What’s the Difference Between Interim and Per Diem Staff?

We often get asked, What’s the difference between an interim or temporary CNA or nurse and a per diem CNA or nurse? We always respond, we are glad you asked!

What is per diem?

The term “per diem” is a Latin phrase that means “for each day.” While the phrase itself does not mean “as needed,” when used in the healthcare profession, it refers to a temporary employment situation where the employee may only be needed on sporadic days. Often a per diem nurse or CNA is needed to fill an unexpected gap in staffing coverage. A per diem employee may work eight hours one week, forty the next, and zero-hours the following week.

The per diem workers' schedules will vary from week to week, often significantly. The number of hours they will work is not guaranteed, and their compensation is paid on a per day (“per diem”) rate rather than by an hourly wage.

It’s common for a post-acute/nursing home or senior living facility to utilize temporary staff when their primary staff members are either sick, on vacation, or in the event of an FMLA situation. An especially busy time of year or a “seasonal” period, such as the timeframe around Thanksgiving and Christmas, may have facilities seeking the services of either per diem or contract workers. The services of “on-call” healthcare professionals allow facilities to maintain adequate staffing coverage when a variety of situations create gaps.

What is an Interim or Contract Employee?

Interim, contract or temporary employees usually work a more consistent schedule and for a longer period of time such as 30, 60, or 90 days. They receive benefits and work for an hourly wage.

Due to the extended assignment, interim healthcare professionals get to know the systems and processes of the organization. Many organizations find that having the same healthcare professional in the facility for weeks at a time provides greater stability for both the staff and the patients/residents. It provides the current staff with the benefit of having a deeper sense of unity and teamwork with the interim employee. The residents also feel a greater depth of security as familiarity with the staff grows. 

Overall, facilities thrive under the strength of a strong core of employees. And that’s where interim healthcare providers fit the bill.

Whether a healthcare organization needs a CNA, LPN, RN, or an MDS Coordinator or Nursing Home Administrator, partnering with a recruiting firm such as LeaderStat can provide fast, reliable access to vetted professionals eager to work with your team.

Whatever your staffing needs, LeaderStat stands ready to fill your open positions with dedicated, talented medical professionals on an interim or permanent basis.