Per diem med surg nurse here, need something new, help!

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Hello! I have been a nurse for quite a while, over 19 years. My first couple years were in long term care and the rest in med surg. I only work about three 12 hour shifts a month (nights). I've had that schedule for the last decade in order to be with my kids. The job is complete and utter chaos and has been for a long time. I am thinking it's time to find something new, but I'm not sure what. I'd like to get out of acute care and not work nights. Due to my kids and my husband's work schedule, it would need to be very flexible and not many hours (like no more than 8 to 12 hours a week). I was thinking per diem home health or hospice? I would do an office job, but I doubt there is a per diem option usually available. In a few years, I should be able to do part or full time, but for now, I need lots of flexibility. If you have worked in home health or hospice, please share with me what you think of it. I've been doing the same thing for so long, it's hard to fathom doing something different, but I think it's about time.

Thanks!

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

I've not worked hospice, but I think it might be worth exploring. Hopefully a well-run hospice service would lack the chaos of most med-surg units. If you worked per diem you might be able to score a decent schedule.

Good luck. Sounds like it's time to get off the hamster wheel.

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Specializes in Ambulatory Case Management, Clinic, Psychiatry.

I have definitely seen per diem clinic/drs office jobs (in mass at least)

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Perfect analogy!!! I do feel I've been on a hamster wheel for a very long time!

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Specializes in Med Surge, Tele, Oncology, Wound Care.

I personally would stay with it. You cant beat the schedule and your hours are perfect for you as well. I would put up with it for my kids. However, if you think it would make you miserable try something else then. I would try anything, in order to get the hours you want. In my area the shift and hours you want would be very hard to come by. I am full time looking for part-time because my kids are 2 and 6. There is nothing I have found that fits. Best of luck to you!

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