From Full-Time to Flexible: Making the Switch to Per Diem Nursing

As a nurse you give your all to provide compassionate quality care for your patients. But the demands of a full-time position can take a toll over time, leaving you feeling burned out. If you’ve considered downshifting to more flexibility, per diem nursing offers benefits like control over your schedule and expanded career options.

In this comprehensive guide, learn how to successfully transition from full-time to per diem nursing. We’ll cover the differences between roles, pros and cons, tips for adjusting, and how to put yourself in the best position to thrive in per diem work. By understanding this flexible arrangement, you can make an informed choice about your career path.

Defining Per Diem Nursing

Let’s start with a quick refresher on what per diem nursing entails Per diem means “per day” in Latin, indicating temporary or on-call work as needed As a per diem nurse

• You aren’t committed to a fixed schedule at one facility

• Shifts are assigned by the day based on staffing needs.

• You can freely accept or decline offers, with no minimum hour requirements.

• Multiple part-time per diem jobs allow you to co-design your calendar.

So in essence, per diem gives you control and flexibility while allowing healthcare facilities to fill gaps in coverage. Now let’s look at how this differs from traditional full-time roles.

Key Differences from Full-Time Positions

Transitioning from full-time to per diem nursing brings major changes:

• No guaranteed hours – Shifts aren’t steady or predictable. Your income and schedule varies week to week.

• No employee benefits – Per diem nurses don’t receive benefits like insurance, retirement plans or paid time off.

• Greater variety – Exposure to different units, specialties, populations and healthcare settings.

• Less support/training – Orientation and onboarding investments are lower for temporary staff.

• More independence – Increased autonomy in managing your schedule and navigating new facilities.

Why Make the Switch? Pros and Cons to Consider

Before pursuing per diem work, reflect on your motivations and evaluate potential advantages and downsides:

Pros

• Work/life balance – Design a schedule that meets your needs and accommodates other priorities.

• Less stress – Escape a toxic workplace culture or find relief from burnout.

• Clinical variety – Gain wider nursing exposure by alternating facilities and specialties.

• Career growth – Explore options for advancement through diverse experiences.

• Higher pay – Per diem nurses typically earn increased hourly wages.

• Scheduling control – Choose when and where you work each week.

Cons

• Unpredictable income – Paychecks inevitably fluctuate without steady hours.

• Minimal benefits – Lack of insurance, retirement savings plans and PTO.

• Job insecurity – Employment depends on being requested for shifts.

• Decreased camaraderie – Developing relationships can be harder as an outsider.

• Less training – Potentially less investment in ongoing education and growth.

• Inconsistent policies – Adapting to different procedures and charting at each facility.

Carefully weighing these factors will help determine if per diem aligns with your needs or full-time is ultimately a better fit long-term.

Tips for Making a Smooth Transition

If moving to per diem feels like the right choice, here are some tips to smoothly navigate the transition:

Get financially prepared

• Build up emergency savings to handle income fluctuations.

• Consult a tax advisor about changes to tax withholding as an independent contractor.

• Research individual insurance options like ACA plans or association health plans.

Line up multiple part-time roles

• Don’t rely on one per diem job – apply to several to ensure steady options.

• Consider hospital and outpatient positions to diversify settings.

• Leverage faculty or practicum sites where you have existing relationships.

Ask about per diem policies

• Inquire about minimum shift requirements and how far in advance bookings occur.

• Understand the process for claiming and scheduling shifts.

• Clarify expectations for maintaining competencies and training.

Create a portfolio

• Assemble licenses, certifications, letters of recommendation and skills checklist.

• Update your nursing resume to highlight breadth of experience.

• Gather resources like cheat sheets for charting systems to reference.

Being proactive will position you to take full advantage of the per diem nursing path.

Adapting Your Approach to Per Diem Work

Once working per diem, you’ll need to adapt in certain areas to find success:

Remain flexible

• Be open to last minute shift offers at varying locations to maximize income.

• Don’t get too attached to a predictable routine.

Focus on efficiency

• Look for ways to streamline your pre-shift prep and shift handoffs.

• Identify effective organizational strategies that transfer across settings.

Build relationships

• Introduce yourself to the nursing team and seek mentorship.

• Offer to help or stay late if unit needs arise.

• Maintain professionalism even when not actively working.

Advocate for yourself

• Ask questions to get the training and orientation you need.

• Be proactive in strengthening any weak clinical skills.

• Negotiate for higher compensation when appropriate.

Adjusting your workflow, networking and self-advocacy for per diem success takes diligence, but allows you to thrive.

Should You Make the Per Diem Switch?

Here are some signs per diem nursing may be right for you:

• You want more flexibility to travel, pursue hobbies or care for family.

• You feel bogged down by workplace politics or a toxic culture.

• You’re seeking relief from burnout or want to cut back hours.

• You have an entrepreneurial spirit and enjoy career autonomy.

• You crave variety and learning opportunities to advance skills.

But per diem isn’t for everyone. Full-time may suit you better if:

• You prefer stability in schedule, income and benefits.

• You value being deeply integrated into a care team.

• You prefer hands-on training and close manager guidance.

• You dislike the fast pace of frequently changing settings.

Take time to honestly assess your personality, work style and motivations. This will illuminate whether per diem nursing aligns with your needs or full-time is a better fit.

Embrace the Possibilities of Per Diem

For many nurses feeling burnt out and bogged down, per diem offers a refreshing alternative – trading stability for flexibility, predictability for variety, and micromanagement for autonomy.

While the path brings pros and cons to carefully weigh, per diem provides tremendous upside if you’re seeking relief from the pressures of traditional nursing. By managing the transition thoughtfully, you can reduce growing pains and build a fulfilling nursing career at your own pace.

Rather than just the stop-gap some view it as, per diem nursing can open doors to new skills, expanded networks and creative freedom. If you approach it with an open mindset, patience and self-advocacy, you can thrive in the flexibility it offers.

So don’t be afraid to shake things up and embrace the possibilities of per diem work. Nursing is tough – make sure your career still allows joy and a sense of purpose. With strategic planning and adaptability, the per diem path may be your ticket to remembering why you chose this vitally important profession in the first place.