What is per diem?

[SueNYC]

So i'm a new grad RN and submitted resumes to two hospitals a week ago. One, an HHC, called me about a per diem position. I was working as an LPN, per diem, and for me that meant I could work when I was available and no benefits. But she tells me it would be three days a week and I would still get vacation and health benefits. Isn't that part time? I also thought as per diem you wouldn't get the full orientation like a full time nurse and she said that I would. I will ask her when I meet with her on Friday what exactly is the difference but has anyone heard of this or can give me any input? Maybe it means that I wont have a steady floor but float?

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

By the day.

I have never heard of per diem getting bennies, but a higher pay rate. What she's talking about I've always heard called regularly scheduled part time.