How Per Diem Nursing Works in Pennsylvania: A Complete Guide for RNs, LPNs & CNAs

If you’re a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), certified nursing assistant (CNA), or patient care aide (PCA) in Pennsylvania, you may have heard the term “per diem nursing” — but wondered exactly what it means and whether it’s right for you.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down everything PA nurses need to know about per diem nursing: how pay works, what credentials you’ll need, where to find shifts, and how the ProStat Workforce app makes finding per diem work faster and more flexible than ever before.

What Is Per Diem Nursing?

The term “per diem” comes from Latin, meaning “per day.” In nursing, it refers to working on a day-by-day or as-needed basis — rather than committing to a fixed full-time or part-time schedule. Per diem nurses are called in when facilities need extra coverage due to short staffing, high census, or an unexpected absence.

Per diem nursing is often used interchangeably with “PRN” (pro re nata — “as needed”). As a per diem nurse or CNA in Pennsylvania, you choose when you want to work. You’re not locked into a set schedule — you pick up shifts that fit your life, whether to supplement a full-time income or to work entirely on a flexible basis.

Who Uses Per Diem Nurses in Pennsylvania?

A wide range of Pennsylvania healthcare facilities rely on per diem nursing staff, including skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), long-term care facilities in Reading, Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, and Lebanon, assisted living communities across Chester County and Central PA, hospitals needing per diem RN or LPN coverage, and outpatient specialty clinics. Because Pennsylvania has a high concentration of long-term care facilities — particularly in Lancaster, York, and Lebanon counties — per diem RN, LPN, and CNA work is consistently available throughout the region.

Per Diem Nursing Pay Rates in Pennsylvania

One of the most attractive aspects of per diem nursing is the pay. Because you’re providing flexibility and covering gaps on short notice, per diem rates are typically higher than regular staff rates for comparable work. In Central and Eastern Pennsylvania, per diem CNAs, LPNs, and RNs generally earn a competitive premium over full-time counterparts.

At ProStat Workforce, we offer competitive per diem pay for all nursing specialties, with weekly pay via direct deposit or pay card — so you’re never waiting for your money.

Credentialing Requirements for Per Diem Nurses in PA

Before working per diem at any Pennsylvania healthcare facility, you’ll need to meet credentialing requirements including: an active PA nursing license (RN, LPN) or CNA certification, current BLS/CPR certification, TB test and health screening documentation, PA background check clearances (State Police, FBI, Child Abuse), and facility-specific orientation (typically 1–4 hours for per diem staff).

ProStat helps all new nursing staff complete their credentialing as part of onboarding, and we store your credentials electronically so you’re always ready to work when a shift is available.

How to Find Per Diem Nursing Shifts in Pennsylvania

Traditionally, finding per diem work meant calling multiple facilities and waiting to be called back. Today, technology has changed everything. The ProStat Workforce App is one of the easiest ways to find per diem nursing shifts in Reading, Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, Lebanon, and Chester County, PA.

Here’s how it works: apply once through ProStat to complete your credentialing, download the ProStat app (available on iOS and Android), browse available shifts near you filtered by date, location, or specialty, request shifts instantly with no phone calls needed, clock in and out directly from your phone, and get paid weekly via direct deposit or pay card.

Is Per Diem Nursing Right for You?

Per diem nursing is an excellent fit if you want flexible scheduling that works around your personal life, you’re looking to supplement income from a full-time job, you’re a new nurse wanting experience across multiple facility types, or you’re a CNA, PCA, LPN, or RN who prefers controlling your own schedule.

Start Finding Per Diem Shifts in Pennsylvania Today

ProStat Workforce has been connecting Pennsylvania nurses and healthcare aides with per diem opportunities for over 25 years. We serve healthcare facilities and nursing professionals across Reading, Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, Lebanon, and Chester County.

Apply now to join ProStat — and download the app to start browsing per diem nursing shifts near you today.