Per Diem 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started

“Sorry, I can’t make it to Thanksgiving, I’m scheduled to work.”

Sound familiar? I’ve said this more times than I care to count. Birthdays, weddings, family reunions – you name it, I’ve missed it. 

Missing holidays and important events as a clinician is almost a right of passage. But there is another way. 

If you’re looking for a change or more flexibility in life, have you considered per-diem? 

With per diem, you have options. You have control.  You have… dare I say it… a life outside of work?

Now, don’t get me wrong. Per diem isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, like any job. But better work life balance? That’s priceless.

Here’s the value working per-diem

More flexibility in your life

• Per diem work offers more control over your schedule. No more struggling to request time off for important life events. With per diem, you choose when and where you work. 

Reduce burnout and get more variety

• Per diem gives you more variety in work settings. One shift might find you in a fast-paced medical unit, while the next could be in a specialized clinic. 

Better pay for your time compared to staff wages 

• Per diem rates are often significantly higher than standard full-time positions. This increased earning potential can help you achieve your financial goals faster.

More procedures and skills you get to practice

• Working in different environments exposes you to a wide range of procedures, technologies, and patient populations. This varied experience can rapidly enhance your skills making you more versatile for future positions.

Getting Started with Per Diem

You definitely want to make sure your licensing and certifications are up to date. Different facilities may have different requirements, so it’s best to have that straight.

I’d recommend polishing up your resume. Highlight your recent experiences and any specialized skills. 

Choosing where to start your per diem journey is a big decision. 

Some clinicians swear by working for multiple agencies, while others prefer the familiarity of sticking with one hospital system.

When you choose to work for Lucid Staffing Solutions and pick up per diem with us, you’ll get to:

• Work with a clinician-led company that truly understands your needs. We’ve been in your shoes, so we know what matters most to healthcare professionals.
• Enjoy some of the highest pay rates in the industry – because we believe in the best compensation for your hard work and expertise.
• Experience unparalleled flexibility. Our user-friendly app lets you pick up shifts that fit your schedule. 
• Receive personalized support from our team of clinicians. Need advice or have a question? We speak your language and are always here to help.
• Access to facilities around the country. When you work per diem with Lucid Staffing Solutions, you get access to facilities around the country, not just one facility.

If you’re looking for a per diem experience that truly puts clinicians first, Lucid is where it’s at. 

The next step would be the application process. We understand it’s a little tedious but when is it ever straight forward in healthcare? 

We all get to…enjoy…jumping through the credential and licensure hoops. 

Thanks Joint commission – just kidding, love you! (***Hides water bottle***)

Also, you’ll need to provide references, go through a background check, and take a skills test. 

Just expect to complete a full application. It’s short term pain, for long term gain. 

Stash all your documents in a google drive for quick access. You’ll thank me later when you’re not scrambling to find your TB test results. If you’re in a pinch, we’ve got your back. Our compliance team is amazing and they’ll help you get things figured out. 

Once you’re in, it’s time for onboarding and orientation. This can vary widely depending on where you’re working. 

Your recruiter will help arrange this and communicate the details in your first day instructions. 

Some places throw you right in, while others have a more structured orientation process. You can expect a 2-3 day orientation approximately. 

How to thrive working per diem shifts

Preparation is key when you’re working per diem. It’s a good idea to bring the essential items such as a stethoscope, pen light, extra pens, and even a snack. Obvi – coffee. 

The unit’s staffing needs may change on a short notice. Being ready to adapt to different units or specialties can lead to rewarding experiences and broadened skill sets. 

Of course, we’d want you to practice within your scope of practice. If you encounter issues, you can contact your Lucid recruiter right away. 

We recognize there are sticky clinical situations that arise sometimes. We’re here to assist if that happens.  

If you encounter something you’re unfamiliar with, don’t hesitate to ask questions about unit-specific protocols or procedures. We’ve found most units are fairly helpful when you need assistance. 

Building positive relationships with staff, despite being temporary, is important. Being friendly and having a professional working relationship can greatly enhance the work experience. This often leads to more shift options in the future or simply being requested by the facility. 

The future of healthcare per diem staffing looks promising

Yeah, per diem is going to be huge in the very near future. 

The healthcare per diem staffing market is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate of 8.1% from 2024 to 2031.

This increase is driven by hospitals seeking cost-efficient solutions to manage staffing costs.

Per diem clinicians are increasingly valued for their ability to maintain coverage in critical units, offering healthcare facilities greater flexibility and control over staffing costs.

Final Words

While per diem presents some challenges for Nursing, Allied Health, and other healthcare professionals, we feel it’s a valuable career path.

It offers opportunities to explore different specialties, increase professional skills, and the potential to increase your income quickly. 

The experience can enhance adaptability, critical thinking skills, and provides continuous learning.

For clinicians seeking to diversify their career experience or increase flexibility in their work life, per diem work is worth consideration. 

If that’s something you’d like to discuss, don’t hesitate to contact us today. All our recruiters are clinicians and former travelers. We’d be able to help find the best per diem opportunities that align with your professional goals. 

Written By: 

Andrew Craig, RN, BSN has been a nurse for over 10 years. He’s worked in many specialties including step-down, rehab, and outpatient triage. After he stopped travel nursing, he put down roots in Iowa with his wife Sarah and son Declan. He enjoys helping traveling clinicians find great assignments around the country and sharing helpful knowledge to help them overcome challenges. You can reach him at 725-277-2841 and acraig@stafflucid.com. You can also find him on Facebook, or LinkedIn.