I think I just got offered a job... how do I proceed? (per diem)

[moopdog]

This will be the first time working since getting my degree (vascular ultrasound) and the job is only per diem. They will train me well, and then I'll come in to cover vacations, busy periods, etc. In the mean time they are pretty sure that by the time my training is done - the position will become part or full time anyway.

My question: I have always been under the impression that per diem work gets more money per hour. I already had decided that I would not go there for less than $20- $25 per hour to start (standard for this field), which I had already discussed with them at the interview. Should I increase it or decrease it now that the offer is per diem (what they call pool).

Not sure who's ball the court is in on this one! I know they didn't interview anyone else, and that they didn't advertise the job...so, maybe mine. BTW: I NEED this job!

 

[HeatherFeather]

Congrats! I am currently in ultrasound school myself but for abdominal/ob/gyn. I used to work as an x-ray tech. For that field, PRN employees usually made a couple of dollars more per hour than regular full time employees as they did not have any of the bennies that the FT folks did. I'm sure someone else will chime in here too with more info, but again, congrats~!

 

[JacobsMommy11002]

This will be the first time working since getting my degree (vascular ultrasound) and the job is only per diem. They will train me well, and then I'll come in to cover vacations, busy periods, etc. In the mean time they are pretty sure that by the time my training is done - the position will become part or full time anyway.

My question: I have always been under the impression that per diem work gets more money per hour. I already had decided that I would not go there for less than $20- $25 per hour to start (standard for this field), which I had already discussed with them at the interview. Should I increase it or decrease it now that the offer is per diem (what they call pool).

Not sure who's ball the court is in on this one! I know they didn't interview anyone else, and that they didn't advertise the job...so, maybe mine. BTW: I NEED this job!

It really depends on the hospital. My hospital offers nothing extra for per diem employees, and it is the largest in Maine. Some of the smaller ones do. So much for the RN shortage, huh?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Will you be an employee or an independent contractor? Or maybe "common law employee"?

A lot depends on withholdings.

A regular employee has Federal and local taxes withheld, as well as Social Security and the employee pays the "employer share" of Social Secuirty and also Unemployment Compensation and other benefits.'

A common law employee they will take out Social Security, and also pay the employer share of SS. For everything else you're on our own.

If you are an independent contractor you pay everything.

An IC should definitely get more than a regular employee since the IC is responsible for all payroll taxes.

 

[paper1225]

kinda off the subject.......but what type of degree or certificate do you need for ultrasound, specifically ob?

 

[Aristomommy]

I have worked Per Diem in hospitals as a physical therapist. Usually per diem hourly rate is higher, but you do not earn vacation or other benefits. The difference between a full time rate and per diem rate for me has been $5-7 per hour. Most large hospital systems have a fixed PRN rate, it is not negotiable. some others have a range based on experience. You should expect to make more money this way than full time.

In my case, I have always waited for them to make the offer to me. I don't discuss money until I have been offered the position, and usually HR is the one that tells me the rate they offer. since I know it's fixed for the hospitals I work in, I can take it or leave it at that point.

 

[DisneyClay]

I work at the hospital as a dispatcher and ultrasound tecs here get paid 26.00 a hour. I say stick with the 20-25 per hour. Per diem is not that bad, and you are right per diem does pay more.At least here it does.

 

[padalyn]

I work in NJ as per diem BSN for two facilities - one job is as a critical care transport nurse (I get paid a base rate and no overtime) I have to submit 6 shifts per month for this job and have no gaurentee of shifts. The rate is fixed for all the nurses for this job.

My other job is as an ED nurse - also a fixed rate, but I am given every shift I offer as available.

In NJ the per diems do generally make more, as previously stated - no benefits, no specific shift promise, and also - often a holiday requirement as well as a minimum shift submission as available for work.

Be sure that you understand all the restrictions and requirements before you accept what ever they offer...I got snagged for not giving in enough shifts for the SCTU - even tho I am on vacation for the month. I had told them about the trip before I hired on, but the supervisor had forgotten. I almost got "written up" for the infraction!!!

 

[staceyfe]

At my hospital employees (PRN and PT) can opt for 25% more pay in lieu of benefits. This would be the employee's choice and would occur after the job acceptance. I would call HR to see what the policy is.

 

[HeatherFeather]

Most hospitals here require you to be ARDMS registered or eligible and are required to test within a certain amount of time. To sit for the ARDMS you have to have a BS in a science type field or a health care background (RT, RN, surg tech, etc.) AND you have to have a certain amount of hours working in a clinical setting. There is one test for physics that everyone has to take and then there are specialties you can get certified in...abdomen, breast, fetal head, etc. I'm sure it's all clear as mud for you now but I hope that helped somewhat.

kinda off the subject.......but what type of degree or certificate do you need for ultrasound, specifically ob?

 

[moopdog]

kinda off the subject.......but what type of degree or certificate do you need for ultrasound, specifically ob?

Sorry for not checking back until now... In our school, you earn an associates of science. Our school offers General Ultrasound (what your describing); Vascular; and soon will offer Echocardiogram. I am pretty sure that you don't HAVE to have a degree, but in order to pass registration boards, you ALMOST HAVE to have attended a degree school. But I could be wrong!

 

[paper1225]

Sorry for not checking back until now... In our school, you earn an associates of science. Our school offers General Ultrasound (what your describing); Vascular; and soon will offer Echocardiogram. I am pretty sure that you don't HAVE to have a degree, but in order to pass registration boards, you ALMOST HAVE to have attended a degree school. But I could be wrong!

Thanks for asking........I am currently in school for nursing, and after being in clinicals and taking numerous people down to xray.......it has kinda peaked my interest-then your post......hhhmm, and the starting pay looks better....what type of classes do you have to take? I wonder if I already have a lot of them (science type). thanks! or if you know a college for it, I could look up the website for the school and see the cirriculum. thanks!!!