StaffDNA provided this article.
As a nurse, there are a number of ways you can leverage your nursing license to find the best job to fit your goals and personal needs. If you have only ever worked a “traditional” staff nursing job, it can be confusing if you are trying to decide if other types of employment would work for you. In order to make the best decision for you and your career, it is important to understand the different ways a nurse can be employed and what the pros and cons are of each type of employment.
The three most common types of employment for nursing are travel, per diem, and staff nursing. These refer to the level of commitment and guarantee you give and receive from the health system you work for. These positions are more commonly seen across clinical roles, but you can sometimes find positions for non-clinical jobs as well.
Travel Nursing
Most nurses have a general understanding of how travel nursing works, but let’s take some time and look at some of the common misconceptions that lead nurses to believe travel nursing isn’t for them.
Just because you take a “travel nursing” contract does not mean you have to travel far from home. Some nurses travel in their hometowns or within a short radius of their homes but do not take tax-free stipends. The key here is to be knowledgeable about tax rules and what you can and can’t do regarding stipends and housing if you are staying relatively close to home.
Some pros of travel nursing are higher pay, tax-free income, contracted time off (if approved before you are hired), and unlimited time off between contracts. Travel nurses also typically get some form of guaranteed hours or maximum call-offs per contract, so you don’t have to worry too much about not being needed. You also do not have to take any particular assignment in any specific location. It is up to you where you submit for jobs.
On the other hand, the travel nursing job market has its highs and lows, like all industries do. Job opportunities may be seasonal, and pay rates follow this trend. In addition, contracts can be canceled or altered so long as the hospital gives its workers the notice required by the contract.
Per Diem Nursing
Per diem nursing is sometimes also referred to as PRN. Sometimes per diem nurses work directly for a hospital, or they may work for an agency. Either way, the nurse decides not only when and where to pick up a shift but also how often.
Per diem nursing can be a great way for nurses to have more flexibility and control of their schedule without having to commit to time away from home. You can work per diem locally or out of town. You just usually receive higher hourly pay than staff nurses without tax-free money.
One thing to be aware of with per diem nursing is a lack of guaranteed hours. Generally, per diem jobs will have a minimum amount of shifts you have to sign up for each month, but they do not guarantee you will actually work those hours. Per diem nurses are generally more expensive than staff nurses and don’t have the guaranteed hours that travelers do, so they may have their hours decreased first.
If you are in need of extra money or a place to work in between travel contracts, per diem is a great way to do this. For example, many travel nurses will keep a per diem job near their home so they can work a bit if they take extended time off. Just be sure to check the minimum requirements in case you have to travel back to work those shifts!
Staff Nursing
Staff nursing is the most common type of career path for nurses and one that everyone has to take in the beginning.
Staff nursing is a great way to build a foundation in your skills and to gain confidence as a nurse. In these types of jobs, you will have consistency both in hours and types of patients, which allows you to really focus on your skill set.
Some benefits of staff nursing include consistent hours, PTO, certifications and credentials paid for by your employer, and the opportunity to build relationships with leadership and grow beyond the bedside.
As a staff nurse, you are able to be more involved in your unit and take on more responsibility and leadership roles if you choose to. There are often opportunities to join committees or participate in hospital-wide councils, which are great ways to expand your skillset beyond basic nursing care.
The downside of staff nursing, when compared to travel nursing and per diem, is less pay and less control of your schedule.
So Which is the Best?
Some nurses will certainly tell you that one type of nursing path is better than the other. However, there is a time and place for each type of career. The beauty of nursing is that you have options beyond a standard Monday-to-Friday job. Life changes and your needs surrounding work will likely change as well.
Often, nurses will find that a combination of the different options works best for them. For example, it might be nice to work a staff job and have a per diem job on the side when you want to make extra money. Or, you could work travel contracts most of the year and head home and pick up per diem shifts every once in a while.
Of course, every option has its pros and cons, but you have to decide what your non-negotiables are and what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to mix up your schedule a bit. Chances are there will be plenty of opportunities available if you change your mind.
Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. There you can search for what you are looking for in housing.
