As we’ve discussed, per diem has its ups and downs. The biggest issue can be per diem nurse cancellations. In this industry, it is inevitable. While it is an issue that should always be taken into consideration, let’s break down the reality of shift cancellations and what it means for you.
“By the day”
Per diem means “by the day.” Our nurses pick and choose their hours from a variety of facilities throughout the state. Facility schedules can change frequently as census changes, internal staffing changes, internal staff call-ins, ever-changing Wisconsin weather, and the list goes on. The reasons that we are given open hours in the first place can change day to day, so an opening that a facility needs today could be changed by tomorrow.
Proper Notification
Here at PRN Healthcare, we do our best to let our nurses know as soon as possible if they have been cancelled by a facility, as our primary goal is to replace your shift at another facility that is needing the help. The facility has up to two hours prior to the start of the shift to let us know. If we are not notified before that two hour time frame and our nurse shows up to the facility, a specific amount of “show up” pay is given. Our nurses are notified via phone call/text (whichever they prefer) of their cancellation and can also see it removed from their calendars through our online nurse portal.
The Per Diem Game
Being cancelled means that there is the loss of hours and pay for that day. As discussed previously, an agency nurse has to be flexible and willing to make up their hours at a different facility or on a different day. Cancellations can happen more frequently at particular facilities, or at different times of the year, so many of our nurses will get to know these trends and choose their hours accordingly.
As one of the biggest downfalls of working agency, cancellations are a reality that we try to be up front and honest about from the beginning. There is no way to avoid being cancelled while working with us, but we promise to do our best to make sure you are getting the hours you want. Any further questions, give us a call!
Cheers!!