When per diem nurses feel like part of the team, the result is improved morale, better patient care and higher job satisfaction. This blog explores strategies that help per diem nurses feel part of the team when picking up shifts.

Per diem nurses play a critical role in healthcare, stepping in to provide care when hospitals or medical facilities experience staffing shortages or need additional support. These nurses often face unique challenges, as they work in multiple settings with different teams and patients, making it harder to feel fully integrated into any one workplace. To ensure per diem nurses feel valued and supported, hospitals and medical facilities must take intentional steps to create a welcoming environment. When per diem nurses feel like part of the team, the result is improved morale, better patient care and higher job satisfaction. Read below for strategies to ensure this happens.
<h2>Provide an Orientation</h2>
Although per diem nurses may work in multiple facilities, they still require proper orientation to each new workplace. A well-structured orientation, even if brief, can help them navigate the specific policies, procedures and layout of the facility.
<ul>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Offer a Facility Walkthrough: Provide a quick tour of important areas such as break rooms, supply rooms, nurse stations, and emergency exits. Knowing where everything is located will help per diem nurses feel more comfortable and confident as they begin their shift.</li>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Introduce Key Contacts: Introduce them to charge nurses, supervisors and support staff so they know who to turn to if they have questions or need assistance during their shift.</li>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Review the Basics: Go over charting systems, medical protocols and patient handling procedures, even if they are experienced. Familiarity with these systems reduces stress and allows them to focus on patient care.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Create a Friendly and Inclusive Environment</h2>
Per diem nurses often walk into new environments where they don't know the team members. A friendly, welcoming culture can go a long way in making them feel at ease.
<ul>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Assign a "Buddy" or Mentor: Pair per diem nurses with a permanent staff member who can act as a mentor or point of contact during their shift. This mentor can provide quick answers to any questions and introduce them to other team members.</li>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Encourage staff to introduce themselves and engage with per diem nurses. A simple "hello" or "welcome" can help break the ice and reduce the sense of being an outsider.</li>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Avoid Cliques and Isolation: Ensure that permanent staff include per diem nurses in conversations, breaks and decision-making processes during their shift. Everyone benefits when the entire team, including temporary staff, works cohesively.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Communicate Expectations </h2>
Unclear expectations can lead to frustration and confusion, especially for per diem nurses who are unfamiliar with the facility's routines. Make sure they have a clear understanding of their role for the day.
<ul>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Define Shift Responsibilities: Provide a clear outline of the per diem nurse’s assignments, including patient load, duties and any specific protocols to follow. This helps them prioritize tasks and prevents misunderstandings.</li>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Communicate Special Procedures: If your facility follows any unique practices (e.g., specific ways of documenting patient information or certain emergency procedures), communicate these at the beginning of the shift. It's also helpful to have printed reference materials they can easily access.</li>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Encourage Open Communication: Make it known that they can ask questions throughout the day without hesitation. Encourage permanent staff to be supportive and responsive to per diem nurses’ inquiries.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Provide Necessary Resources</h2>
Per diem nurses should have quick access to the resources they need to perform their job efficiently. Lack of access to essential tools or supplies can cause unnecessary delays and stress.
<ul>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Provide Login Credentials in Advance: Ensure that per diem nurses have access to the necessary electronic medical records (EMR) systems, medication dispensing systems, and any other digital platforms they will need to use during their shift.</li>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Ensure Availability of Equipment and Supplies: Verify that per diem nurses have the tools and supplies they need at hand, whether it’s PPE, IV equipment, or portable diagnostic devices. Make sure they know where to find additional supplies if needed.</li>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Create an Emergency Contact List: If there are unique emergency protocols or specific individuals they should contact in certain situations, provide a list of those contacts for easy reference.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Acknowledge Their Contribution</h2>
Per diem nurses often feel like temporary staff, and the lack of recognition can impact their morale. Show that the facility values their work, and they are seen as an important part of the team, even if they are only there for a single shift.
<ul>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Offer Positive Feedback: Simple words of appreciation from managers or colleagues go a long way. Acknowledge their hard work and let them know that their contribution is vital to the team’s success.</li>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Celebrate Small Wins: If the team achieves a milestone or handles a challenging situation successfully, include per diem nurses in the celebration. They contributed just as much as the full-time staff during their shift and deserve recognition.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Respect Their Time and Scheduling Preferences</h2>
Per diem nurses often choose this type of work because it offers flexibility. Showing respect for their time and acknowledging their scheduling preferences creates a positive working relationship.
<ul>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Confirm Schedules in Advance: Avoid last-minute scheduling changes, which can cause stress and interfere with the per diem nurse's plans. Give them ample notice and respect their availability preferences.</li>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Avoid Overtime Pressure: Since per diem nurses often work multiple jobs or shifts in different facilities, they may not be able to stay beyond their scheduled shift. Avoid pressuring them to work overtime unless it’s absolutely necessary and they agree to it.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Integrate Them Into Shift Handovers</h2>
Handovers are a critical part of ensuring continuity in patient care. Including per diem nurses in these processes fosters teamwork and ensures they’re up to speed on important patient information.
<ul>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Include Them in Handoff Reports: Make sure per diem nurses are part of the shift-change handoff, where patient details are exchanged. This will help them feel more connected to the overall patient care plan and ensure seamless transitions between shifts.</li>
 <li style="margin-left:20px">Clarify Post-Shift Reporting Expectations: Ensure per diem nurses understand how and to whom they should report patient updates and other information at the end of their shift. This makes for smoother transitions and avoids gaps in patient care.</li>
</ul>

Per diem nurses are a critical part of the team and ensuring their success, only makes patient care better. Have a need for per diem staff at your facility? Cross Country Medical Staffing Network works with clients nationwide to staff per diem nurses, allied and non-clinical professionals. <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/staffing-advisory-request" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Contact us to learn more.</a>

Making Per Diem Nurses Feel Welcome During Their Shifts