Fresh Facts For New Nurses
SSo you finished school and you're ready to explore your new career. Why not explore all your options while you're at it? Below you'll find answers to a variety of questions every new nursing graduate has on his or her mind.

What do I have to do to become a Per Diem nurse?
To become a Per Diem nurse, you need to have a degree from an accredited nursing program in the United States or Canada. You need to provide a valid professional practice license or certification, and proof of the right to work in the United States. Some employers (including MSN) require at least one year of professional nursing experience before they can hire you, but don't be discouraged - the jobs, not to mention the pay rates, improve dramatically with every year you work in the field!

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How do I know if Per Diem is right for me?
If you crave change and enjoy meeting new people, then Per Diem nursing may be the perfect job for you. A good Per Diem nurse is motivated, highly skilled, flexible, and has the ability to adapt and enjoy new environments.

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How will working as a Per Diem nurse look on my resume?
Fantastic! Being a Per Diem nurse will show that you have a broad base of experience and that you are flexible. What a way to show off your ability to successfully adapt to new situations and environments!

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Where can I work?
All over! All types of hospitals seek out Per Diem nurses to complete their team. If you want to work at a small hometown hospital or you feel more comfortable at an esteemed teaching facility, with MSN, the choice is yours. Whether you want to work up the street or across the country, we can get you there. It's all up to you.

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Is there really a nursing shortage or is it just an increased demand for certain specialties?
It's both. Healthcare organizations say it's both an increased demand and a supply shortage. Experienced nurses in key specialties are in short supply, but so are nurses in just about every arena. Shortages are regional, but intense.*

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What is causing the nursing shortage?
There are many factors contributing to the nursing shortage*:

• Growing demand - During the nation's economic slump, many people put off getting health care because of financial troubles or a lack of insurance. With the economy up, so is the demand. Without the new graduate pipeline, there are fewer nurses available to replace those who retire or leave for other opportunities. Currently, the ratio of RNs in their 40s to RNs in their 20s is four to one.
• Lower baccalaureate enrollment - In fall 2000, entry-level BSN enrollment fell by 2.1 percent, dropping for the sixth year in a row, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
• Higher hospital census and greater acuity - Modifications in managed care and a new push for competitive quality is increasing patient days, hours of nursing care and the recognition of the role of the RN.

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Find out more about the nursing field in general by visiting

www.DiscoverNursing.com
www.NursingSpectrum.com
www.NurseWeek.com
www.NursingSociety.org

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* Info taken from the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, July 2001