Blog Post: Per Diem Nursing-Think About It!

With facilities such as ALF's and hospitals experiencing a fluctuating census, it's no wonder per diem staffing is a growing industry. Per diem nursing offers excellent opportunities for nursing professionals including RNs, LPNs, and CNA's. Many agencies also hire physical therapists, respiratory therapists, and others.

Nurses that choose to work for an agency such as NurseCore typically do so for the flexibility and variety. Nurses can choose direct placement, temporary-to-permanent placement, and temporary assignments as well as long and short-term contracts.

Facilities that utilize agency nurses include hospitals, ALF's, skilled nursing facilities, rehab centers and more. The opportunities are as varied as the healthcare industry itself. A good agency will listen to your interests and locate opportunities that meet your needs.

Not sure what to look for in a per diem agency?

*Make sure if you are hired you are an employee of the agency and not an independent contractor. When an agency hires you, they provide malpractice insurance, deduct taxes from your paycheck, and provide other benefits and services not available to independent contractors.

*Make sure any agency you are considering has the ability to offer you the type of work you are interested in. Can they meet all your needs? If you want to do temporary work now but might be interested in a long-term contract down the road, can the agency provide that for you?

*How long has the agency been around? Do they have a good track record and an established name in the community?

*Go to the agency and meet the staff. Are they excited to have you apply with them? Do they seem too busy to listen to your needs? These are all factors to consider.

Per diem nursing can provide full-time work or can be used to supplement your income. You choose when and where you'll work! If you've never considered per diem nursing, maybe it's time you gave it some thought!