Yes, this is called a sharing circle. Don’t come at me.
Who looks out for nurses? No one. So we’re doing it ourselves.
Think of this as an extended group of work wives and work husbands.
Not into kumbaya? Well, my dear, are worth the time it takes to find that delicious version of yourself....the one who’s living a nurse life that feels right.
This is where we share the shit that works, the parts that don’t, and how we’re making this career work for us. Nurse to nurse.
So relax back, make a cup of tea or do some affirmations or whatever and read on.
Meet Alex, a seasoned RN who lives out of state but flies into the Bay Area to work per diem at Kaiser Permanente in the East Bay. She’s been there four years and has built a solid system. Let's get into it, shall we?
Q: Let’s start with the big number. What do you make?
Alex: “As a per diem in CA, I make $136.65 per hr."
Q: Is that a lot higher for you back home in Indiana?
Alex: "Yes. I make more than 3x in CA than in home hospital. But cost of living back home is way cheaper."
Q: And it still works after travel costs?
Alex: “Yes. One 12-hour shift covers my travel and hotel. If I’m working 8s, I need two. I usually work six 12s in a row so that I can maximize on one trip. If that makes sense.
Q: Yes, totally. Bigger bang for your buck. So, where do you stay?
Alex: “I book the hotel across the street from the hospital for $79 a night. It has a fridge and microwave, so I get groceries delivered and pack meals. I don’t rent a car or eat out.”
Q: How do you fly in/out?
Alex:
“I fly Southwest into Oakland (vs San Francisco) it saves on Ubers. I use points and book sale fares, usually Tuesday or Wednesday. I fly in the morning before my first night shift, and home right after my last.”
Q: How does this fit with your home hospital job?
Alex:
“I’m per diem back home too which just 2 shifts every 6 weeks. I plan my California shifts first, then pick up at home only if needed. That way when I’m home, I’m truly off for family life.”
Q: Why nights?
Alex: “Nights pay almost $15 more an hour. To be fully transparent, my pay is $121.73 an hour with a $14.92 night shift differential. Plus, I’ve always worked nights - it’s my rhythm. ”
Q: How did you develop this idea and plan?
Alex: “I had some guidance from friends, but I figured out the rest on my own like housing, timing, how to stretch my schedule. It was a leap, but it’s working.”
Q: What would be your advice to others?
Alex: Stack your shifts. Be strategic with travel. Keep it lean. If you can make it work logistically, per diem nursing in California can be a game-changer.
———
And there you have it my my badge-wearing beauties.
Flying in, stacking shifts, making it make sense. This path isn’t for everyone, but it might spark something for you.
The flexibility...the pay...more on your terms.Either way, we’re here, figuring it out together.
No hustle hype. No guilt. Just options.
With love (and good hourly rates),
—Casey
No names are collected. No logins. 100% anonymous.
