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Posted on: 20 March 2023
Published: April 2026 | Quality Healthcare Staffing
Per diem nursing is one of the fastest-growing segments of the healthcare workforce in New York City. Nurses who choose per diem work earn premium rates, set their own schedules, and gain exposure to diverse clinical environments — all without the constraints of a permanent position.
If you’re an RN, LPN, or CNA exploring per diem opportunities in NYC or NJ, this guide is for you.
“Per diem” is Latin for “by the day.” In healthcare staffing, it refers to nurses and aides who are hired on a shift-by-shift or short-notice basis to fill gaps at hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and specialty care settings.
Unlike travel nursing (which involves 13-week contracts in different cities), per diem work is local. You pick up shifts at facilities near you, often with as little as 24–48 hours’ notice.
NYC per diem rates are among the highest in the country, driven by facility shortages and union wage floors.
Registered Nurse (RN): $65–$95/hour for general floors; $80–$120/hour for ICU/critical care
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): $40–$60/hour
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): $22–$35/hour
Home Health Aide (HHA): $20–$28/hour
Note: Rates vary by facility, specialty, and shift differential (nights/weekends pay more).
Quality Healthcare Staffing connects nurses to per diem opportunities at competitive rates, with transparent pay practices — no hidden deductions.
1. Schedule control
You choose when you work. Need every Friday off? Want to work 4 days straight and take 10 days off? Per diem gives you that control.
2. Premium pay
Per diem nurses earn significantly more per hour than staff nurses, compensating for the lack of employer-sponsored benefits.
3. Clinical variety
Working across multiple facilities accelerates clinical skill development. Per diem nurses often describe their practice as more adaptable and well-rounded than their staff counterparts.
4. Faster career mobility
Strong per diem performance across multiple facilities builds a reputation quickly. Many of our highest-placed QHS nurses transitioned to supervisory roles within 18 months.
Registered Nurses: Active NYS license, minimum 1 year clinical experience, current CPR/BLS
LPNs: Active NYS license, 1 year LTC or acute care experience
CNAs: Active NYS certification, 6 months facility experience
Psychiatric Nurses: Active NYS license, psychiatric rotation or specialization
We also place travel nurses on 8–13 week assignments throughout NY and NJ.
At QHS, our average time from application to first shift is 72 hours for candidates with current credentials and availability. Our fastest placements have been same-day.
What speeds up your placement:
✅ Current CPR/BLS certification (we verify, not just request)
✅ Updated immunization records (flu, TB, Hep B)
✅ Flexible availability (days + nights increases placement speed by 40%)
✅ At least 2 clinical references ready to verify
Apply directly through our ATS portal. Our recruiter team responds to all complete applications within 24 hours.
📍 Apply: [prioritygroups.org/ats/](https://prioritygroups.org/ats/)
🌐 Learn more: [qhstaff.com](https://qhstaff.com)
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Quality Healthcare Staffing is a licensed healthcare staffing agency serving New York City and New Jersey. We place RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and HHAs in per diem, short-term contract, and travel nursing assignments. Learn more at qhstaff.com.