Part Time vs Per Diem Nursing: Which is Best?

Some nurses have a lot of different options when it comes to schedule and work environment. The level of nursing education you’ve obtained will determine just how many options you have in your nursing career. Higher education levels equal more options. For example, a Registered Nurse can choose to work in a full-time position, travel nursing role, part time job, per diem nursing, job sharing, and some other types of nursing schedules. 

If you want the most flexibility, it might be time to consider part time nursing or per diem nursing. Both of these options have different advantages and disadvantages, but this information will help you choose which is best for you. 

Part Time Nursing

One of the main differences between part time nursing and per diem nursing is that part time work is defined in a set number of hours per week — usually 20-30 hours — and it is a permanent staff position. Part time work usually equals two to three shifts each week, depending on how many hours are in each shift at your particular facility. 

Pros and Cons of Part Time Nursing

Part time nursing offers you the opportunity to enjoy a reduced workload, compared to full time nursing. It will offer you consistent nursing hours and may also include standard employee benefits such as insurance, paid time off, 401K, or other benefits. 

Part time nursing contracts are less flexible than per diem nursing. In these positions, your hours are typically set when you begin a new position and they are not normally flexible. While you don’t have to work as many hours as a full time nurse, you are still required to work specific days and hours each week. 

Per Diem Nursing

Per diem literally means “by the day”, and it offers the ultimate in flexibility when it comes to nursing jobs. Per diem nursing positions are used to fill in temporary staffing needs. These temporary staffing needs can include holidays, times when there is increased patient demand, call-offs, and other staffing shortages. 

In per diem nursing, you’ll get to set your own work/life balance, gain experience in a variety of areas, and you’ll also get to explore new work environments as you travel to different facilities. 

Per diem nursing is ideal for nurses looking for flexibility and freedom in their workload. It is especially great for nurses who want to further their education in a part time LPN to RN Bridge program, RN to BSN Bridge program, or other type of Nursing Bridge. 

Pros and Cons of Per Diem Nursing

In per diem nursing, you are able to work entirely on your own terms. You choose the days and shifts that you want to work, meaning you can also choose when you don’t want to work. This allows you more time for family commitments and personal life. 

Per diem nursing typically comes with higher earning potential. Per diem nurses are often incentivized with higher hourly rates because they are asked to fill shifts at the last minute or on an as-needed basis.

Choosing to pursue per diem nursing also means that you’ll gain experience working with different colleagues, in different units or on different specialties, and you may even gain experience with different equipment — all great things to add to your nursing resume. 

Most per diem nursing roles do not come with benefits like health, dental, 401K, etc. It’s important to check with your per diem agency to see what is offered before signing a contract if these are benefits you and your family will need from your employer. 

Another challenge faced by those in per diem nursing is the uncertainty that comes from not having steady work. The need for extra staff can fluctuate, and you’ll want to make sure you are prepared to find a position at another facility if your contract expires. 

Choosing the best option for you

Every nurse is different, and you will ultimately have to determine which type of position best meets your needs. Both per diem nursing and part time nurses offer great options for nurses outside of a typical full time schedule. Before making a final decision, it is always best to connect with a per diem staffing agency or hospital human resources team member to ask questions and work to fully understand what you can expect. 

Getting the education you need

Most per diem nursing roles, and many part time nursing roles, require you to have an RN license at minimum. If you’re a CNA or LPN who needs additional education that will open the door to more flexible nursing career options, check out RN Bridge programs at Achieve. We offer a CNA to RN Bridge program and LPN to RN Bridge programs that provide you with the flexibility and support you need to succeed — guaranteed.