To support SEO for Per Diem (Cross Country Medical Staffing Network) on the new site, we need to create a long-form blog with 2000+ words that overview all professions and specialties that encompass Per Diem and Local Contracts to nursing and allied health professionals, as well as answer questions commonly asked on google.

<p>Freedom and independence are just a few perks of a per diem or local professional. We’ll explore the professions and specialties within nursing and allied health that fall into these categories and answer frequently asked questions.</p><p><br></p><p>Below are the types of nurses that can work locally, either per diem or under local contract.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/jobs/results?term=registered Nurse&amp;&amp;xTerm=&amp;&amp;jobType=[" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Registered Nurse</a> (RN)</li><li><a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/jobs/results?term=Licensed Practical Nurse&amp;&amp;xTerm=&amp;&amp;jobType=[" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Licensed Practice Nurse</a> (LPN)</li><li><a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/jobs/results?term=certified Nursing assistant&amp;&amp;xTerm=&amp;&amp;jobType=[" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Certified Nurse Assistant</a></li></ul><p>Specialties within per diem and local nursing include:</p><ul><li>Medication Aide</li><li>Clinic</li><li>Long Term Care</li><li>Medical/Surgical</li><li>Long-Term Acute Care</li><li>Home Care</li></ul><p>Below are the types of allied health professionals that can work locally, either per diem or under local contract.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/jobs/results?term=technician&amp;&amp;xTerm=&amp;&amp;jobType=[" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Imaging</a></li><li><a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/jobs/results?term=Respiratory&amp;&amp;xTerm=&amp;&amp;jobType=[" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Respiratory </a></li><li><a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/jobs/results?term=Lab&amp;&amp;xTerm=&amp;&amp;jobType=[" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">	Laboratory</a></li><li><a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/jobs/results?term=Physical Therapist&amp;&amp;xTerm=&amp;&amp;jobType=[" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">	Rehabilitation</a></li></ul><p>Specialties within per diem and local allied health include:</p><ul><li>General Xray</li><li>CT</li><li>Mammo</li><li>MRI</li><li>Nuclear Medicine</li><li>Radiation Therapists</li><li>Cardiac Cath Techs</li><li>Electrophysiologists</li><li>Angiographers</li><li>General Ultrasonographers</li><li>Vascular Sonographers</li><li>Echo Techs</li><li>EEG Techs</li><li>Polysomnographers</li><li>Medical Technologists</li><li>Medical Lab Technicians</li><li>Histologists</li><li>Cytologists</li><li>Respiratory Therapists</li><li>Physical Therapists</li><li>Physical Therapy Assistants</li><li>Occupation Therapists</li><li>Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant</li><li>Speech Language Pathologist</li><li>Pharmacy Techs</li><li>Pharmacists</li><li>Anesthesia Techs</li><li>Surgical Techs</li><li>Sterile Processing Techs</li></ul><h2>What does per diem shift mean?</h2><p>Per diem means "per day" in Latin, and in the nursing and allied profession, it means temporary employment where you work in shifts.</p><p><br></p><p>A per diem shift can refer to one or several days, depending on the coverage needed at a hospital, facility, or home. As a <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/top-reasons-to-take-a-per-diem-assignment?term=6+reasons+why+you+should+take+a+per+diem+assignment" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">per diem nurse</a> or an allied professional, if someone is out sick, on vacation, or on maternity/paternity leave, you may fill in for them when needed.</p><p><br></p><p>Flexibility is a huge benefit of taking per diem shifts because you can decide how often and where you want to work. If a shift comes your way, you can accept it or not. Some hospitals and facilities may have shift requirements, so always check.</p><h2>Is per diem a good option?</h2><p>If you enjoy the flexibility and independence that most other jobs could never provide, deciding when, where, and how often you work, and even working at multiple jobs or hospitals, per diem is a great option.</p><h2>What are the pros and cons of per diem?</h2><p>Per diem nursing and allied pros and cons can vary by individual, but most professionals would say the best part is the work/life balance and ability to create their own schedules. Work if you want to; say no if you can't. Work one per diem shift a month or several per week; it's all up to you.</p><p><br></p><p>Maybe you've been working as a full-time nurse, but you'd like to slow down the pace a little for whatever reason. Perhaps you've started a family, are overseeing care for a loved one with an illness, are going to school for an advanced degree, or would rather have more time to explore hobbies that have nothing to do with your allied career. In any of these scenarios, the freedom of per diem means you can decide how often you work to create the ideal work-life balance.</p><p><br></p><p>Another perk of per diem is that it enables you to expand your skills and knowledge in a particular field, which can be exciting and fulfilling. If you’re happy working at your current facility yet yearning to learn a new technology or work in a teaching hospital to expand your skills, per diem is an excellent opportunity to explore without a permanent commitment.</p><p><br></p><p>You may discover that you like the new technology or facility so much that your career path changes direction. Suppose you want to work in different areas of a city or are interested in exploring a variety of clinical settings. Another great opportunity that per diem nursing and allied provides is the ability to work at multiple facilities. Some people need the mental stimulation that a constantly changing work environment can provide, so if you're one of those people, per diem will be right up your alley.</p><p><br></p><p>Pay is a huge pro of working per diem. A request for a per diem nurse and allied professional is often last-minute, which means you will be paid at a premium, especially around holidays. Working per diem shifts are the perfect way to build up your bank account by working a lot or a little until you save what you need.</p><p><br></p><p>If you prefer more stability and job security, including guaranteed shifts and a regular schedule, per diem may not be for you. Benefits can vary by staffing agency, so if there aren’t any and you need them, that would be a con.</p><h2>What if I can only work one or two days per month?</h2><p>That’s the beauty of per diem. If you can only work certain shifts, those are the shifts you would seek out.</p><h2>Do you receive any benefits with per diem?</h2><p>Per-diem nurses and allied health professionals may be eligible for the same <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/local" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">benefits</a> as regular, full-time employees, including health insurance and 401(k) savings accounts. This is the case when you are employed through Cross Country and qualify based on one of the following requirements:</p><ul><li>Working an average of 30-plus hours per week for a continuous 60 days</li><li>Actively working under a contract of six weeks or more with an average of 30-plus hours per week</li></ul><p>Benefits end on the date of your last paycheck and are reinstated when you return before the end of the 30-day period. Again, every staffing agency is different so it’s always a good idea to ask.</p><h2>Can I add my family members to my insurance?</h2><p>At Cross Country, there is medical, dental and vision insurance available with optional family coverage for spouse/domestic partner, children and/or dependents. Simply fill out the enrollment paperwork and pay the monthly premium. This will vary at other agencies.</p><h2>Is there a referral bonus?</h2><p>For per diem this may vary among agencies, but at Cross Country there is a referral bonus program. When a healthcare professional is referred for per diem, the referrer will receive a $1250 bonus once the provider works 280 hours.</p><h2>How many hours a day is per diem?</h2><p>Per diem varies – shifts can be anywhere from 2 hours to 12 hours.</p><h2>Is per diem only for days worked?</h2><p>Yes, you only get paid by the shift, meaning you don't get paid if you don't work.</p><h2>How do you qualify for per diem?</h2><p>The qualifications to work per diem depends on the position. For example, a perioperative registered nurse will be required to have one year of full-time medical surgical nursing experience within the last two years of applying, have a current registered nursing license in the state they are applying in, current CPR certification, and a preferred Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BNR). If you are an X-ray technologist, you’ll need at least one year of recent acute care experience in your specialty.</p><p><br></p><p>For current per diem nursing and allied positions that fit your specialty, <a href="https://www.crosscountrymsn.com/job-search" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p><h2>How is per diem paid out?</h2><p>With Cross Country, you decide your payday. Depending on the exact position, you could get paid the same day as your shift, bi-weekly, or any time in between. We also offer the Comdata DirectPay MasterCard® card, which allows you to make purchases anywhere MasterCard® is accepted using your Cross Country earnings. Cross Country offers our per diem staff an industry-competitive rate with a 100% daily pay option with direct deposit, mobile app rewards, referral bonuses, and 24/7/365 support.</p><h2>Does per diem show up on W-2?</h2><p>Per diem employees receive a W-2 and have taxes automatically withheld from their pay.</p><h2>How do you negotiate per diem salary?</h2><p>Per diem rates are discussed and negotiated with your recruiter.</p><h2>Does per diem include weekends?</h2><p>Even though you choose your shifts, some per diem jobs require you to work some weekends. It's best to understand the requirements before you accept any jobs.</p><h2>Can you go from full-time to per diem?</h2><p>Yes, this is a personal preference. You can also keep your full-time job and choose per diem opportunities that work with your schedule to earn extra money.</p><h2>How do you tell your manager you want to go per diem?</h2><p>Suppose you are a full-time occupational therapist who is looking to work on a per diem basis. In that case, you can speak to your HR department to discuss the best exit strategy, whether that means an official letter, conversation with your supervisor, or any other method. There may be per diem opportunities with your current employer that you can inquire about.</p><h2>Do I have options to work full time for a facility I like?</h2><p>Just as we mentioned going from full time to per diem, the opposite is also an option. If you are loving what you do, either as a per diem or contract nurse or allied health professional, you can discover if there is a more permanent position available. Cross Country can help facilitate that discovery and move.</p><h2>How long does it take to find the right assignment?</h2><p>With any job search, the right fit doesn’t happen overnight but with Cross Country guiding you, finding the right assignment becomes quicker and easier. Elements such as specialty, location, and pay all come into play. Cross Country has relationships all over the country with hospitals and facilities to place you in the right role at the right time.</p><h2>Can you receive pay for per diem work in cash?</h2><p>Payments for per diem are not paid in cash. You will receive compensation through direct deposit or via the Comdata DirectPay MasterCard® when you are with Cross Country.</p><h2>Do per diem employees qualify for a 401(k) plan?</h2><p>At Cross Country, there is a 401(k) plan with company match depending on meeting criteria. This may vary at other agencies. Learn more about our benefits <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/faq" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><h2>How do I get the most out of my per diem?</h2><p>Understanding all aspects of your per diem job is essential regarding benefits and pay. You can take advantage of those elements depending on what's important to you.</p><h2>What city has the highest per diem rate?</h2><p>Per diem rates vary by city and are constantly changing. For the latest per diem job opportunities and rates,<a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/jobs/results?term=nurse&amp;&amp;xTerm=&amp;&amp;jobType=[" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> click here</a>.</p><h2>What is the maximum per diem allowed?</h2><p>There is no maximum amount of hours for a per diem nurse; that number is up to you.</p><h2>How far away from home can you claim per diem?</h2><p>Per diem placements are considered local and do not include housing or travel benefits. Both per diem and local are within a 50 mile radius of your home address.</p><h2>Is per diem the same as on call?</h2><p>No, a per diem professional works as needed, while on-call nurses must be available for emergency coverage.</p><p><br></p><p>Now that you have a wealth of information about per diem nursing and allied health, let’s dig into local contracts.</p><h2>What is considered a local contract?</h2><p>A local contract is essentially the same as a travel contract, minus the travel, housing, and food allowances. Local is not per diem and is typically an 8-13-week assignment, usually less than 50 miles from home. Local contract nursing and allied health allow for flexibility like per diem; however, it has more stability as a contracted position than per day.</p><h2>What is the difference between a local and a travel nurse contract?</h2><p>Travel nurses typically work one short-term contract at a time, usually about 12-14 weeks each, at different hospitals in various locations around the country.</p><p><br></p><p>A local nurse contract provides more control without traveling and leaving the comforts of home. All the same duties are performed as a regular nurse but for a temporary amount of time. Due to the fact there is no travel, the need to obtain licenses in every state where you become contracted is unnecessary.</p><p><br></p><p>Some people take up contract nursing in addition to a full-time job to earn extra money, similar to per diem.</p><h2>Do I need licensing in each state?</h2><p>Since there is no travel outside your area, you do not need to gain licensing in multiple states.</p><h2>Why do contract nurses get paid more?</h2><p>The pay of a local contract nurse is very competitive and is typically more than a permanent registered nurse. Why? Contract nurses often fill positions that may not be easy to fill, and their flexibility increases their value.</p><p><br></p><p>Whether you are pursuing a career in healthcare, either as a nurse or in the allied health realm, making a change within the healthcare industry, or seeking additional shifts to make more money, per diem and local contract healthcare professions provide many personal and professional benefits. Cross Country can guide you through these options and help create success for you professionally and personally.</p><p><br></p><p>Cross Country <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/local" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Medical Staffing Network</a> (CCMSN) by Cross Country is one of the country's largest and most recognized healthcare staffing companies. CCMSN is both a Best of Staffing® Client Award winner and a Best of Staffing® Talent Award winner. Healthcare facilities and providers have trusted CCMSN's industry expertise for over three decades.</p><ul><li>350,000+ professionals in our proprietary database</li><li>50+ local offices and a national footprint with local accountability</li><li>37+ years of healthcare staffing expertise</li><li>Full-service solutions: per diem, local contract, travel, and permanent placement</li><li>Joint Commission Health Care Staffing Services Certification since 2005</li><li>24/7/365 in-house operational support</li><li>Founded and built by healthcare professionals</li></ul><p>To learn more about working with Cross Country, <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/faq" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p>

MSN offers per diem/local contracts to nursing and allied health professionals.