Ask Rhode Island

Per Diem Nursing in Rhode Island

How per diem nursing works in RI, what RNs and LPNs earn per shift, the best platforms for finding shifts, and everything you need to start — without a long-term contract.

💰 $25–$75/hr📱 App-Based Platforms🏥 1,700+ RI RN Openings
Disclaimer: Pay rates vary by agency, specialty, facility, and shift type. This article is informational — verify current rates with platforms and employers before accepting shifts. Not affiliated with RIDOH or any licensing body.

What is per diem nursing?

"Per diem" means by the day. You work shift-by-shift as facilities need coverage — no guaranteed hours, no set schedule. You choose which shifts to pick up. In exchange, you earn significantly higher hourly rates than staff nurses.

ModelFlexibilityGuaranteed HoursBenefitsPay/hrStability
Staff NursingLowGuaranteedYesLower/hrHighest
Per Diem NursingHighNot guaranteedUsually noHigher/hrMedium
Travel NursingMediumContractedSometimesHighest totalLower

Per Diem Nursing Pay in Rhode Island (2026)

LPN (per diem)

Long-term care, assisted living, skilled nursing

$25–$38/hr

RN, General Med-Surg (per diem)

Most common per diem placement in RI

$32–$48/hr

RN, ICU / Critical Care (per diem)

High-acuity specialty — limited availability

$42–$65/hr

RN, OR / PACU (per diem)

Specialty shortage, premium rates

$45–$70/hr

RN, Float Pool (per diem)

Variable by facility and shift type

$38–$75/hr

RN, Emergency Department (per diem)

High demand at RI Hospital and Miriam

$40–$62/hr

Best Per Diem Nursing Platforms in Rhode Island

IntelyCare

App-based

One of the most active per diem platforms in Rhode Island. Connects nurses directly with facilities for single shifts. No traditional agency contract. Download, complete credentials, and start picking up shifts.

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Nursa

App-based

Fast-growing per diem platform with Rhode Island presence. Transparent rates posted per shift. You choose which shifts to accept — no commitment required.

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Lifespan Flex Staff Pool

Direct (internal)

Lifespan's own internal per diem pool for Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam Hospital, Women & Infants, and other facilities. Apply directly through Lifespan HR. Higher loyalty, direct relationship with hospital.

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Brown University Health Internal Per Diem

Direct (internal)

Brown University Health's internal per diem/flex pool. Apply through their careers portal. Preferred over agency for many nurses who want to build a relationship with one health system.

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AMN Healthcare / NurseChoice

Traditional agency

Traditional per diem agency with RI hospital contracts. Good for experienced per diem nurses who want agency support and benefits.

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Per Diem Nursing Rhode Island — FAQs

How many hours do per diem nurses typically work in Rhode Island?

There are no guaranteed hours in per diem nursing — that's the trade-off for flexibility. Most per diem nurses in Rhode Island work 2–4 shifts per week, picking up based on what's available and what they choose to accept. Experienced per diem nurses with multiple facility relationships can often fill their schedule as much as they want.

Do per diem nurses get benefits in Rhode Island?

Typically no. Per diem nurses are usually W-2 or 1099 workers without employer-sponsored health insurance, PTO, or retirement benefits. You'll need to purchase your own health coverage (through COBRA, marketplace, or a spouse's plan) and handle your own retirement contributions.

What credentials do I need to work per diem in Rhode Island?

You'll need an active Rhode Island RN or LPN license (or a multistate compact license from an NLC state), current BLS/ACLS certification (depending on unit), and an updated immunization record. Most platforms and facilities also require at least 1 year of experience in your specialty.

Can new graduate nurses work per diem in Rhode Island?

Most per diem platforms and facilities require a minimum of 1 year of RN experience. New grads are encouraged to start in a staff position to build skills and clinical judgment before moving to per diem. Some platforms have begun accepting new grads in limited settings — check IntelyCare's current requirements.

Is per diem nursing taxed differently?

If you work as a 1099 independent contractor (common on some platforms), you'll pay self-employment tax and need to file quarterly estimated taxes. W-2 per diem workers are taxed like regular employees. Unlike travel nurses, per diem workers generally don't receive tax-free stipends — your full rate is taxable.

Start Picking Up Shifts

Ready to Go Per Diem in Rhode Island?

IntelyCare and Nursa are the fastest paths to per diem shifts in Rhode Island. Download, credential, and start picking up shifts within days.