Pay Per Diem vs P/T

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I am a LPN and work P/T (QO weekend) in LT facility, but often I've been asked to work 36-40 hr/week, with the same hourly pay. Should I consider these working hours during week, when facility asked me to work, PRN or PER DIEM? Should I asked them to pay me an increased hourly pay as PER DIEM? or should I keep my mouth close, considering that in Jan, 2012, I will start RN clinical, and I need flexibility in my schedule, too.

Thank you un advance for some of your suggestions

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You are scheduled to work only q/o weekend, but they frequently ask you to work more often. Regardless of what you want to call this time, per diem or prn, I think your question has more to do with what you may be getting paid.

How often are you working these hours? Discuss what your expectations are with the appropriate person at your facility. It is okay to say "I don't mind working 24 hrs/week at this rate, but more hours would require $6.00/hr (or whatever) more". Be prepared to have them laugh at you, or stop calling you for the extra hours.

The idea of per diem or prn is secondary, unless there is a difference in pay rate. When you are part-time you may have either a permanent schedule or a flexible one.

Best wishes!!

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With clinicals coming up, I probably wouldn't say anything... better to remain more flexible and leave the ball in your court for how much you want to work.

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Specializes in ER.

Agree with WillowNMe. Accept per diem assignments, earn as much as you can while you can. Per diem will make it more flexible for you especially that your clinicals is coming up. Good luck!

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

The difference is in the benefits.

Part-time usually makes you benefit eligible.

Insurance, paid time off, 401K/403B and sometimes profit sharing.

Per Diem places you as contract labor only. You receive no benefits

of being a part of the collective.

If they are moving you to per diem from part time then yes, you are usually paid more because you cost the institution less to keep on the roster. If they are just doing it without your input then you're just getting screwed. Grab the KY.

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Specializes in NICU.

The benifits are a big issue, but if you don't need them, Peir Diem may be for you.

Keep in mind, if things start to slow down, or they hire more full time employees, your time could be less what you are signing up for now. If you rely on your current hours, part time may be best.

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

If you already have a part time position, I take it you are getting benefits. Extra shifts are just that; extra shifts. If you were a true per diem employee, you would have no benefits and no guaranteed shifts. The higher pay scale is meant to compensate for that.

It never hurts (or mostly never) to ask for what you want. You may or may not get it.

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