Would you take it?

[smartypants31us]

Ok I have yet another dilemma here. I was offered a per diem position from my previous clinical preceptor. She's studying for boards and wants me to fill in whenever needed. I immediately said yes to please her, but I'm unsure if I did the right thing. I assumed per diem would be once or twice a week. She wants me Monday through Friday in the evening to see patients as well as complete hospital rounds, on call and nursing homes. I'm not credentialed for the hospital and she wants me to see the patients which I told her no because its illegal. I work a full time position which is a hour away from her and have small children. I really want to help but I think I'm stretching myself too thin.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

I am confused about why you can not see hospital patients and if so then why is she even asking you...more clarification or information is needed. Obviously, her use of the term, "per diem" was misleading and may have been intentional to make you say yes. You are now going to have to politely back out and it will be easy to do. It will be easy to do because all you have to say is that your interpretation of per diem was a few days per month and upon getting all the facts you came to the conclusion that this would be equivalent to another full time position and you cannot accept it . Start out by thanking her for having faith in you but that you cannot accept because and then go into the reasons. You are correct that with your current job,your family obligations and taking care of yourself and a home it is just too much!