pay is too low. Keep on job searching and good luck.

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