Per Diem RN Jobs

Per diem nurses work on an as-needed basis. They can engage in various nursing specialties that increase their skill set and enjoy advantages like selecting when and where they work.

This guide explores information on per diem registered nurse (RN) jobs, its pros and cons, and overviews top positions for professionals considering this option.

Per diem means “per day.” When working per diem RN jobs, nurses are hired on a temporary basis, which can range from a single day to seasonal coverage.

Per diem nurses can work in a variety of facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. They may also determine their own hours since they choose which positions to accept, making the work more flexible and tailored to the nurse’s needs.

It is beneficial to recognize the differences between a per diem nurse and those hired full time. Full-time nurses have a set schedule, while per diem nurses are essentially on call. Per diem nurses can choose where they work and what their role will be. They may also maintain employment by more than one employer, which provides them with a wider range of opportunities.

Working as a per diem nurse comes with pros and cons. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages can help nurses determine if the work is a suitable match.

The following lists some of the most in-demand per diem RN opportunities, based on job posts and demand for similar temporary nursing positions.

Per diem intensive care unit (ICU) nurses care for patients with life-threatening conditions. They primarily work in hospitals because of the critical status of their patients.

Working in an ICU typically requires either a 12-hour day or night shift. Most hospitals try to avoid scheduling an ICU nurse over 36-40 hours a week because of the amount of stress created by the position.

An ICU nurse does the following: monitor a patient’s progress for any changes, administer medications, and perform diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. They also evaluate lab work and vital signs, set up and monitor medical equipment, and maintain the patient’s records.

Per diem medical-surgical nurses care for patients preparing for or recovering from surgery. Healthcare professionals who work in the medical-surgical specialty hold the foundation for all other types of nursing.

Nurses in this specialty usually work in hospitals, but employment is also available in outpatient/inpatient clinics and nursing homes. Typical shifts for a medical-surgical nurse last 12 hours.

Working as a medical-surgical nurse carries a wide range of responsibilities. They administer medications, check vitals, update records, run blood tests, and operate equipment like intravenous and feeding tubes.

Per diem operating room (OR) nurses, also known as perioperative nurses, care for patients before, during, and after surgeries and medical procedures. Nurses can work in three areas: pre-operative, intraoperative, and postoperative.

OR nurses also work in operating rooms often on 12-hour shifts.

Working as part of the surgical team, OR nurse responsibilities include:

Per diem emergency room (ER) nurses treat patients with serious injuries. They perform medical treatments, monitor vital signs, document treatment plans, and interact with patients and their families.

ER nurses can find employment in hospitals, rural and urban communities, teaching hospitals, and disaster settings. A shift for an emergency room nurse is generally 12 hours long, with nurses working three shifts per week.

ER nurses can work in a variety of roles: trauma, triage, disaster response, flight, critical care transport, burn center, pediatrics, and geriatrics.

Working as a per diem telemetry nurse typically involves treating patients with cardiovascular diseases. Telemetry nurses monitor patients’ heart conditions through electrocardiograms and other cardiac devices.

Telemetry nurses work in hospitals and clinics where patients are usually in stable condition. They may work long hours in a fast-paced environment.

Telemetry units are also being used in areas that study neurological issues.

Since pay rates change by location and responsibility, it is difficult to track what per diem nurses earn on average. Typically, per diem nurses can expect to earn as much or more than their staff RN colleagues.

Glassdoor shows that the hourly rates can range from $25-$50, with some exceptions paying up to $90 per hour as of August 2021. Nurses might earn higher rates based on their experience.

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