Consider having the option to choose the days you want to work, avoiding long-term commitments, yet positively contributing to the healthcare industry as a nurse. That is per diem nursing for you. This is the right combination for those in nursing who want flexibility but still want to nurse patients. With over 3 million registered nurses in the US, per diem nursing is becoming a hot commodity for both nurses and facilities. This piece will cover everything you need to know about per diem nursing, how it works, and why it’s a win-win for hospitals and nurses.
What Is Per Diem Nursing
“Per diem” is Latin for “per day”. In nursing, it means a work arrangement where nurses are hired on a daily or short-term basis. Per diem nurses are brought in to fill temporary staffing gaps caused by:
- Call outs
- Time off
- Patient surges
Per diem nurses get to pick their shifts and facilities get to maintain their staffing.
How Does Per Diem Nursing Work?
1. Flexible Shifts
Per diem nurses can choose when and where they work. Great for part-time hours, extra income, or a better work-life balance.
2. Higher Pay Rates
Per diem nurses earn 20-30% more per hour than full-time nurses because their pay doesn’t include benefits like health insurance or retirement plans.
3. Staffing Agencies
Most per diem nurses work through staffing agencies. These agencies match nurses with shifts at different facilities so it’s pretty easy for both parties.
4. Credential Requirements
Just like full-time nurses, per diem nurses must meet all licensing, certification, and training requirements. Agencies will often take care of the verification for you.
Why Is Per Diem Nursing in Demand?
As declared by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses is likely to increase more than 6% between 2022 and 2032 with an average of 200,000 jobs added annually. The following are some factors contributing to the high per diem nursing demand:
- Staffing Shortages: The U.S. is short of full-time registered nurses (RNs), with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) projecting a deficit of 78,610 RNs by 2025.
- Burnout Among Full-Time Staff: Per diem nurses help take the load off full-time staff during peak times.
- Seasonal Needs: Flu seasons, pandemics, etc increase patient volumes, creating short-term staffing needs.
Benefits of Per Diem Nursing for Healthcare Facilities
1. Cost-Effective: Staffing Facilities can save money because they don't need to offer benefits or make long-term promises.
2. Quick Staffing Solutions: Hospitals can call on per diem nurses to fill in when someone calls out sick or when they have more patients.
3. Enhanced Patient Care: Hospitals can take good care of patients even during busy times if they have enough staff.
Benefits of Per Diem Nursing for Nurses
1. Flexibility
Allows you to create a schedule that fits your needs, perfect for students, parents, or those with other interests.
2. Higher Earning Potential
It's a great way to earn a high income, with hourly rates that are usually higher than full-time nurses.
3. Diverse Work Environments
They learn skills and gain experience they can apply to hospitals and outpatient clinics, which improves their careers.
Is Per Diem Nursing Right for You?
Per diem nursing is perfect for those who want flexibility, variety and are willing to trade off benefits for not having benefits guaranteed. It’s great for those who want to balance nursing with other priorities in life or want to try out different healthcare settings.
How Healthcare Staffing Firms Make Per Diem Nursing Easier
In most cases, staffing agencies connect per diems with healthcare facilities. Their team handles everything from credentialing to scheduling, so both parties have a smooth experience. In a study conducted in 2024, 60-70% of per diem nurses found their jobs through staffing agencies.
Final Thoughts
Per diem nursing
is a dynamic solution to today’s healthcare staffing challenges. For nurses, it provides flexibility and higher earning potential. For healthcare facilities, it offers a cost-effective way to maintain quality care.If you’re considering per diem nursing or need staffing solutions for your facility, contact Trice Healthcare. We specialize in matching skilled nurses with flexible opportunities to meet every need.
By Shourya Mehta
