Working as a per diem nurse can be a rewarding and flexible way to practice nursing. While you may have the freedom and flexibility to choose when and where you work, this type of work also comes with its own set of challenges.

As a per diem nurse, you may work at multiple facilities and may have a fluctuating schedule. It can also be challenging to manage your finances effectively. 

It’s, therefore, essential to be prepared and organized in order to succeed in this role. 

Here are five tips for working per diem as a nurse.

1. Maintain a consistent schedule

While it may be tempting to take every shift that comes your way, it’s important to find a balance and maintain a consistent schedule. This can help you avoid burnout and ensure that you have time for self-care and other commitments.

One way to do this is to establish a set number of shifts or hours that you want to work each week or month. This can help you stay organized and plan your schedule in advance. You can also consider setting limits on the number of consecutive shifts or hours you’re willing to work, to ensure that you have enough time to rest and recharge.

It’s also important to be proactive about communicating your availability to your staffing agency. Let them know when you’re available to work and when you have other commitments, so they can schedule you accordingly. This will help you avoid overbooking yourself and ensure that you have a steady stream of work.

2. Communicate with your staffing agency

Good communication is key to a successful per diem nursing career. Make sure you communicate clearly with your nurse staffing agency about your availability and preferences. This will help them match you with the right shifts and ensure that you have a constant stream of work that meets your schedule.

It’s also important to be open and honest about any issues or concerns you may have. If you have a problem with a shift or facility, don’t be afraid to speak up. Your staffing agency is there to support you and should be willing to work with you to resolve any issues.

In addition to communicating with your nurse staffing agency, it’s also important to stay in touch with the facilities where you work. Let them know if you have any special skills or certifications, and be proactive about learning new procedures or technologies. This will make you a valuable asset to any facility and increase your chances of getting called back for future shifts.

3. Keep track of your hours and pay

As a per diem nurse, you may work for multiple facilities and staffing agencies. It’s important to keep track of your hours and pay to ensure that you’re being compensated fairly.

One way to do this is to use a time-tracking app or software to record your hours and pay for each shift. This will give you a clear record of your earnings and allow you to see how much you’re making on an hourly basis. It will also make it easier to catch any errors or discrepancies in your pay and allow you to address them in a timely manner.

In addition to tracking your hours and pay, it’s also important to keep track of your expenses. As a per diem nurse, you may incur additional costs such as travel expenses, uniforms, and licensure fees. Keep receipts or documentation of these expenses and consider setting aside a portion of your earnings to cover them. This will help you stay organized and manage your finances effectively.

4. Be flexible and adaptable

As a per diem nurse, you may be called to work in different settings or with different teams. It’s important to be flexible and adaptable to new situations, as this will make you a valuable asset to any healthcare facility.

One way to be flexible is to be open to working different shifts and in different departments. While you may have a preference for certain types of shifts or units, being willing to work a variety of shifts can increase your chances of getting called for work. It can also help you gain experience in different areas of nursing and broaden your skill set.

5. Take care of yourself

Working as a per diem nurse can be demanding and it’s important to prioritize your own well-being. Make sure to get enough rest, exercise regularly, and practice self-care to avoid burnout. It’s also important to seek support from colleagues and management if you need it. 

Working per diem can be isolating at times, so it’s important to stay connected with your colleagues and seek out support when needed.

Bottomline on Working Per Diem

Overall, working as a per diem nurse requires a combination of organization, communication, adaptability, and self-care skills. 

By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success and enjoy the benefits of being a per diem nurse.

Are you a nurse looking for a per diem nursing role? Here are some opportunities available now that you can take advantage of. 

You can also contact us if you need to work directly with a nurse staffing agency to find the most rewarding per diem offer.

Featured Image Credits: Mother Nurse Love

Tags: Nurse Staffing, Nursing, Per Diem

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