per diem?!

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Hi,

I am very new in US. What exactly does " per diem" mean?

And what is the difference between working per diem and working through an agency?

Thanks for the help!:coollook:

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Specializes in ER.

Per diem just means you work on a day to day basis, no contract, no benefits. Usually that is what you do with an agency, but not a travel company. Some agencies do offer contracts, with or without benefits, but it is a different set up than with a travel company. Now are you really confused??

Per diem can be cancelled up to a few hours before a shift, or several hours into a shift without compensation. Contracts give you more stability, but less flexibility.

If you need a certain number of hours and or benefits, it is best to go with a travel company, but if you are just looking for a little extra money, and no committment, the per diem is the way to go. There are benefits and drawbacks to both ways.

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Very new in the US? What type of visa do you have?

Most agencies are going to want at least one year of work experience in the US, even for a per diem position. Nursing overseas is quite different from the US in many respects. Whcih country are you from?

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Thanks for your responses.

I am from Taiwan but now also a US Citizen. I have 5 years working experience in Asia plus three years as a nurse tech here in Texas. I just recently got my RN license and now work at a surgical hospital. I plan on moving to N.California in march and I am interested in travel nursing since they pay for living and relocation expenses. But my biggest concern is getting enough orientation time. I wonder if I'd be better off getting a permanent job in a hospital.

Thanks again for your feedback.

Raejune

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

Best wishes to you.

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The hospital time that you have overseas does not count towards the required work experience for working as a travel nurse in the US. It needs to be US experience, or Canadian, for some agencies, for it to be accepted.

With travel positions you do not get the orientation that I think that you would need. Nursing here is quite different from your home country. And many more responsibilities.

I highly recommend that you get at least one good solid year of US hospital experience before going the permanent route. There are relocation bonuses available for you for just becoming a new hire at the facility.

If you need help with that, please let me know. Check out the International forum for more help on this, as well.

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Thanks for your responses!

Happy Holidays!!

Raejune

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