Working per diem jobs can be great for your career, especially if you’re seeking a reduced or more flexible schedule. But are you qualified for per diem work? And if so, where can you find the best opportunities?
Here’s what you should know about how to find and qualify for per diem nursing and clinical jobs, plus some tips for getting the most from the per diem lifestyle.
> Seeking new career opportunities? Browse per diem jobs here
Understanding Per Diem Work
Working a per diem job means you’re on call to fill in when you're needed, on a day-by-day basis. Most employers use per diem workers to fill in for absent staff, whether expected or not, or to fill out their float pools.
In busy settings, or for large employers, this can be full-time work. Think of a busy hospital or nursing home with huge numbers of staff, or in a float pool that works across multiple facilities in a local area. More often, though, per diem is considered a way to work on a part-time basis, whether instead of a full-time position or in addition to it.
While hospitals are the biggest source of per diem work, they’re not the only one. Nursing facilities, rehab centers, acute care centers, and most other types of care providers use per diem nurses to stay fully staffed throughout the year.
What Are the Benefits of Per Diem Work?
Per diem work can help your career in a few ways, including:
- Providing the career flexibility to work on a limited basis — say, to make time for school — or extra hours to maximize earnings
- The chance to show career versatility by gaining experience in new settings and facilities
- An opportunity to expand your professional network, making new connections that could help you take your career to new places
> Read about the benefits of per diem jobs, and how to make the most of them
How Do You Quality for Per Diem Work?
Whether you’re a nurse, therapist, or other any clinician seeking per diem work, the qualifications will be about the same as any other job in your field, but maybe a little more challenging.
For starters, you must be licensed and credentialed, whether as an RN, SLP, technologist, or whatever your profession may be. You’ll also need to pass the standard background check, which may include screenings for drug use, general health, and clinical competence.
Getting per diem work usually requires some prior experience, too. The specific amount can vary, but you should expect to have at least a full year of resident experience under your belt, and maybe two or three, particularly for jobs in settings like ER, med/surg and acute care.
What Skills Do Employers Seek in Per Diem Workers?
Some employers look for per diem workers who are skilled in multiple settings, to ensure they can fill in for a wider range of needs. They may also require basic certifications like American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). More specific certifications may also be required, e.g., the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB®) for med/surg jobs.
For higher-paying — and more competitive — per diem jobs, you may also need to demonstrate an advanced understanding of clinical skills and technology, as well as soft skills like communication, leadership, and the ability to quickly adapt to new challenges.
6 Tips for Successfully Working Per Diem Jobs
Competition for per diem jobs can be high. Some fundamental tips for landing the assignment you want include:
- Take as many continuing education (CE) courses, and get as many certifications, as you can, especially if your current employer is paying for them!
- Attend conferences and events relating to your specialty, where you’ll usually be able to earn more CE credits, and discover new career opportunities.
- If you can, vary your assignment among different facilities to build as well-rounded a range of experience as possible.
- Earn a reputation for being adaptable and open to change.
- Because you’re working when you’re needed — and only when you’re needed — there’s the potential for downtime. Make sure you understand the financial and practical implications of this on your day-to-day life and long-term plans.
- Talk with a specialized recruiter about career planning if you’re not sure if per diem work is right for you.
> Did you know? HealthTrust is one of the nation's leading sources of per diem work, often landing on the list of top per diem staffing firms
How to Find the Best Per Diem Work Opportunities
If you're interested in per diem work, you're probably wondering where to begin. Seeking out per diem assignments on your own can be tough — and that's not even considering the documentation and paperwork you'll need to become an independent contractor.
That's why so many nurses and clinicians choose to partner with an agency like HealthTrust, where you'll get exclusive access to amazing opportunities across the country, along with expert guidance in navigating the best career path.
See for yourself why we're the preferred choice for per diem job seekers: Check out our list of per diem jobs to find great opportunities in your area.
