Per Diem Nursing in Pennsylvania: Everything You Need to Know Before You Apply
Per diem nursing is one of the fastest-growing career paths for RNs, LPNs, and CNAs in Pennsylvania. If you’ve been thinking about making the switch — or you’re just curious about how it works — this guide covers everything you need to know before applying.
What Is Per Diem Nursing?
“Per diem” means “by the day” in Latin, and that’s essentially how per diem nursing works: you work shifts as they’re available and as you choose to accept them, rather than being bound to a set schedule. You’re employed by a nursing staffing agency like ProStat Workforce Solutions, and the agency places you at healthcare facilities that need coverage.
Benefits of Per Diem Nursing in PA
- Schedule flexibility — You control your calendar. Work three days this week, one next week, or take a month off. Per diem nursing works around your life.
- Competitive pay rates — Per diem nurses typically earn higher hourly rates than staff nurses to compensate for the variable schedule. In Pennsylvania markets like Reading, Lancaster, and York, per diem rates are strong.
- Variety of settings — Work at different facilities, on different units, and with different patient populations. Many nurses find this variety keeps them professionally engaged and builds a broader clinical skill set.
- Try before you commit — Per diem work is an excellent way to evaluate a facility before accepting a permanent offer. Many ProStat nurses find their permanent home through a per diem placement.
- Supplement your income — Many nurses work per diem alongside a part-time or full-time position to increase their earnings.
What to Expect from the Credentialing Process
Before your first per diem assignment through ProStat, you’ll complete a credentialing process that includes license verification, background check, drug screen, skills assessment, reference checks, and any facility-specific health requirements. This process protects both you and the patients you care for, and ProStat’s credentialing team works efficiently to get you started as quickly as possible.
Common Questions About Per Diem Nursing in PA
Do I need experience to work per diem?
Most facilities require at least one year of clinical experience in your specialty before accepting per diem nurses. This ensures patient safety and minimizes the need for extensive onboarding at each new placement.
What facilities will I work at?
ProStat places per diem nurses at hospitals, long-term care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and outpatient clinics throughout Eastern and Central Pennsylvania. Your recruiter will work with your preferences — preferred geographic radius, care settings, and shift types — to find the best-fit assignments.
Will I have benefits?
Benefit eligibility varies based on hours worked. ProStat offers benefits options to qualifying per diem employees. Your recruiter will walk you through what’s available based on your expected work volume.
Ready to Start Your Per Diem Career in Pennsylvania?
If you’re an RN, LPN, CNA, or PCA in Pennsylvania and want the freedom of per diem nursing without sacrificing pay or professional quality, ProStat Workforce Solutions is ready to get you working. We serve nurses in Reading, Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Chester County, and throughout Central and Eastern PA.