Hi all, I am a fairly new ER nurse with 2.5 years experience and 2 years pediatric home health experience prior. I have the opportunity to transition to local (within a 2 hour commute) with a rate of 65-75/hr per diem, or remain staff. heeeelllllp!!

To spend four hours a day driving would be a real negative. Increased gas expense, wear and tear on the car, and if a busy highway - stress an opportunity to b e late due to accidents. You will be as risk for falling asleep on way home.
High paid per diems are first to be canceled or sent home early for low census , per diems usually do not get benefits vacation, health, retirement). Your income will not be stable as it is now. You will make a higher salary and most likely end up in next tax bracket and not able to reduce it by contributions to 401 plan. For me less driving time and stability of regular paycheck would be driving factors but they may not be for you

Taxes will kill yo! You will most likely Make less money.

Cash is NOT everything. Do you receive benefits? (I doubt it). But if you have a spouse benis, or can get your own insurance go for it! Vacation time is usually not needed cos you can just save for it.

Per diem means you are not guaranteed hours. They have to fill up the full time nurses schedule first because they are guaranteed hours. Is your commute 2hours one way?

Will you require private health insurance if you go per diem? This can have a huge effect on your income.