What’s The Difference Between Per Diem Nursing and Travel Nursing?
Are you a traditional staff nurse looking to break free from the routine? Exploring alternative nursing options like per diem nursing and travel nursing can offer exciting new opportunities and rewarding benefits. However, it’s important to understand that these two paths differ significantly. Let’s dive into the key differences between per diem nursing and travel nursing to help you decide which is the best fit for your career.
What is Per Diem Nursing?
The term per diem literally means “for each day,” and in the nursing world, this translates to working on a day-to-day basis as the need arises at a healthcare facility. According to Nurse.org, per diem nursing allows you to work without committing to long-term contracts, offering exceptional flexibility and control over your schedule. One of the biggest advantages of per diem nursing is the pay—nurses often earn higher wages per shift compared to full-time staff positions.
Flexibility is another significant perk. As a per diem nurse, you can choose to work only on the days that fit your schedule, allowing you to avoid weekends and holidays if you prefer. This flexibility can be particularly appealing if you’re balancing other commitments or seeking a better work-life balance.
However, per diem travel nursing does come with a notable drawback: job stability. Since per diem nurses are hired to fill immediate staffing needs, your hours aren’t guaranteed. Assignments can be canceled last minute, especially if the facility finds a travel nurse who can commit to a longer-term role.
What is Travel Nursing?
Travel nursing is a unique and rewarding career path that offers nurses the opportunity to work in different locations for a set period. While it shares some similarities with per diem nursing, such as short-term commitments, the key difference lies in the duration of assignments. According to TravelNursing.org, travel nursing assignments typically range from 8 to 26 weeks, with 13 weeks being the average. This combination of flexibility and stability often makes travel nursing more appealing to many nurses compared to per diem roles.
One of the significant advantages of travel nursing is the chance to explore different regions or even countries. With longer assignments, you have ample time to immerse yourself in a new environment, enjoy local culture, and make the most of your stay before moving on to your next destination. Additionally, there’s often the possibility of extending your contract, allowing you to stay longer if you find a particular location or facility that suits you well.
However, travel nursing does come with some drawbacks, particularly when it comes to scheduling. Unlike per diem nurses, who have more control over their workdays, travel nurses might have less flexibility. Your contract may require you to work specific shifts, including weekends or holidays, based on the needs of the healthcare facility.
Choosing the Right Path
When deciding on your next career move in nursing, it’s important to consider which option best aligns with your personal and professional goals. While both per diem and travel nursing offer competitive pay, they differ significantly in terms of schedule structure and the length of time spent in each location. By clearly defining your objectives and what you hope to achieve from your assignments, you can choose the path that will most effectively meet your needs as a nurse.
