Nursing Per Diem Contracts: Everything You Need to Know
Per diem nursing contracts have become an increasingly popular choice for nurses who want more flexibility in their schedules. These contracts allow nurses to work on an as-needed basis, rather than committing to a full-time position. In this article, we`ll explore what nursing per diem contracts are, how they work, and the benefits they offer.
What are Nursing Per Diem Contracts?
A per diem nursing contract is a type of employment agreement in which a nurse agrees to work on an as-needed basis. Instead of a traditional full-time or part-time position, per diem nurses are called in to work at a healthcare facility when they are needed. Per diem nurses may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies.
How Do Nursing Per Diem Contracts Work?
Nurses who sign per diem contracts typically work for staffing agencies that provide nursing services to healthcare facilities. The staffing agency acts as a middleman between the nurse and the healthcare facility and is responsible for scheduling and payment.
Per diem nurses are paid on a per-shift basis, and their pay rates are typically higher than those of full-time or part-time nurses. However, per diem nurses are not eligible for benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans.
Benefits of Nursing Per Diem Contracts
One of the main benefits of per diem nursing contracts is flexibility. Nurses can schedule their work around their personal lives, and they have the freedom to choose which shifts they want to work. This can be particularly beneficial for nurses who have other commitments, such as family obligations or educational pursuits.
Per diem nurses also have the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings, which can broaden their experience and enhance their skills. They may work in different departments within a hospital or clinic, or they may work in different healthcare facilities altogether.
Finally, per diem nursing contracts offer higher pay rates than traditional full-time or part-time positions. While per diem nurses may not be eligible for benefits, their higher pay rates can help offset the cost of purchasing health insurance or saving for retirement on their own.
Conclusion
Per diem nursing contracts offer nurses a flexible and rewarding work arrangement. They provide the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings and offer higher pay rates than traditional positions. While they may not be for everyone, per diem nursing contracts can be an excellent choice for nurses who value flexibility and variety in their work schedules.