Nurses play a crucial role as caregivers in the medical industry; once the doctor has started your treatment or operated on you, the nurses look after the patient, ensure that they are fed well and given medications on time, and are under proper care. In the dynamic world of healthcare, flexibility is often the key to sustainability—for both professionals and providers. As the demand for quality patient care rises, so does the need for adaptable staffing models. Among these, per diem nursing jobs is becoming an increasingly popular option. Whether you’re a nurse looking for work-life balance or a healthcare facility seeking reliable support, per diem staffing offers unique advantages. In this blog, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about per diem nursing—what it is, how it works, and the pros and cons for nurses and medical employers. We’ll also dive into the role of a per diem staffing agency and how per diem medical staffing is changing the healthcare labor landscape.
What is Per Diem Nursing?
“Per diem” is a Latin term that translates to “per day.” In healthcare, per diem nursing refers to nurses who work on a day-by-day or shift-by-shift basis rather than being employed on a full-time or part-time schedule. Think of them as the relief pitchers of the nursing world—they step in when needed, fill staffing gaps, and keep operations running smoothly.
Per diem nurses typically work for:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Home health agencies
- Rehabilitation centers
- Adult foster care homes
- Medical staffing agencies
Per diem, nurses can be hired directly by a facility or a staffing agency, connecting qualified professionals with organizations needing immediate support. To become a per diem nurse, one must have a nursing degree, relevant experience, and a valid nursing license. Some facilities or agencies may also require additional certifications or training.
How Does Per Diem Nursing Work?
Per diem, staffing is intentionally flexible. Nurses may receive shift offers with very short notice—sometimes the same day—and can accept or decline based on availability. This model works well for facilities needing help due to:
- Staff vacations
- Illnesses
- Maternity leaves
- Unexpected patient surges
- Seasonal demand
Some per diem nurses work sporadically to earn extra income, while others make it their full-time career by working several shifts across different facilities. Typically, per diem roles do not come with guaranteed hours, but they often offer higher hourly pay to compensate for the lack of job security and benefits.
The Pros of Per Diem Nursing
Let’s examine why many nurses and healthcare facilities lean into the per diem model.
For Nurses:
- Flexibility
Nursing offers unmatched flexibility on a per diem basis. Nurses can choose when and where to work, which is perfect for parents, students, or anyone juggling multiple responsibilities.
- Higher Pay Rates
Due to the nature of the work, per diem, nurses often earn more per hour than their full-time counterparts. This makes it a smart option for supplementing income.
- Reduced Burnout
Choosing your schedule and avoiding overwork can help prevent emotional exhaustion and improve job satisfaction.
- Variety of Experience
Working in different facilities exposes nurses to diverse patient populations, medical conditions, and care techniques, which is great for professional development.
- No Long-Term Commitment
Nursing is an ideal transitional path for nurses unsure about a long-term role or considering a career shift.
For Healthcare Facilities:
- Staffing Relief
Per diem staffing provides much-needed relief for healthcare facilities. It helps cover absences and keep shifts running smoothly without exhausting your permanent team. This flexibility ensures patient care is not compromised, even during unexpected staff shortages.
- Cost Efficiency
Facilities only pay for the time worked, avoiding the overhead of benefits, paid time off, and long-term obligations. This cost-efficient model ensures that your budget is used effectively, especially during periods of high demand.
- Fast Turnaround
Need someone today? Agencies can deliver qualified nurses almost immediately, minimizing disruptions to care delivery.
- Quality Care Continuity
Trained, licensed per diem staff can seamlessly step in to maintain a high standard of patient care—even during staffing crises. This continuity of care ensures that your patients receive the same level of quality care, regardless of staff changes.
The Cons of Per Diem Nursing
While there are major perks, it’s not all sunshine and flexible shifts. Both nurses and facilities should consider the challenges, too.
For Nurses:
- No Guaranteed Hours
Work may not always be available, especially during slower periods. Income can be unpredictable.
- Lack of Benefits
Most per diem positions don’t include health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off—though some agencies offer limited perks.
- Variable Schedules
You might work night shifts one week and day shifts the next. The inconsistency can be tough to manage, especially for caregivers.
- Limited Connection to Team
Since you’re not a permanent part of the staff, building strong workplace relationships may be harder, and you may feel like an outsider.
For Healthcare Facilities:
- Training Time
New per diem staff may need onboarding each time they arrive, especially if your systems and processes are complex.
- Less Consistency
Rotating per diem can create continuity challenges for nurses, particularly in environments like adult foster care, where relationship-building is key.
- Administrative Coordination
Even with an agency’s help, managing multiple per diem schedules can become a logistical puzzle.
What is Per Diem Staffing?
Per diem staffing refers to the system through which healthcare facilities fill short-term staffing needs with temporary professionals—often for just a shift or two at a time. It’s a highly efficient method that ensures care continuity, especially in high-demand environments where permanent staff may be stretched thin.
Facilities can work with a per diem staffing agency to gain access to a roster of licensed and vetted professionals, including:
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
- Home health aides
- Medical assistants
Agencies handle the logistics—recruitment, credentialing, scheduling, and payroll—so facilities can focus on delivering quality care.
The Role of a Per Diem Staffing Agency
A per diem staffing agency acts as the bridge between healthcare professionals and the organizations that need them. For nurses, it’s like having a personal recruiter constantly looking for opportunities that match their preferences.
Here’s what agencies typically provide:
- Access to flexible jobs across different shifts, facilities, and locations.
- Credential verification to ensure nurses meet all licensing and training requirements.
- Payment processing so nurses get paid accurately and on time.
- Real-time scheduling via mobile apps or online platforms.
- Support and guidance, especially for new nurses or those entering per diem work for the first time.
These agencies remove the administrative burden for healthcare organizations and offer peace of mind. When staff shortages hit unexpectedly, agencies can step in to deliver qualified personnel within hours.
Final Thought
In a healthcare system that needs to evolve by the hour, per diem, nursing offers the agility and responsiveness that modern medicine demands. It’s a win-win when done right—nurses enjoy greater control and variety while facilities stay prepared for anything. However, the success of per diem staffing hinges on having the right partner. Whether you’re a nurse seeking freedom or a care facility striving to meet rising expectations, EmpowerCare is here to help you thrive. At EmpowerCare, we understand that the future of healthcare depends on flexibility, quality, and trust. That’s why our per diem medical staffing services are designed to meet the needs of both professionals and facilities. We go beyond just filling shifts—we build relationships. Our network of licensed, compassionate caregivers is carefully vetted and trained to deliver excellence, whether working one shift or one hundred. For nurses, we offer a seamless platform where you can pick shifts that suit your lifestyle and earn competitive pay. We offer 24/7 access to staffing support for facilities, helping you maintain care continuity without stress.
With us, you’re not just filling shifts—you’re empowering lives, one day at a time.
