What is a Per Diem Pool?

[colleen10]

Hi guys,

I have heard the term "Per Diem" pool used a lot on this board and was hoping that someone would take the time to explain to me what it is and how it works in nursing.

Thanks,

colleen

[SHELLYBELLYRN]

OK, here's my best explanation...

Per diem is basically working on an "as needed" basis. Not like part time on a set schedule, but being called in as your services are needed. When I worked per diem, my schedule was irregular, no # of guaranteed hours per week. .... does that explain it?

[colleen10]

Thank you Shelly Bell your explanation helps.

[SHELLYBELLYRN]

You're more than welcome.......

[PhantomRN]

just an fyi. even though some places will say you will be perdiem pool, what they do is put you on the schedule just like regular staff. at least that is the way it was done at the last 2 hospitals i worked at.

also when the rns where put on the schedule they were put in the cancellation list riht along with regular staff, so they were not cancelled first. they would be canelled when it was their turn.

there is actually a big to-do about the per diem staff at my place as, they are put in the rotation and are only cancelled like the rest of us, but they get to pick their days to work ie no weekends or holidays and no rotation into nights.

[Q.]

I am per diem and we have that same battle on our unit as Phantom was describing.

Per diems are allowed to pick their hours, yes, which usually entails no weekends, holidays or nights, etc. But remember, per diems are usually per diem for a reason. For example, I work a full time job that my priority MUST lie with and I am a full time grad student; another per diem is a full time law student and has a part time job elsewhere. And also, per diems don't get ANY benefits either.

You either take me when I'm available to work, or don't take me at all. That's how I see it.

[askater11]

I work Per Diem/contigent. I don't know what "per diem pool" means though...unless you mean extra staff that goes where they're needed.

I don't get benefits, though I make a few extra dollars an hour since I don't. (compared to fulltime/part time staff)

Also at my institution I have to work a minimum of two days a month. (I work once a week)

Also at my institution I have to work holidays/weekend's .... but it really depends what institution you're at.

The last hospital I worked at contigent would be first to get called off. (for economical reason's since they pay us more per hour) But where I currently work it goes by that.

And the floor I work at is staffed well as compared to the rest of the hospital. So that mean's we are constantly pulled to other floors. Since I only work once a week, I'm rarely on my "own" floor I'm pulled all over...