Nurse Work-Life Balance: Choosing the Right Nurse Contract Type

Last Updated on October 6, 2023

Young female nursing professional smiling holding a tablet

Nurse work-life balance can be a challenge to achieve. Nurses have the second-highest incidence of work-life balance issues. They are among the most important members of any healthcare team, so it’s crucial that they have a balanced lifestyle to feel refreshed and rested. There are a few different types of nursing contracts, each with its own set of benefits.

Here are some of the most popular types of job contracts for nurses and how nurses can select the contract type that best fits their lifestyle to achieve work/life balance.

Per Diem Nursing

A per diem nurse is a nurse who works on an as-needed basis. This type of contract is ideal for nurses who want flexibility and the ability to choose their own hours or take on additional shifts outside of their normal work schedule.

Per diem nurses can work as little or as much as they want, and they can usually choose their own hours. This type of contract is a good option if you need a flexible schedule.

Some of the benefits of being a per diem nurse include:

  • You can pick your own hours: This is the biggest benefit of being a per diem nurse. You can work when you want and take time off when you need it. If you have family or other commitments, this can be a great way to balance your work and life.
  • You can choose your assignments: As a per diem nurse, you can usually choose where you want to work.
  • You have a flexible schedule: Another benefit of being a per diem nurse is that you have a flexible schedule.

Responsibilities of a per diem nurse:

  • As a per diem nurse, you will be responsible for providing patient safety in a variety of settings. You will also be responsible for maintaining patient records and keeping track of your own schedule.
  • You may also be responsible for choosing your own assignments and hours. This can be a great way to see different parts of the country or world.

Travel Nursing

A travel nurse is a nurse who works temporarily in a different city or state. This type of contract is ideal for nurses who want to travel or see different parts of the country.

Travel nurses typically work 13-week assignments, although some positions may be shorter or longer. They also usually have a set schedule, which can make it easier to balance work and life.

Some of the benefits of being a travel nurse include:

  • You can travel: One of the biggest benefits of being a travel nurse is that you can travel. If you want to see different parts of the country, this is a great way to do it.
  • You usually get benefits: Most travel nurse positions come with benefits, such as health insurance and retirement savings plans.
  • You have a set schedule: Another benefit of being a travel nurse is that you have a set schedule. This can make it easier to balance work and life, which further leads to positive mental health necessary for your own health as well as your patients.

Responsibilities of a travel nurse:

  • As a travel nurse, you will be responsible for providing care to patients in a variety of hospital setting. You will also be responsible for maintaining patient records in the healthcare system and keeping track of your own schedule.

Permanent Nursing

A permanent nurse is a nurse who has a full-time, salaried position with a hospital or other health care facility. This type of contract is ideal for nurses who want stability and a predictable schedule.

Permanent nurses are healthcare professionals who typically work 40 hours per week, although some positions may require more or fewer hours. They also usually have a set schedule, which can make it easier to balance work and life.

Some of the benefits of being a permanent nurse include:

  • You have a stable income: One of the biggest benefits of being a permanent nurse is that you have a stable income. This can be a big relief if you have financial commitments.
  • You have a predictable schedule: Another benefit of being a permanent nurse is that you have a predictable schedule. This can make it easier to balance work and life.
  • You usually get benefits: Most permanent nurse positions come with benefits, such as health insurance and retirement savings plans. If you need these things, this type of contract is a good option.

Responsibilities of a permanent nurse:

  • As a permanent nurse, you will be responsible for providing care to patients. This includes assessing patient outcomes, developing treatment plans, and administering medication.
  • You will also be responsible for documenting patient care and maintaining medical records. In addition, you may be responsible for supervising nursing staff and other healthcare workers.

We Have the Nursing Contract Types You’re Looking For!

With different contract types, you can achieve nurse work-life balance. No matter which nursing contract type you choose, you can find the nursing job you’re seeking here at CareerStaff Unlimited. As one of the nation’s longest-running and most reliable nursing job providers, we’re proud to offer opportunities throughout the United States.

So, whether you prefer a per diem nursing assignment that’s close to home, a permanent nursing assignment, or a once-in-a-lifetime travel adventure, we’ve got a nursing job you’ll love. New positions open up every day, so take the stress out of finding your next assignment — join the CareerStaff roster today!

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