Travel nursing is an exciting career choice that allows nurses to travel the country while providing care to patients in need. One popular aspect of travel nursing is per diem assignments. In this guide, we will explore the world of travel nursing per diem, including its benefits, challenges, and requirements.
What is Travel Nursing Per Diem?
Travel nursing per diem refers to the type of travel nursing assignment where a nurse works on a short-term, as-needed basis. Per diem assignments are often more flexible than traditional travel nursing contracts, allowing nurses to work when they want and take time off when they need it.
Benefits of Travel Nursing Per Diem
Per diem assignments offer a variety of benefits for travel nurses. These include:
- Flexibility: Nurses can choose when they want to work and when they need time off.
- Higher pay: Per diem nurses often receive a higher hourly rate than traditional travel nurses.
- Experience: Per diem assignments allow nurses to gain experience in a variety of healthcare settings and specialties.
- Networking: Travel nursing per diem allows nurses to make connections with healthcare professionals around the country.
Challenges of Travel Nursing Per Diem
While travel nursing per diem has many benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Some of these challenges include:
- Inconsistent work: Nurses may not always have assignments available, leading to periods of unemployment.
- Uncertainty: Nurses may not know when their next assignment will be or where it will be located.
- No benefits: Per diem nurses often do not receive benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans.
Requirements for Travel Nursing Per Diem
Most travel nursing per diem assignments require the same qualifications as traditional travel nursing contracts. These qualifications typically include:
- A valid nursing license in the state where the assignment is located
- A minimum of one year of nursing experience
- BLS and ACLS certifications
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
FAQ
Q: How long do per diem assignments typically last? | A: Per diem assignments can range from a single shift to several weeks or months. |
Q: Do per diem nurses receive benefits? | A: Typically, no. Per diem nurses are often considered temporary employees and do not receive benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans. |
Q: Is per diem nursing right for me? | A: Per diem nursing can be a great choice for nurses who value flexibility and variety in their work. However, it may not be the best fit for nurses who need the security of a steady paycheck or benefits. |
Conclusion
Travel nursing per diem offers nurses the opportunity to travel the country while providing care to patients in need. While it has its challenges, per diem assignments are flexible, provide higher pay, and offer valuable experience and networking opportunities. If you are a nurse looking for a new adventure, consider exploring the world of travel nursing per diem.