Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

New RN: Per Diem While Full Time

Hello Friends!

I am a relatively new nurse and began my career in a high-acuity ICU at a large medical center. I love my job, and my unit. Unfortunately, the hospital is far from my home and my commute is about 1.5 hours- one way. Moving is not an option for me at this time and I am not interested in changing my full time job to a closer location.

I would like to make some extra money, but overtime at my current position is a lot to consider because of the lengthy commute. I don't want to leave my current job, but would like to to pick up a per-diem job at a closer hospital. There are a few smaller, community hospitals that are close by and are looking for per-diem nurses in their ICU's. Unfortunately, I have only been off of orientation for about 6 months now. This means I have about 6 months of independent ICU nursing under my belt. I did, however, work in health care outside of the hospital setting for several years in EMS.

Is it unreasonable to begin applying for per-diem positions at this point?

Thanks for your input!

  • Quote

    • Featured Replies

    You'll be better served with a full year, but some places are pretty desperate and will take anything they can get. Especially if they are lower-acuity hospitals and you have high acuity experience. I got hired for a PRN job when I had nine months of experience under my belt. It's not impossible.

  • Quote

    I advise you to do it. It's a perfect way to get your foot in the door. In a couple of years you may very well want to work close to home.

    6 months in a high acuity ICU is hard core experience, and a Per Diem job in a smaller place will only add to it.

    It's really nice to have a PRN job in your back pocket. My hospital seems to be going in the wrong direction, then my beloved manager quit. The next day I had a job at my Per Diem place, and I'll stay PRN where I work now.

  • Quote

    Go for it; your experience in a large-hospital iCU will serve you well. Are you at a teaching hospital? Do you work a lot with interns and residents?

    I ask those questions because one thing to consider about moving to a community hospital is that it requires more independent assessment and judgment. You may not always have a doctor (even if it's only an intern) right here the way you would in a teaching hospital. Some more discretion with paging/notification is usually required, because the attendings in a community hospital do not want to get FYI pages every 5 minutes because the patient passes gas (I'm exaggerating to illustrate a point, but hopefully you catch my drift). You may also find that some tasks that get dumped on interns and residents in a large medical center become the nurses' responsibility at a community hospital.

    Again, go for it, but consider the change in environment.

  • Quote
    • Expert

    Although it was in psych I started a PRN job right out of school. I have always had a job with benefits and a prn gig. Love it and wouldn't change a thing. The different ways of doing things both good and bad that you will learn from different environments will really enhance your skills.

  • Quote

    I admire your stamina at even contemplating taking on a second job. 12 hour shifts plus three hours of driving would have me knocked to the couch on my days off.

    Most hospitals look for at least a year's experience in ICU for per diem staff. Just be aware also about what the minimum amount of time you would need to work.

  • Quote

    • Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Add a Comment
    Go to topic listing

    Currently Reading 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.