Per diem nursing is a type of temporary employment in the healthcare profession where nurses work on an as-needed basis, filling in for regular staff who will be off on vacation, sick leave, or other reasons. Per diem nurses can also be hired for seasonal staffing coverage, such as during cold and flu season or summer when many nurses go on vacation. They can work shifts that need coverage, including shifts that need to be filled last minute. Per diem nurses can choose when they want to work, and they can decline offered shifts if they are not available and accept work on days when they are. They can pick up holidays where the pay will be higher, and they can be available for their childrens daily needs. Per diem nurses are typically paid higher than regular staff as they do not have set hours and sometimes have no benefits such as health insurance.

The average per diem rate is $37 per hour, with rates as high as $42 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter. However, one of the disadvantages of working per diem is that sometimes nurses may not be needed, and they may go a week or two without an offered shift, which can result in financial strain if the nurse has no other source of income.

Per diem nursing is a great choice for someone who wants more flexibility and control over their schedule, wants to pick up extra shifts to increase their income, or likes working in different facilities. However, it can be somewhat unpredictable, and there is no job security. Per diem nurses must earn either an associates degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelors degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program and then pass the NCLEX and maintain a current and active license in their state.