Per diem nursing is a type of temporary employment that involves picking up shifts on an as-needed basis. Healthcare facilities use per diem nurses to fill in staffing gaps or cover shifts when full-time staff are sick or otherwise unavailable. Per diem nursing offers a unique work experience with the opportunity to earn above-average hourly wages. These wages may even exceed those of other registered nurses (RNs) with the same education and credentials. In this article, we will delve into the world of per diem nursing and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
Is Per Diem Good for Nurses?
Per diem nursing can be a great option for nurses who are looking for flexibility in their work schedule. Per diem nurses can choose their own hours and work as little or as much as they want. This allows them to pick up the shifts they are able to work based on their schedule and lifestyle. Per diem nursing also offers the opportunity to work in various healthcare settings, including acute care facilities, long-term acute care hospitals, emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, or urgent care. Per diem nurses are also found in many other health settings, including but not limited to; rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, public safety agencies (police), public health departments, military units, and more.
What Does Travel Nurse Per Diem Mean?
Travel nurse per diem refers to the daily allowance paid to travel nurses to cover expenses incurred while on assignment. This allowance is intended to cover meals, lodging, and incidental expenses. Travel nurses are generally paid higher hourly rates than staff nurses. Assignments also typically last between 8 and 26 weeks, according to Travelnursing.org, but the average is usually 13 weeks. Travel nursing offers a unique work experience with the opportunity to earn above-average hourly wages. These wages may even exceed those of other registered nurses (RNs) with the same education and credentials.
How Much Do Remote Nurses Make in Florida?
The average hourly pay for a remote nurse in Florida is $33.32 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter. While ZipRecruiter is seeing hourly wages as high as $52.16 and as low as $21.63, the majority of remotework from home nurse wages currently range between $26.44 (25th percentile) to $38.46 (75th percentile) across the United States. The estimated total pay for a remote nurse is $105,055 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $94,899 per year.
What Are the Cons of Per Diem Nursing?
Although per diem nursing comes with many perks, it may not be the right option for everyone. Some potential drawbacks to per diem nursing include:
- Less job security: Because per diem nurses work on an as-needed basis, there may be times when there are fewer assignments to choose from, or when the scheduled assignment gets canceled with little to no notice.
- Limited or no benefits: Many per diem nursing positions do not offer health insurance, retirement, or other benefits.
- Less opportunity for advancement: Because you are not part of the hospital staff, you may have less opportunity for advancement than if you were a full-time nurse.
Why Do Per Diem Nurses Get Paid More?
Per diem nurses are often paid a higher hourly rate than staff nurses. This is because hospitals and other facilities are willing to pay more for nurses who are available on an as-needed basis. Per diem nurses are also responsible for their own taxes, health insurance, and other benefits, which can add to their overall compensation.
Do Travel Nurses Pay Taxes on Per Diem?
Travel nurses are responsible for paying taxes on their per diem payments. However, travel nurses may be able to claim a tax home deduction if they meet certain criteria. This deduction allows travel nurses to deduct expenses related to maintaining a home while working away from home.
What Is the Difference Between Per Diem and Travel Nursing?
Per diem nursing involves picking up shifts on an as-needed basis, while travel nursing involves working short-term assignments in different healthcare facilities that are in need of temporary staff. While per diem nurses can choose their own hours and work as little or as much as they want, travel nurses are generally required to work a set number of hours per week.
Why Are Travel Nurses Paid So Well?
Travel nurses are generally paid higher hourly rates than staff nurses. This is because hospitals and other facilities are willing to pay more for nurses who are available on an as-needed basis. Travel nurses are also responsible for their own taxes, health insurance, and other benefits, which can add to their overall compensation.
What City in Florida Pays Nurses the Most?
According to ZipRecruiter, the city in Florida that pays nurses the most is Miami, with an average hourly pay of $37.50 per hour. Other cities that pay above-average wages for nurses include Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.
Which State Pays Nurses the Most?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California is the state that pays nurses the most, with an annual mean wage of $120,560. Other states that pay above-average wages for nurses include Hawaii, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Alaska.
Can Per Diem Nurses Call in Sick?
Yes, per diem nurses can call in sick. However, because per diem nurses work on an as-needed basis, calling in sick may affect their future job opportunities. It is important for per diem nurses to communicate with their employers as soon as possible if they are unable to work a scheduled shift.
Should I Switch to Per Diem?
Whether or not to switch to per diem nursing depends on your individual needs and preferences. Per diem nursing offers flexibility and the opportunity to earn above-average hourly wages. However, it may not be the right option for everyone. Some potential drawbacks to per diem nursing include less job security, limited or no benefits, and less opportunity for advancement.
Is Per Diem Better Than Full-Time?
Per diem nursing and full-time nursing both have their advantages and disadvantages. Per diem nursing offers flexibility and the opportunity to earn above-average hourly wages. However, it may not be the right option for everyone. Full-time nursing offers job security, benefits, and more opportunity for advancement. Ultimately, the decision to work per diem or full-time depends on your individual needs and preferences.
What Is the Difference Between Per Diem and PRN Nurses?
Per diem and PRN (pro re nata) nurses are both types of temporary employment. Per diem nurses work on an as-needed basis, while PRN nurses work on an as-needed basis but are typically scheduled in advance. PRN nurses may also be required to work a certain number of hours per week.
What Does 0.6 FTE Mean in Nursing?
FTE stands for full-time equivalent. 0.6 FTE means that the nurse is working 60% of a full-time schedule. For example, if a full-time nurse works 40 hours per week, a nurse working 0.6 FTE would work 24 hours per week.
How Do You Negotiate Per Diem Salary?
Negotiating per diem salary can be challenging because per diem nurses are not part of the hospital staff. However, there are some strategies that can help you negotiate a higher hourly rate. These include:
- Researching the average hourly rate for per diem nurses in your area.
- Highlighting your experience and credentials.
- Being flexible with your schedule.
- Negotiating for other benefits, such as health insurance or retirement.
What Is the 30 Day Rule for Travel Nurses?
The 30-day rule for travel nurses refers to the IRS rule that allows travel nurses to receive tax-free per diem payments for up to 30 days. After 30 days, travel nurses must have a tax home in order to continue receiving tax-free per diem payments.
What Are the Current Per Diem Rates for 2023?
Per diem rates vary depending on the location and healthcare facility. According to the General Services Administration, the standard per diem rate for fiscal year 2023 is $151 per day for lodging and $61 per day for meals and incidental expenses. However, healthcare facilities may offer different per diem rates based on their budget and staffing needs.
What Is the IRS Rule for Travel Nurses?
The IRS rule for travel nurses is that travel nurses can receive tax-free per diem payments for meals, lodging, and incidental expenses if they meet certain criteria. These criteria include having a tax home and working away from home for a temporary period of time. Travel nurses may also be able to claim a tax home deduction if they meet certain criteria. This deduction allows travel nurses to deduct expenses related to maintaining a home while working away from home.
Gomed Healthcare is a full-service specialty nurse per diem, and placement staffing company. We specialize in the recruitment and placement of specialty Registered Nurses Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurses, and aides in hospitals. All of our nurses have specialized training, education, and experience in acute care clinical areas. These areas include, but are not limited to, Intensive Care, Medical/Surgical, Telemetry Units, and Long Term Acute Care (LTAC) Hospitals. If you are interested in working with Gomed Healthcare, you can check out our available positions page here.