Nurse jobs that are more likely to be per diem?

[NurseLBB]

Hi, everybody! I just got accepted into a BSN program and I'm trying to plan for my future as an RN. I don't have any specialties in mind but I do know that I want to be able to work per diem since I want to prioritize raising my future kids while they are young and then going full time when they are older.

In your opinion, what kind of nurses or experiences will be able to help me work per diem? For example, is it easier to be per diem as a med surg nurse vs a pediatric nurse?

I really want to hear your thoughts. Thank you!

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

If you start work at a pediatric hospital then going per diem should give you plenty of pedi hours. If you first start at a general hospital with a pedi floor, you'd be getting more hours on the med-surg floors. 

Keep in mind that a lot of per diem pools do not necessarily honor the fact that you're an "ortho" nurse, or a "peds" nurse (for example). And if you repeatedly turn down shifts you'll soon find yourself a "no diem" nurse...

[Daisy4RN]

You usually need experience in a particular specialty to be hired in that specialty as per diem Some adult units do have some crossover but not all. I would think that med surg would provide more crossover than peds though bc there are just usually more adult units. I worked per diem at different jobs and that just seemed to be the case. 

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

Do you have a preference for working with children vs adults? I think there are per diem positions with either; just may friend on the hospital. When you say per diem, do you mean just as needed on one unit or as a float nurse?

I think the bigger issue you may run into is that these positions often require some experience already. I would consider being open to part-time, maybe two shifts a week, or weekender jobs, for a year or so. That will give you some consistent, reliable experience to put on your resume so you can go per diem after a little while.

[TriciaJ, RN]

I don't know of any specialty that's any more likely to be per diem than any other.  I'm noticing a trend of young people wanting to plan their lives very far in advance and address all possible contingencies.

This is counterproductive.  It gives unforeseens a lot more power to derail you.

I vote for completing your education then search for the best job you can find at the time.  You'll have a better idea by then of what draws you and what repels you.

By the time you have a family and want to work per diem, you will likely have no trouble picking up shifts where you choose.

[londonflo]

On 7/11/2021 at 1:38 PM, TriciaJ said:

I don't know of any specialty that's any more likely to be per diem than any other.  I'm noticing a trend of young people wanting to plan their lives very far in advance and address all possible contingencies.

Having this "work-life balance" mantra happened with our son during medical school, I can attest to the sincere philosophy you have. But...the world of health care may not work that way for you or anyone. Develop an interest for a field and if you are earnest, you will develop contacts leading to the work plans you want.