per diem as a new grad???

VANurse2010 · Mar 25, 2016

No, just no.

Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2016

I'm less concerned about per diem status for a relatively inexperienced nurse than I am about two weeks' orientation for three different areas.

At some facilities, per diem employees can work full time because there are just that many holes in coverage. By hiring you as a per diem rather than a scheduled employee, they can avoid extending benefits such as health insurance, and they're not obligated to give you hours. It saves the facility money, even if they pay you a per diem premium as an incentive. I've worked per diem for a few years now, and I have never lacked for enough shifts to pay my bills and keep my clinical skills honed.

What concerns me here is that they will have you floating to three different areas after only two weeks' orientation. Each area deserves a minimum of two weeks, IMO.

I know you want a job in acute care, but I'm afraid I would recommend you decline this offer, unless they are willing to guarantee you more support than this, such as two weeks in each area, for a total of six weeks at minimum.

Tenebrae, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2016

i did per diem as a new grad but I was really lucky to end up with a semi permanent placement with a very good clinical manager that turned into full time work.

I wouldnt have gone for something like the above though

Dogen · Mar 25, 2016

I'm less concerned about per diem status for a relatively inexperienced nurse than I am about two weeks' orientation for three different areas.
At some facilities, per diem employees can work full time because there are just that many holes in coverage. By hiring you as a per diem rather than a scheduled employee, they can avoid extending benefits such as health insurance, and they're not obligated to give you hours. It saves the facility money, even if they pay you a per diem premium as an incentive. I've worked per diem for a few years now, and I have never lacked for enough shifts to pay my bills and keep my clinical skills honed.
What concerns me here is that they will have you floating to three different areas after only two weeks' orientation. Each area deserves a minimum of two weeks, IMO.
I know you want a job in acute care, but I'm afraid I would recommend you decline this offer, unless they are willing to guarantee you more support than this, such as two weeks in each area, for a total of six weeks at minimum.

I'm just reiterating this excellent point. Per diem may mean a few shifts a month, or it may mean you can work full time if you want, but they're giving you orientation as though you're an experienced RN. That's a red flag; they're already failing to support you as a new nurse before you've even started.

Tina_kh · Mar 25, 2016

Thank you everyone! Yes I have decided to decline this offer! I have worked way too hard for my license and cant risk it. I do not feel comfortable going on my own after two weeks of training. I am applying to new grad programs and keeping my fingers crossed. :))) thank you for all your help!

VANurse2010 · Mar 25, 2016

Thank you everyone! Yes I have decided to decline this offer! I have worked way too hard for my license and cant risk it. I do not feel comfortable going on my own after two weeks of training. I am applying to new grad programs and keeping my fingers crossed. :))) thank you for all your help!

Good decision

CelticGoddess, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2016

Per diem isn't the issue. I've been per diem since I graduated from nursing school.

If you have never worked in a acute care setting no way should you only get 2 weeks. I got 12 at my first acute care job. 2 weeks is a disaster waiting to happen. try to negotiate for more orientation time. If not, if I were in your shoes, I would politely decline the offer.