Per Diems

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Do any of you have a Per Diem 'contract'? I've inherited a bunch of per diems who won't work weekends or holidays so we've instituted a 'contract' which states per diems must work one of the big 3 holidays and 2 of the other minor holidays and a few other things. Some of the PDs tell me they are going to call the labor board....what don't they get about being per diem??

[caliotter3]

I've been called a per diem employee although I've never really had to understand what it means because I had a full time schedule if I wanted it. I thought per diem was all about working holidays and weekends or any other shift that someone else doesn't work for some reason. I would think that if the contract for these individuals does not specifically exclude holidays and weekends for these individuals, then they don't have a leg to stand on. You could verify this with the labor board yourself. But I really think they are blowing smoke. Just because they got this preferential treatment in the past, does not mean you have to continue it. Hire some new people and stop putting these people on the schedule. See how they like that. (I'm one of those who says, if you havea job, quitcher bellyaching. Too many don't have jobs and would love to have your's).

[achot chavi]

Take a look at their contract to see exactly what they signed on for- if it specifically states no holidays or not, When I was per diem (when I first started it meant I get paid per day at a higher rate but no benefits.

Ask them what profession they signed on for ? We don't close for holidays, if they want to go work for a library- they can have holidays off. We are open 24-7 and staff works the same!!!

We all inherited spoiled nurses who want to write their own schedule....they are the hardest!!They will fight very hard for their schedule.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

I think there could be two types of PRNs. I dunno...with all of the "nursing shortage" being flexable is key to keeping staffed.

I am every other weekend..and you can call me to see if I can come in to work (when I can, I do) I have no contract...some may call me part time other prn. I will work holidays if they fall on my weekend and have even volunteered for some other holidays so I can be a team player.

When I worked prn at another place..I had to work 2 weekend shifts in a pay period. I don't remember mention of a holiday. If I went 6 weeks without working you were removed from the roster.

Another prn policy...one weekend shift per month, one holiday every four months per calander year. If you don't work for four consecutive pay periods you are removed from the roster.