Per diem pay for nurses refers to a daily rate of compensation provided to healthcare professionals who work on an as-needed basis, often without a fixed schedule or long-term commitment. Unlike salaried or hourly employees, per diem nurses are typically paid a set rate for each shift they work, which can vary depending on the location, facility, and demand. For example, in states like California, Minnesota, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, the annual salaries for per diem nurses range from approximately $67,405 to $68,403, with hourly wages around $32.63 to $32.89. While per diem work offers flexibility and the potential for higher pay per shift, it may lack benefits such as health insurance or paid time off, so nurses should consider these factors when evaluating if per diem work is a good deal for their career and financial needs.