How long after graduating nursing school can you get a per diem position? I have 5 years experience in ER as an LVN, and I transitioned to RN in October at the same hospital and unit.

I would wait a year.

When I first became a nurse you had to be an RN I to be able to go per diem. My new grad training was at Hoag Hospital. However I believe each hospital has their own policy to go per diem. Usually per diem means you want to work less. I don’t recommend it if you just have one year under your belt. I feel in order to provide safe care 5 years experience gives a strong baseline. There’s so much to be learned and experience that I don’t feel a year would be sufficient. There’s frequency and exposure to patient care makes you stronger. I am not familiar with LVN allows you to do. The LVNs I work with had many restrictions and limitations on care delivery. I hope that has changed and you can use your 5 years experience, but I would still give myself extra time and experience before going per diem.