Per diem nurse staffing is a flexible, on-demand solution that allows healthcare facilities to fill shifts quickly without committing to long-term hires. It’s especially useful during peak seasons, staff shortages, or emergencies. For per diem nurse staffing work offers the freedom to choose when and where to work, often with higher hourly pay and better work-life balance.
Platforms like Clientilo make this process easier by connecting staffing agencies with hospitals and managing contracts, compliance, and scheduling all in one place. Whether you’re a nurse seeking flexibility or a facility needing coverage, per diem staffing provides a smart, adaptable option for both.
What Does “Per Diem Nursing” Actually Mean?
“Per diem” is a Latin term meaning “by the day.” In healthcare, per diem nursing refers to nurses who work on a shift-by-shift basis rather than having a full-time staff position. These nurses fill in when full-time staff are unavailable, or when extra hands are needed during busy periods like flu season or holidays. Many per diem roles are filled by certified nursing assistants or licensed practical nurses, depending on the type of care required.
Why Facilities Use Per Diem Nurses
Healthcare institutions often rely on per diem nurse staffing to maintain flexible coverage. Whether handling short-term surges, covering vacation times, or plugging unexpected gaps, per diem nurses offer a rapid, efficient solution. Compared to permanent hires, they let facilities adapt quickly without long-term commitments.
Using a platform like Clientilo, staffing agencies can seamlessly secure per diem contracts with healthcare facilities, connecting verified nurses to job orders and supporting invoicing, contract tracking, and compliance management. Clientilo also integrates with vendor management systems to help agencies stay organized, track staff, and monitor fulfillment rates in real time.
How Per Diem Staffing Works: Step by Step
1. Nurse signs up with an agency
Nurses interested in per diem work apply through staffing agencies. These agencies vet credentials, confirm licenses, and often handle onboarding through partner platforms—agencies might even leverage Clientilo if they’re registered on it.
2. Facility requests shifts
When a healthcare facility needs extra coverage, it posts per diem shift requests—either directly or via agencies. Agencies receive these openings and match available, qualified nurses, including travel nurse staffing professionals, for urgent or remote assignments.
3. Shift matching and assignment
Nurses typically use mobile apps to browse, accept, or decline available shifts on short notice. Their availability schedule, location, specialty, and shift timing all factor into matching.
4. Nurse works the shift
Once assigned, the nurse shows up for the shift, works the required hours, and documents their time. Facilities often pay per hour at a premium compared to staff nurse rates, especially for last-minute or holiday shifts.
5. Payroll and billing are handled by the agency
After completion, the agency processes payroll—typically weekly via direct deposit—and handles billing with the facility. When agencies use Clientilo, all contract and payment management happens smoothly through one dashboard.
Key Benefits for Nurses
Flexibility and Control
Nurses can pick shifts based on their schedule and preference. There are no minimum hours—ideal for balancing personal commitments.
Higher Pay
Per diem assignments usually come with premium pay, sometimes higher hourly rates, and bonuses for holidays or last-minute needs. This is especially true for travel nurse staffing, where mobility can add income incentives.
Exposure & Variety
Working across multiple facilities exposes nurses—including certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses—to a range of departments, improving their clinical skills.
Work-Life Balance
Because per diem work is optional and shift-based, it’s easier to avoid burnout and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Why Agencies & Facilities Like Per Diem Models
For Agencies:
Per diem nurse staffing allows agencies to respond quickly to client needs and maintain a pipeline of active staff. They can also generate qualified staffing leads through platforms that support direct job order matching. Systems like Clientilo simplify the entire process, from credentialing to invoicing and reporting.
For Facilities:
Healthcare providers get access to a broader talent pool, including licensed practical nurses and specialized staff. Using a robust vendor management system, facilities can manage multiple agency relationships and ensure compliance with fewer administrative burdens.
A Case in Point: Per Diem via Clientilo
Here’s how a staffing agency using Clientilo typically handles per diem nursing
- Create a profile & subscribe: Highlight nurse specializations and certifications.
- Browse per diem job orders: View real-time staffing leads and facility requests.
- Submit proposals & connect: Communicate with facilities and finalize terms.
- Assign and manage: Match available nurses and track hours.
- Scale and repeat: Maintain staffing efficiency and client satisfaction.
Clientilo’s direct sourcing tools and vendor management system features help agencies scale while staying compliant and efficient.
Real-World Tips for Nurses Considering Per Diem
- Stay active by picking at least one shift every 90 days.
- Choose a specialty to boost your demand and rates.
- Use mobile apps or platforms like Clientilo for quick shift booking.
- Stay in touch with your recruiter to get better staffing leads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is per diem nurse staffing?
Ans: Per diem nurse staffing means hiring nurses—such as certified nursing assistants or licensed practical nurses—on a shift-by-shift basis instead of full-time. It helps cover staff shortages or busy periods without long-term commitments.
Q2. Who uses per diem nurses?
Ans: Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities use per diem nurses when they need extra help temporarily. Many rely on a vendor management system to coordinate these staffing needs efficiently.
Q3. How do nurses find per diem shifts?
Ans: Nurses usually sign up with staffing agencies or use apps to view and accept available shifts. Travel nurse staffing agencies often provide additional opportunities for those willing to work in different locations.
Q4. Why do nurses choose per diem work?
Ans: Per diem nursing offers flexible hours, higher pay per shift, and a better work-life balance. It also helps build connections that lead to more staffing leads and future job opportunities.
Q5. How does Clientilo help with per diem staffing?
Ans: Clientilo connects healthcare facilities with staffing agencies, streamlining contracts, payments, and shift management for everything from per diem to travel nurse staffing, including roles like certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses.
Summary
Per diem nurse staffing gives healthcare professionals flexibility, higher pay, and career variety. It also helps facilities stay fully staffed with minimal delays. Platforms like Clientilo streamline the entire process by offering contract management, vendor coordination, and easy access to certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, and even travel nurse staffing solutions. Whether you’re a nurse or a facility, per diem staffing is a smart, scalable answer to today’s healthcare demands.
Get started today by contacting 1-888-507-9177 and experience the Clientilo difference for your healthcare workforce.