Per Diem pros/cons

[kitten0509]

Hi everyone,

   RN of 13 years here. I’m employed part time (24 hours/week- day/night every 2 week rotation) in the ED and I’m burnt out. I need to get out of my perpetual “fight or flight” state and relieve some stress somewhere so I can once again be emotionally and mentally present for my family. I’ve been in the ED 5 years, med/surg tele for 8 years before that. I have a 6.5 and 4 yo at home doing hybrid/part time preschool. This year has exhausted me and I’m very strongly considering taking a per diem vaccination job locally. I’ve never relied on JUST per diem, and I’ve always had a reliable benefits package (health insurance for me and my girls, 401K, etc). I do think this would likely be a temporary move- maybe 6months-1 year, my fiancé works part time during the week and his schedule is made around my current schedule at the hospital. I’m very, very tempted to take this position. Thoughts, feelings and opinions please! 

[Daisy4RN]

1 hour ago, kitten0509 said:

Any thoughts about PACU??? I just found and applied to a 20 hour position, evenings. This would be the minimum I could work, still maintain benefits, come off nights. Would this be less of a stressor you think?

It sounds like a great job that will work for you/your situation! If it was me I would definitely prefer this to the vacc job. It might be a little stress at first but then should be less stressful, IMO.

[Sour Lemon]

2 hours ago, kitten0509 said:

Any thoughts about PACU??? I just found and applied to a 20 hour position, evenings. This would be the minimum I could work, still maintain benefits, come off nights. Would this be less of a stressor you think?

At my hospital, PACU is getting floated, and even called in, to the med surg/tele floors constantly (covid related). I expect that will slow down eventually, and it may not be an issue in your area ...just something to consider, or maybe ask about when you interview.

[Emergent, RN]

PACU is where good nurses go to have less stress. Sounds perfect!

[bluescrubs, ADN, ASN, RN]

Currently I work PRN in corrections and I just got a PRN position in the hospital that way I always have my foot in the door of a hospital in case I want to go back full time. I love per diem. I get a higher pay rate than full time or part time staff. I tell them when I want to work, usually I'm not there enough to get into any drama with staff, I do not have to go to any mandatory meetings, I don't have to wait for a manager to approve any time off if I want a vacation (I just don't pick up any shifts), typically less work since some stuff I do not have access to in the computer. Plus PRN can typically go under the radar and do the bare minimum since you're only showing up a few times out of the month (ignorance goes a long way). Cons is that there is no pto, you don't work then you do not get paid. Right now I do not have insurance and I'm not married so there's that. I would like to get maybe a part time job that way I can get some benefits. Honestly the insurance is the only con that I can think of. If I get married then I will only work PRN. With corrections they always need staff so I can pick up full time hours and still be PRN. I love being a nurse but I'm tired of certain b.s that comes with it. 

[CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN]

I know others mentioned it, though. Just get married, LOL. I married my husband (after 10 years together) because I was graduating nursing school and my school insurance was disappearing. Since we were planning a move, I wasn't looking for a first job yet (dependent on where he was going).  He got a job, got COBRA ($$$$$) for the 2 or so months between jobs, and I ended up critically ill.  This makes me really glad we were in the financial situation to be able to afford COBRA (and the "good sense" to get it), and really angry at how messed up our healthcare system is that it is necessary. Yeah, we were already "committed", but that stupid piece of paper became very important. Have an awesome wedding in 2022. Go see a judge on Monday! ?