Benefits of Per Diem Work for Nurses

Ever wish you could choose your work hours, take a random Tuesday off, or try out different hospitals without committing long-term? 

That’s the beauty of per diem nursing. It’s a flexible way to work that’s catching on fast with nurses who want more control over their lives. The benefits of per diem work for nurses are pretty compelling: you can set your own schedule, earn more per hour, and keep things fresh by working in new places. 

But what’s the deal with per diem nursing, and do per diem nurses get benefits like full-timers? 

In this post, we’ll walk through why this work style is such a hit, answer questions like does per diem get benefits, and help you figure out if it’s for you. Let’s jump in and see why so many nurses are loving per diem.

What is Per Diem Nursing?

Per diem nursing, named after the Latin for “per day”, means picking up shifts when you want, no strings attached. You’re like a substitute teacher for healthcare, stepping in at hospitals or clinics when they need extra hands. 

You might work through a staffing agency or directly with a facility. It’s not the same as PRN (as-needed) roles, which can have more regular hours, or part-time jobs, which often lock you into a set schedule.

So, does per diem get benefits? Most per diem nurses don’t get health insurance or paid vacation like full-time staff. 

Some agencies offer other perks, though, which we’ll cover later. Wondering do PRN nurses get benefits? It’s similar, benefits depend on the employer, but they’re usually limited. If you’re the type who loves calling your own shots, per diem nursing might be your jam.

Key Benefits of Per Diem Work for Nurses

Why go per diem? Here’s what makes it so appealing:

Pick Your Schedule

With per diem nursing, you decide when you work. Got kids to pick up from school or a side gig you’re passionate about? Choose shifts that fit your life. Need a week off for a road trip? Just don’t sign up. This kind of freedom is tough to find in full-time or even part-time nursing jobs, and it’s a big reason nurses make the switch.

Make More Money

Per diem nurses often get paid more per hour. Hospitals shell out extra to cover last-minute needs, so you might earn $45 an hour instead of the $35 a full-time nurse gets for the same work. That’s real money to save for a house, pay off loans, or just enjoy life. If you’re smart about picking shifts, the paychecks can add up fast.

Try New Places

One shift you’re in a hectic ER, the next you’re at a cozy clinic. Per diem nursing lets you work in all kinds of settings, which keeps things interesting. You’ll meet new people, see how different places operate, and build a resume that screams “adaptable.” That’s a huge per diem employee benefit you won’t get stuck in one spot.

Build Your Skills

Working in different places means you’re always learning something new. Maybe it’s a tricky patient case, a new charting system, or a different way to handle a procedure. Per diem nurses get better at thinking on their feet, which makes you a sharper, more confident nurse. It’s like getting paid to level up your career.

Live Life on Your Terms

Unlike full-time jobs that might demand overtime or fixed shifts, per diem nursing lets you call the shots. Want to spend a month hiking or studying for a certification? Just take fewer shifts. This flexibility is a lifesaver for nurses who want work to fit around their life, not the other way around. Sure, do part time nurses get benefits comes up, but per diem nurses often say the freedom is worth more than traditional perks.

Also Read: Flexible Per Diem Jobs in the USA

Do Per Diem Nurses Get Benefits?

Let’s get real about do per diem nurses get benefits. Most don’t get the same perks as full-time nurses, like health insurance or paid time off. 

Since many per diem nurses work through agencies or as independent contractors, those standard benefits often aren’t part of the deal. But some agencies hook you up with per diem employee benefits like a 401(k), a small health stipend, or bonuses for taking tough shifts.

What about do PRN employees get benefits? PRN nurses are in a similar boat, limited benefits, but some))^ some agencies might offer extras. 

And do part time nurses get benefits? Part-timers usually get better perks, like health coverage, but they don’t have the same scheduling freedom. For many per diem nurses, the higher pay and flexibility make up for less traditional benefits.

Challenges of Per Diem Nursing

Per diem nursing has its downsides. You’re not guaranteed hours, so your income can be up and down. If a hospital doesn’t need you, you’re not working. This can be rough if you need steady cash. 

Also, does per diem get benefits is a sticking point, those missing benefits like insurance can hit hard for some.

Then there’s the challenge of new workplaces. Every facility’s different, new systems, new teams, new routines. It can feel like starting over each time. 

But lots of per diem nurses love the variety, and agencies usually help with quick orientations. Knowing these challenges helps you decide if the benefits of per diem work for nurses outweigh the hurdles.

Is Per Diem Nursing Right for You?

Per diem nursing is perfect for some but not everyone. Do you love setting your own hours? Are you okay with income that fluctuates? 

Do you get a kick out of new environments? If so, per diem might be your thing. It’s great for nurses who want extra cash, are exploring specialties, or need to juggle work with other priorities.

If you need per diem employee benefits like health insurance, you might prefer part-time or full-time roles. But if freedom and higher pay are your vibe, per diem’s hard to beat. 

Start with a few shifts through an agency to test it out and see if it clicks.

Conclusion

The benefits of per diem work for nurses, picking your own hours, earning more per shift, trying new places, and growing your skills, make it a fantastic choice for nurses who want work to fit their life. 

Sure, do per diem nurses get benefits is a big question, but the flexibility and pay often outweigh the lack of traditional perks. If you’re ready to take charge of your nursing career, hit up a staffing agency or local hospital to check out per diem shifts. 

It could be the fresh start you need.

FAQs

Do per diem nurses get benefits?

Usually, no health insurance or paid leave, but some agencies offer things like 401(k)s or shift bonuses to make up for it.

Does per diem get benefits?

Depends on the agency. Some throw in perks like health stipends or training funds, but it’s not like full-time benefits.

Do per diem employees get benefits?

Per diem workers might get agency perks like bonuses or retirement plans, but it varies, so check with your employer.

Do PRN employees get benefits?

PRN workers often have similar benefit setups to per diem, light on traditional perks but sometimes with agency incentives.

Do PRN nurses get benefits?

Like per diem, PRN nurses might miss out on standard benefits but could get bonuses or other perks from agencies.

Do part time nurses get benefits?

Part-time nurses often get health insurance or paid leave, but they trade off some of the scheduling freedom per diem offers.