Nursing is not a typical 9-to-5 job, but it is a career full of options. Some nurses thrive on flexibility, while others prefer routine. Considering a nursing role, it’s important to know that choosing the right shift work can make or break your work-life balance. Nurses can choose between two options: per diem or part-time. Before you pick your next shift, here is everything you should know about per diem vs part-time. If you are a travel nurse, sign up with SkillGigs to get your next travel nursing assignment without recruiter drama.
What is per diem and part-time nursing?
Per diem (PRN) nursing:
The word per diem stands for per day, and per diem nurses work on an as-needed basis. They don’t have a full-time or part-time schedule; instead, they are paid daily on a daily basis. Per diem nurses do not have guaranteed weekly schedules. Here are some of the key elements of per diem shift in nursing:
- Nurses have the flexibility of picking up the shifts they want. Per diem nurses fill the gaps when there is a shortage of nurses, such as sick leave or seasonal needs.
- Per-dem nurses have a higher hourly rate than other permanent staff because they don’t get other benefits such as health insurance, retirement, paid time off, etc.
- Per diem nurses work in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, etc.
- The drawback of per-diem nurses is that they don’t have guaranteed working hours.
Part-time nursing
Part-time nurses work fewer hours than full-time nurses. They don’t work on an as-needed basis but have regular set schedules. Part-time nurses have predictable work hours. Some of the key elements of part-time shift in nursing are as follows:
- Part-time nurses work less than 30 to 36 hours, depending on the employer, and their shifts are pre-scheduled, so nurses know which days to work.
- The pay is the same as that of a full-time nurse, but part-time nurses make less because they are working fewer shifts a week.
- The part-time nurses have no benefits or partial benefits as compared to the full-time nurses.
- What are the pros and cons of per-diem nursing and part-time nursing?
- Whether you choose per-dem or part-time nursing, both have its own advantages and disadvantages.
Per diem nursing:
Pros:
Some of the benefits of per diem nursing are:
- Flexibility, as you can pick up the shifts you want.
- Higher hourly pay.
- Making extra income.
- Working in different healthcare facilities.
- Work-life control.
Cons:
- There are no guaranteed hours in per-diem nursing.
- Per-diem nurses get limited or no benefits.
- Job insecurity.
- Per-diem nursing is unpredictable.
- Adapting to the new units can be challenging.
Part-time nursing
Some of the benefits of part-time nursing are as follows:
Pros:
- Predictable and steady schedule.
- Guaranteed work hours.
- Work-life balance.
- Partial benefits.
- Predictable income and job security.
Cons:
- Less hourly pay compared to per diem nurses.
- Less flexibility.
- Part-time nurses may not qualify for full benefits like full-time nurses.
- You are still locked in a schedule, and commitment is required, unlike per diem nurses.
Which shift is best for nurses? per diem or part-time?
If you want maximum flexibility, higher hourly pay, and don’t care much about guaranteed hours and benefits, then choosing per diem is the best option for you. Per diem will give you the freedom to choose your own shifts and hours.
If you want guaranteed hours, predictable income, and maximum pay and benefits, then choosing part-time nursing is best for you. Part-time gives you flexibility and freedom, and more free time as compared to full-time nurses.
Do per diem nurses get benefits?
Per-diem nurses work on a daily basis and get paid per day. They do not usually receive benefits. However, you must confirm it with your employer to be sure.
Do per diem nurses have higher hourly pay than part-time nurses?
Yes, per diem nurses usually have higher hourly pay as compared to part-time nurses because they work on an as-needed basis, have no fixed schedules, and are there to fill the gaps of the shortage of staff. They also do not get any benefits and have a predictable income as compared to part-time nurses.
What is travel nursing?
Travel nurses work on contracts typically for 13 weeks, but it can vary depending on the situation. Travel nurses move across the US to fill the gaps where there is a shortage of staff.
How much experience do you need to become a travel nurse?
If you want to become a travel nurse, it is important that you have at least 1 to 2 years of experience. This experience helps you to adjust to the new environment quickly.
Do travel nurses have higher pay than permanent staff?
Yes, travel nurses have higher pay than permanent staff. They also get other benefits such as travel reimbursement, housing stipends, free meals, etc. These savings can also increase the overall salary of the travel nurse.
What is the salary of travel nurses?
Travel nurses’ salary depends on specialty, location, experience, healthcare facilities, etc. If your specialty is in high demand, then you might get higher hourly pay than other specialties. Other factors, such as certification and experience, can also increase your pay rate. As a travel nurse, you can always negotiate with your employer to get the best hourly rate.
Conclusion
If you are a nurse who wants to work on your own terms and want to select your own hours, then per diem nursing is the best option for you, but if you want more predictable hours and a schedule, then you can choose part-time nursing. Both per diem and part-time nursing have their own pros and cons, and you can select the one that best works for you. If you are a travel nurse, then join SkillGigs today and become part of our travel nursing world, where you can choose your own assignment. SkillGigs offers higher pay, flexibility, freedom, and the opportunity to work in top healthcare facilities. Download our app today and start travel nursing tomorrow!
