A nursing career can give you many options to find a work arrangement that fits your life. Some nurses pick up shifts as needed, others travel to new locations for assignments, and some work permanently in full- or part-time roles. If you’re curious about the differences between per diem vs. travel vs. staff nursing, keep reading to learn how these arrangements work, plus the benefits and drawbacks of each.
What Is Per Diem Nursing?
“Per diem” is a Latin phrase that means “per day.” Per diem nurses work as-needed shifts based on their availability and an employer’s staffing needs. They typically don’t have a fixed weekly schedule, and they have flexibility in choosing the shifts they want to work.
According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), per diem nurses can work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that need temporary help. While they may schedule some shifts in advance, they can often pick up shifts at the last minute when a scheduled nurse calls out.
Pros and Cons of Per Diem Nursing
Per diem nursing may be a good option if you prefer to have flexibility over when and how often you work. Some pros of this role include:
- Flexible schedule: You can accept shifts that fit your schedule without having to work around other commitments, such as child care. If you don’t want to work holidays, you may be able to avoid taking those shifts, depending on the employer’s requirements.
- Workplace variety: Per diem nursing can give you the opportunity to work in different units or facilities. You may get to learn new technologies or even gain experience in various specialties.
- Opportunities for networking: By working in different facilities, you can meet and collaborate with many nurses and providers, potentially broadening your professional network.
Like any role, per diem nursing also comes with drawbacks. These can include:
- Unpredictable hours: One week, a facility may have several shifts available, while the next, hours may be limited or nonexistent. This unpredictability means you may not know how much you’ll work from week to week.
- Limited training and support: In a per diem role, you may have less access to continued training. Since you won’t work on the same team consistently, you may also get less support from co-workers or managers.
What Is Travel Nursing?
A travel nurse typically works for a staffing agency and takes temporary assignments in multiple locations. These assignments can take travel nurses to different cities, states, or even countries.
Travel nurses generally go where they’re needed most. For example, they may travel to cities or areas impacted by natural disasters. Agencies also sent many travel nurses on assignments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pros and Cons of Travel Nursing
If you want to travel and see the world, travel nursing may sound like an appealing option. The benefits of this role include:
- New locations: As a travel nurse, you’ll constantly work in new locations, giving you an opportunity to visit different cities and regions. When you’re not working, you can explore an area and discover what makes it unique.
- Defined assignments: Travel nurses accept contracts with specific start and end dates. This schedule can allow you to take a break between contracts or give you time to decide your next career move.
- Experience with different patients: Travel nursing can introduce you to patients from a range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. You can gain experience in caring for patients with different healthcare needs.
The temporary nature of travel nursing can also have its flaws. The cons of travel nursing include:
- Time away from home: Travel nurses frequently spend time away from home and loved ones. They may miss having the emotional support of friends and family when they’re on the road.
- Licensure requirements: If you travel to a different state or country, you’ll need to meet additional licensure requirements to practice there.
What Is Staff Nursing?
Staff nurses may be who you picture when you imagine working in this field. Staff nurses hold permanent positions in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, outpatient care centers, and nursing homes.
Nurses in these settings usually have set schedules, though shifts may vary from week to week. They may hold full-time or part-time positions.
Pros and Cons of Staff Nursing
Compared to per diem and travel nursing, staff nursing can offer consistency and familiarity. The benefits of this nursing role include:
- Predictable hours: In general, you can expect to work the same number of hours from week to week as a staff nurse. You’ll have an established schedule with days off.
- Relationships with co-workers and patients: As a staff nurse, you can make meaningful connections and friendships with your co-workers. Depending on where you work, you may also build relationships with patients you see often or regularly.
- Opportunities for advancement: Staff nurses may have access to internal job openings or employer-provided training. These opportunities can help you build new skills or pursue new specialties.
Staff nursing can also have some disadvantages. These include:
- Less scheduling flexibility: An employer determines when staff nurses work and what shifts they get. You may have less control over your schedule.
- Weekend or overnight shifts: In facilities that provide 24/7 care, you may get scheduled to work on weekends, overnights, or holidays.
Per Diem vs. Travel vs. Staff Nursing: What’s the Right Role for You?
Per diem, travel, and staff nursing all have their pros and cons, and what’s right for one nurse may not be right for you. As you compare the different nursing roles, ask yourself these questions to help you choose the best path:
- How much flexibility or control do I want over my schedule?
- Do I prefer predictability or variety in a workplace?
- Am I willing to relocate or spend time away from home?
- Am I comfortable adjusting quickly to new technologies, workflows, and protocols?
- What experience and licenses will I need for the role I want?
- How much do I value building relationships with co-workers?
Keep in mind that your answers to these questions may change throughout your career. For example, you may start as a staff nurse and later realize you want to travel to new places or have more flexibility over your work schedule.
The variety of work arrangements is just one perk of a nursing career, according to American Career College–Ontario alumnus Andrew C. “The flexibility of nursing is incredible,” he said. “[T]hat’s one of the things that makes this career so rewarding."
Begin Your Nursing Journey at American Career College
Per diem, travel, and staff nursing roles offer different schedules and work environments, but they can all give you the opportunity to care for patients and make a difference. The right role for you depends on your career goals and personal preferences. Compare the benefits and drawbacks of each one as you think about your options.
Whichever role you choose, American Career College can help you take the first step on your nursing journey. We offer Vocational Nursing and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs that blend nursing coursework with hands-on training and clinical experience. The Vocational Nursing program can be completed in as few as 12 months full-time or 18 months in the Evening and Weekend track for students who need more flexibility, while the ADN program can be completed in as few as 20 months.
If you’re ready to begin working toward a nursing career, reach out to request more information today!
