The Independent RN

A Real-World Look at Per Diem Nursing- in California

Per diem nursing looks glamorous on social media. Popping up in new location weekly, or even daily. But the real version is about strategy, flexibility, and choosing control over burnout.

This page follows The Independent RN: a 1099 per diem nurse working per diem shifts across California, moving between facilities, managing her own schedule, and building a career that fits real life — not TV drama.

No filters. No fantasy. Just the real world of independent nursing.

What “Independent RN” Actually Means

The Independent RN is not a travel nurse on a long contract and not a full-time staff nurse locked into one unit.

She is:

• A 1099 taxed, per diem nurse.

• Working varying shifts, depending on the assignment.

• Traveling up and down California.

• Choosing where and when she works.

• Carrying essentials she needs from facility to facility.
  
  

This lifestyle offers freedom — but only if you’re prepared.

A Real Day in the Life (Per Diem, Day Shift)

There is no typical day.

Some days start early, with a long highway drive through an active storm.
Some shifts are smooth. Others are chaos.
Some facilities are welcoming. Others… not so much.

What stays consistent:

• Being ready for anything.

• Carrying your own things you find essential.

• Protecting your body, energy, and time.
  
  

This is independent nursing in the real world — not  highlight reel.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Gear That Makes Independent Nursing Possible

When you’re per diem, your gear matters more.
You may be at a new facility for just a day; is it really worth learning your way around? You don’t have a locker. You don’t have your usual unit supplies waiting for you.
What you bring is what you know you'll have.

Below are our nurse-approved essentials that support this nomad work-style.

Work Bag Essentials for Per Diem Nurses

A per diem nurse’s Work Bag is her mobile workstation.

Look for:

• A structured backpack or tote

• Easy-to-wipe material

• Multiple compartments

• Comfortable straps for long days

This bag needs to handle:

• Multiple facilities

• Long commutes

• Full 12-hour shifts
  
  

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Shoes for All-Day Shifts

When you are being hired on as the fill in help, you can bet they are going to get their money's worth. You aren't sitting.

Shoes need to be:

• Supportive for long hours

• Easy to clean

• Comfortable across different unit layouts

• Reliable for constant movement
  
  

This isn’t about fashion — it’s about getting through the shift without pain.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Tools She Actually Carries

When you float between facilities, consistency comes from having your own tools.

Common essentials:

• Pens that actually write
  
  

• An Identification Badge**
  
  

• A wipeable, infection-safe watch
  
  

• IV care products

Small tools make a big difference when nothing else is familiar.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Support & Recovery Between Shifts

Independent nurses don’t just work — they recover.

Between shifts matters.

Helpful recovery tools include:

• Compression socks
  
  

• Seat cushions for long drives
  
  

• Electrolytes or hydration tools
  
  

• Wrist or hand support gear
  
  

This lifestyle is freedom — but only if your body can keep up.

➡ (Amazon / TikTok affiliate links can be placed here)

Why This Lifestyle Works for the Right Nurse

Per diem independence isn’t for everyone — but for the right nurse, it’s powerful.

It offers:

• Schedule flexibility
  
  

• Exposure to different facilities
  
  

• Control over income and workload
  
  

• Freedom from unit politics
  
  

It also requires:

• Self-discipline
  
  

• Preparation
  
  

• Smart gear choices
  
  

• Strong boundaries
  
  

This is not “easy nursing.”
It’s intentional nursing.

Real World Nurses Final Word

The Independent RN isn’t chasing perfection.
She’s building a nursing life that works in the real world.

This page will continue to grow as her journey unfolds — with updated gear, real experiences, and practical insights for nurses considering the per diem path.

Because real nurses deserve real information.

See all recommended gear on the Best Nurse Gear page.

Disclosure

Some links on this page may be affiliate links. This means Real World Nurses may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only feature gear that supports real nursing work.