Working Per Diem vs working agency as an ICU nurse

[sassyrn333]

I work @a VA hospital in the MICU/SICU. I am thinking about getting a second job because OT is never available at my hospital, I need some extra $$, and would like some additional experience with a more varied patient population. What is everyone's experience with working Per Diem vs Agency as ICU nurses. I am guessing they probably won't give me the sickies which might defeat the purpose of my taking an extra job in the first place.

I would also like to mention that I have an interview for per diem ISCU/SICU at a level I trauma center in the metro. As We all know, the VA is not well known for its trauma patients. If anyone thinks I am getting in over my head here some candor would also be greatly appreciated :)

(As an aside)

....Why do I feel like an a**hole for getting a second job when some people can't even find one????

[Cinqly, BSN, RN]

Can't really comment on your question... however, I wouldn't feel like an a-hole if I were you. Why should you feel bad about getting a second job? Well, you shouldn't. Not your fault other people aren't getting/retaining jobs. :-) My hospital isn't letting us get a whole lot of overtime either, and I can sympathize with wanting to get varied experience. Good luck, and I'm interested to hear what others have to say about your question!