How to tell if per-diem is right for you.
Moonlighting, side hustle, gig work, whatever you call it, it's becoming more common for people to have something to supplement their salary. If you've been watching inflation drive up the cost of, well, nearly everything, it's tough to watch per-diem or travel nurses come into your unit and make a higher hourly rate without having to deal with the unit politics, right? If you're here, you've probably been wondering if picking up per-diem shifts is right for you.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Am I confident in my current skills?
It's easiest to pick up per-diem shifts if you consider yourself a pro in your specialty. You'll enough of a foundation to quickly adapt to how a new unit works as well as provide the best are for your patients. It's not just education and training that help you success in per-diem shifts; you'll need to be able to ask questions and delegate when needed.
Can I pick up shifts locally?
Yes! If you've heard great things about the facility down the street, take it for a test drive with no commitment. We can help you find local options and negotiate for the best rate.
Do I have to use a recruiter or agency?
Not exactly. You could become a regular part-time employee but think back to the on-boarding of your current job. Took forever, didn't it?
If I'm feeling burned out at my regular job, why would I want to pick up shifts somewhere else?
- Set your own schedule. No, really. There's no contract and no commitment.
- See if the grass is actually greener at that large hospital your colleague just switched to.
- Diversify your skills and learn from others.
What paperwork and credientials do I need to complete?
That that depends on the state, hospital and unit, at minimum you'll need the following. We can help you gather and store this information.- Active licensure
- AMA BLS card
- Government photo ID
- Background check
- Drug screen
- N95 fit test
I've heard that per-diem nurses get cut more frequently. Is that true?
It can be true, yes. With the nursing shortage, most facilities aren't cutting shifts that often.What if this isn't right for me?
One of the main benefits of per-diem work is that it conforms to your schedule, not the other way around. If you try a few shifts and it's not your cup of tea (or slice of pizza,) you can continue in your current position and feel confident that you're in the right place. It may also help you decide if you want to be a travel nurse... but that's a whole different post.
