For many nurses, per diem work is seen as a side hustle, a way to pick up extra income or gain experience in different settings. But in a high-demand healthcare market like New York City, per diem nursing isn’t just a supplement to a full-time job, it can be the full-time job.
At Gotham Companies, we work with countless nurses who’ve made the shift to full-time per diem work and haven’t looked back. With greater flexibility, competitive pay, and more control over your schedule, per diem nursing can offer the freedom and variety many nurses crave. But to make it sustainable as a primary career path, it requires a smart strategy, reliable agency support, and a clear understanding of the NYC healthcare landscape.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering making per diem nursing your full-time career.
What Is Per Diem Nursing?
“Per diem” is Latin for “per day,” and in the healthcare world, it refers to nurses who are hired to work shifts on an as-needed basis. These roles typically don’t guarantee a set number of hours each week, but in a high-demand area like NYC, consistent work is more available than most people realize.
Per diem nurses fill gaps caused by:
- Last-minute callouts
- Seasonal surges (like flu season or holidays)
- Maternity or medical leaves
- Staffing shortages across various units
At Gotham, we place per diem nurses in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care, private duty, and homecare assignments throughout the five boroughs and beyond.
Can You Really Make a Living as a Per Diem Nurse?
Yes—especially in New York City. Due to ongoing staffing challenges, healthcare facilities are actively seeking reliable, credentialed nurses to cover high-demand shifts. In fact, many of our per diem professionals at Gotham consistently work 36–40+ hours per week across multiple facilities.
Here’s how full-time per diem work can stack up:
Competitive Pay Rates
Per diem nurses often earn higher hourly rates than their staff counterparts, especially when picking up nights, weekends, or holiday shifts. Some nurses use this flexibility to earn more in fewer hours, or to work extra days only when needed.
Flexible Scheduling
You control your schedule—working when you want, where you want. This is ideal for nurses with family responsibilities, students, or those who prefer a non-traditional lifestyle.
Variety and Experience
Working in different facilities and units exposes you to a broad range of patient populations, EMRs, protocols, and clinical experiences—great for building your resume and avoiding burnout.
How to Make Per Diem Work Full-Time for You
If you’re ready to commit to per diem as your main source of income, follow these key strategies to stay consistent and successful:
1. Stay Credentialed and Ready to Work
Facilities want nurses who are compliant and can hit the ground running. Make sure your:
- Licenses and certifications (BLS, ACLS, etc.) are up to date
- Physical, immunizations, and PPDs are current
- Resume and profile are accurate and accessible to your agency
At Gotham, we help keep our nurses organized and compliant so they’re always eligible for new shifts.
2. Be Flexible with Shift Types and Locations
The more flexible you are, the more shifts you’ll receive. Be open to:
- Working different units or facilities
- Taking last-minute or hard-to-fill shifts
- Picking up weekends or holidays
Flexibility builds trust with both facilities and your staffing agency—and leads to more frequent offers.
3. Maintain Strong Communication with Your Recruiter
Your recruiter is your ally. Keep them updated on your availability, preferences, and professional goals. The better they know you, the better they can match you with consistent work.
Gotham’s recruiters are available 24/7 to support you, answer questions, and help you navigate your schedule.
4. Take Advantage of Float Pools and High-Demand Facilities
Some facilities request recurring per diem nurses to join their internal float pools. These offer a great mix of variety and consistency—allowing you to rotate among units while still getting regular hours.
Gotham works closely with several NYC hospitals and care centers that need per diem nurses daily, making it easier to secure consistent assignments.
5. Track Your Earnings and Plan Your Schedule Weekly
Without a traditional salaried structure, managing your time and income is essential. Use a scheduling app or planner to:
- Track shifts and facilities
- Monitor hours worked
- Ensure you’re hitting your weekly income goals
Gotham can also help you identify high-paying shifts or fill-in opportunities to meet your financial targets.
How Gotham Supports Full-Time Per Diem Nurses
We know that making per diem work as a full-time career takes more than just hustle—it takes a reliable partner. At Gotham Companies, we offer:
- A steady flow of per diem opportunities across all boroughs
- 24/7 access to recruiters who advocate for your success
- Credentialing assistance to keep you work-ready
- Relationships with top NYC facilities that request frequent per diem coverage
- Priority scheduling for nurses who are reliable and responsive
Many of our per diem professionals have been with us for years, building full-time careers with the support, flexibility, and respect they deserve.
Ready to Take Control of Your Nursing Career?
If you’re seeking flexibility, control over your schedule, and a chance to broaden your clinical experience, full-time per diem work might be the perfect fit. With the right mindset and a strong agency partner, it’s more than possible—it’s sustainable.
At Gotham Companies, we help nurses in NYC build the careers they want on their terms. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or transition into full-time per diem work, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
