per diem

pagandeva2000, LPN · Dec 5, 2008

It may be a bit hard for agencies to want to accept new grads because they usually send people for a one or two day orientation and dump them in the freezing water to fend for themselves. Most times, this is more favorable for a seasoned, more confident nurse. Nurses are notorious for crapping on newbies and agency workers, giving them the worse assignments and the least help. In fact, I really advise that you seek elsewhere like a nursing home, rehab center or elsewhere to get your feet wet, but sometimes, situations are not as we would like them to be. So, you can give it a shot, because bottom line is that you have to start somewhere. I worked for home care within my first year receiving my license as a side gig. I regularly work in a hospital clinic, but I am off weekends, so, I took on a pediatric case-a 3 year old with a trach. The agency knew that I didn't have any real experience, but the nurse was nice and told me as much as she could about the case, and I decided to visit on my own to meet the mother and the other nurse to see how they handled the child. This was a resiliant kid, who showed me how to suction her. I worked there on Saturdays for a year.

I would also advise that you sign for more than one agency. I noticed that some agencies are sort of seasonal...some are better in the summer, during holidays, etc... so, it is best to sign for a few and see which one makes a better home for you. I wish you luck either way, but my sincere prayer is to work somewhere to gain nursing experience first, because you are basically on your own as an agency worker until people warm up to you.

mume2mykidz · Dec 5, 2008

the per diem that I was mentioning is actually at facilities not agency,the agancy won't even look at you without experience,the only one I wanted to try is Bayada because I have worked 5 years with children with CP and they had trach,g-tubes but they said I need 1 year of actual nursing skills.

But the LTC told me they would hire me per diem and give me the orientation they give fulltime employees so my question is do I sign with more then 1 facility that does this?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 5, 2008

I'm per diem (PRN) status at several facilities. This is in addition to my full time job. When I feel like working, I call the facility's staffing coordinator to see if they have any shifts available to work. They also call me to see if I'd like to fill some of their staffing needs.

Sensoria17 · Dec 5, 2008

Commuter,

Out of curiosity, how often do they call you to work? Thanks.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 6, 2008

Commuter,
Out of curiosity, how often do they call you to work? Thanks.

They call almost daily. Then again, I'm in Texas. I see you're in the SF Bay Area, which has a severe nursing glut.

mume2mykidz · Dec 6, 2008

another question is how is the pay difference??per-diem pays more right???

neygray · Dec 12, 2008

Usually @ least $10 more per hour. I work per diem @ the local hospital and make $15 more per hour than their staff LPN's, that's not including extra shiftdiff and weekend diff.

workingonitnow · Dec 12, 2008

Hey neygray what agency do you work for? Do you have to have any experience. I will graduate on the 12/18.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2008

another question is how is the pay difference??per-diem pays more right???

Regarding the nursing homes in my area, they only pay a couple of dollars more per hour to per diem and PRN staff. It's the hospitals in the area that pay $10+ more per hour to per diem nurses.

neygray · Dec 13, 2008

Hey neygray what agency do you work for? Do you have to have any experience. I will graduate on the 12/18.

I've been a nurse for 6 years now. I work for Nursefinders. Some homecare agencies will hire new grads, but I do know that at Nursefinders here, you must have 1 year experience. Not only that, you want some experience under your belt so you feel secure enough to handle most whatever crisis your going to come across without having to hunt down a 'staff' nurse. That, and the fact that if you are constantly asking questions about your judgement calls, staff at the facility will consider you more of a hindrance than a help. And believe me, word will get around if you aren't confident enough with your skills.