Per diem in Cali

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Specializes in ICU.

Hi

I'm an experienced adult critical care nurse, ranging from cath lab and IR to CVICU and MICU. Someday I would love to travel nurse but I have small children. After seeing the recent post of the $19,000 paycheck, I'm wondering what the possibilities are to get a per diem job in one of the higher paying areas of Cali. I live in NV, so airfare shouldn't be to bad. Thoughts? Anyone know of any openings?

Thanks for any input

Bri

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I also live and work in the Las Vegas area and am interested in doing this idea as well.

I've looked into it a lot. The biggest problem would be finding an affordable place to stay overnight while working in CA. But you're right, the airfare is certainly affordable and the wages are appealing.

Where on this site did you see someone state they made 19K in one paycheck? Wow

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Specializes in ICU.

Per Diem Nurse's Pay-Stub Goes Viral: $19K in 2 Weeks!? | Nurse.org

Ridiculous right? I can totally Airbnb it in a twin bed a couple times a month, if they money is right!

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Wow. Thanks so much for the link. His situation is so ideal. I may reach out to him and ask some questions. Getting a CA RN license can be such a hassle though. But it is worth it. Are you seriously considering the idea?

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Specializes in ICU.

Yeah I am, and I have a friend who is too. She already has her license.

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Do you know if it's difficult to get a per diem job?

Are you thinking about the Bay Area?

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Specializes in ICU.

Yeah I know it's tough, my girlfriend actually is looking in more the Napa area, she knows Icu manager there. I'm lucky I have a good job but I like adventures, so if it took me a year to make this work, that would be fine. I would also like to see what other states are like to work in because I have only worked here in Nevada.

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Same here! Determined to make it happen. Do you have an associates or a bachelors degree?

You'll love CA for their strong unions and the ratio laws. It's quite the luxury.

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Specializes in ICU.

Sent you a pm

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Keep in mind that Per Diem are among the first to get canceled and that cancellation generally comes two hours before the shift. I've been canceled for weeks at a time during low census periods. It would blow to have flown to a different city and rented a house for the night.

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Keep in mind that Per Diem are among the first to get canceled and that cancellation generally comes two hours before the shift. I've been canceled for weeks at a time during low census periods. It would blow to have flown to a different city and rented a house for the night.

That is a good point, but I have seen some CA RN's here mention that per union contract, per diem's cannot be cancelled. I don't know that for sure, but that is the type of union or hospital I would try to get employment with. Also, the link provided also validates that point.

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Specializes in ICU.

Oh yeah, I'm well aware of cancelling, I have worked Per Diem in Nevada. I think you have to find the right job where canceling isn't a big issue. One option for me was talking call for Cath Lab or radiology. Not ideal pay wise but guarantees hours.

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