If you're an RN, LPN, CNA, or allied health professional in the Twin Cities, you've probably heard coworkers talk about picking up per diem shifts — sometimes as a side gig, sometimes as their entire schedule. Per diem work isn't for everyone, but for the right person it offers a level of control that a staff position simply can't match. Here's an honest look at how it works, where it shines, and where it doesn't.
How per diem work actually works
Per diem (literally "by the day") means you work individual shifts on an as-needed basis. A staffing agency posts open shifts at hospitals, clinics, and senior living communities; you pick up the ones that fit your life and skip the ones that don't. There's no minimum commitment, no set rotation, and no manager building your schedule for you.
You're employed by the agency, not by the facility where you work. The agency handles your credentialing, payroll, and shift placement — you handle showing up and delivering good care.
The pros: why clinicians choose per diem
- You control your schedule. Work three days one week and none the next. Block out school events, family obligations, or a second job — nobody has to approve your availability but you.
- Higher hourly rates. Per diem rates typically run above staff hourly wages for the same role, because facilities pay a premium for flexibility and you're not drawing benefits from them.
- Variety. You'll see different units, facility types, and teams. That variety builds skills fast and looks strong on a resume.
- Distance from workplace politics. You come in, do the job, and go home. Staffing disputes, committee assignments, and unit drama largely stay off your plate.
- A low-risk way to test employers. Many clinicians use per diem shifts to try out a facility before considering a permanent role there.
The cons: what to weigh before you switch
- No guaranteed hours. Shift availability moves with census and season. Most Twin Cities clinicians find plenty of open shifts, but the agency can't promise a fixed number of hours the way a staff position can.
- Benefits look different. Health insurance, PTO, and retirement contributions vary by agency and usually differ from what a hospital offers its staff. Ask exactly what's included before you sign on.
- You have to be adaptable. New units mean new charting quirks, new supply rooms, and new faces. If you thrive on deep familiarity with one team, per diem may feel unsettled.
- Cancellations happen. Facilities can cancel a shift if census drops. Good agencies work to rebook you quickly, but it's a reality of the model.
Who per diem fits best
Per diem tends to work well for parents who need to schedule around childcare, semi-retired clinicians who want to stay active without a full load, staff employees adding shifts on top of a primary job, and experienced clinicians who simply want autonomy. If you need a precisely predictable paycheck every two weeks, a contract assignment or staff role may fit better — and many clinicians blend the two.
How to get started in the Twin Cities
Getting started is simpler than most people expect:
- Apply with a local agency. A short application plus your license and certifications gets the process moving.
- Complete credentialing. Expect a background check, immunization records, and skills documentation. A good agency walks you through the checklist.
- Set your availability. Tell the agency when you want to work — they match you to open shifts, and you accept the ones you want.
- Pick up your first shift. Arrive a few minutes early, ask for a quick orientation to the unit, and treat every shift like a working interview — strong per diem clinicians get requested back by name.
Interim HealthCare Staffing of Minneapolis places RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and allied health professionals in per diem shifts across the Twin Cities and Southern Minnesota. Call (612) 444-JOBS or apply online to see what's open this week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does per diem mean in healthcare?
Per diem means working individual shifts on an as-needed basis rather than a fixed schedule. Clinicians pick up shifts that fit their availability through a staffing agency, with no minimum hour commitment on either side.
Do per diem nurses and CNAs get benefits?
It varies by agency. Per diem roles trade some traditional benefits for higher hourly pay and flexibility, but many agencies offer options like health coverage and retirement plans. Ask each agency exactly what's included before signing on.
Can I work per diem on top of a full-time job?
Yes — many Twin Cities clinicians pick up per diem shifts alongside a staff position to boost income. Just watch your total hours for fatigue, and confirm your primary employer has no conflicting policy.
How many shifts can I get as a per diem clinician?
There's no guaranteed minimum, but demand for RNs, LPNs, and CNAs across the Twin Cities is strong. Clinicians with broad availability — especially nights, weekends, and holidays — typically find as many shifts as they want.