Pick up shifts on your schedule at premium rates. Per diem and agency nursing lets you earn 20-40% more than staff pay while maintaining total control over your calendar.
Per diem nurses are hired by staffing agencies or directly by hospitals to fill last-minute and scheduled open shifts. With no long-term commitment and premium hourly rates, it is one of the most flexible ways to significantly boost your nursing income while staying in your preferred specialty and geographic area.
Learn the specific requirements, certifications, and skills needed for this income stream in your state and specialty.
Identify any certifications or training programs that will make you more competitive and command higher rates.
Update your resume, LinkedIn, and professional profiles to reflect your interest and qualifications for this opportunity.
Begin with one or two clients or assignments to build confidence, refine your process, and establish your reputation.
Once systems are in place and results proven, expand your client base, raise your rates, and grow your income.
Connect with other nurses doing this work. The RN Network community is full of nurses ready to share real-world experience.
Per diem nurses pick up shifts as needed, either directly with a hospital's internal float pool or through local agencies. Rates are higher than staff pay because benefits are usually not included and guaranteed hours are rare. Many nurses keep a full-time job and add per diem shifts, while others build a full schedule across two or three facilities.
To be booked often, keep certifications current, respond quickly to shift requests and stay flexible on units. Track every shift for taxes, since agency work may be W-2 or 1099 depending on the company, and plan for your own health insurance and retirement savings if per diem becomes your main income.
Gather certifications, references and health records in one digital folder.
Apply to your hospital's float pool and two local agencies.
Track rates and hours per shift, and set aside money for taxes and benefits.
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Nursing school doesn't prepare you for everything — this guide does. Everything new nurses wish someone had told them before their first shift.
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