Per diem VS part time! New grad here! Ekk!

RNperdiem, RN · May 27, 2016

This is truly variable by shift and hospital. My base weekend pay rate is $35/hr. Weekdays are less, and weekend nights are more. The rates can be even higher if you qualify to work in more areas in nursing and get hired for the float pool that covers many different areas.

The regular full-time staff also get weekend and shift(nights/eventing) differentials; this is not something unique to per diem.

Where I work, new grads are not hired into per diem jobs. It takes weeks of orientation in a department with a preceptor to be able to function as a novice nurse. It takes at least a year or more to gain the skill you need to float to different areas and take almost any assignment.

Don't just look at the pay.

Joanie49 · May 27, 2016

I understand the pay is not the whole picture here but it is a important factor to consider if one job will be a lot less then the other with having to consider traveling. They are hiring for one unit so I would only be working on that one unit thankfully.. I understand that all full/part time employees get a differential but I was under the impression that per diems did not get a differential they just got a base pay that was a little higher then the full or part time employees.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · May 27, 2016

There is no "average dollar amount extra" Depends on geographical location and the facility.

Your main concern should be the orientation you will be provided with.

What is each facility offering?

Joanie49 · May 27, 2016

The hospital that is 50 mins away is offering a orientation preceptor experience for three months. I am not sure what the other hospital is offering but from other students have told me I it is about the same and more if you feel you need extra time. Both comparable in my opinion- we shall see what other information I get when I interview in person.

Joanie49 · May 27, 2016

My main point of this discussion was to find out more information about per diem pay as I do not know a lot about it. I gave a little compare and contrast of offers in my original post to give the full story so I could get the best information! I find that first hand info from nurses and not just googling things often gives a lot more in site. I am considering many factors to these jobs and not basing it just on the pay alone...........

Rhody34 · May 28, 2016

I work per diem and love it. I can't imagine going back to regularly scheduled shifts and every other weekend. I never have trouble picking up shifts. I call a week or two in advance (or sometimes the day before) to pick up shifts I want to work. I usually work 3-4 shifts per week. I am floated throughout the hospital. I have no say about where I am working. They put me where they need me. I enjoy this though. Every day is different. I am paid more as a per diem than I was when I was scheduled, but I do not get insurance, vacation/sick pay, or retirement savings, so it is my responsibility to save for those things. If I get cancelled (which is rare), I usually just ask to pick up a different shift. I will agree with a previous poster that I wouldn't recommend per diem as a new grad. I feel as though you should have some experience because people will rely on you to fill the gap and know what you're doing and not need to help you with basic tasks. Good luck!

NewMurse1014 · May 28, 2016

I'm 6 months in with my new grad position, all of us got hired as per diem. We do get night differentials, and I believe our base rate is 25% more than regular position. Once you let people know you're available, they will come asking you to cover for them, so you should be fine getting enough hours. Of course every facility is different, and there are more aspects to consider in your situation.