The Latin term “per diem” means “per day” or “each day.” Per diem nurse practitioners work on a temporary, short-term basis, usually only a few days at a time. As a per diem nurse practitioner, you are not a regular employee; you are called in to fill shifts when hospitals and other health care facilities need work periods covered, either for employees who call in sick or who are on vacation or have additional scheduled time off. You may work in various divisions of the same facility, or may be called in to work at different facilities within the same week. Per diem NPs have the same responsibilities as other nurse practitioners. You provide hands-on care to patients by assessing patients, administering medication, and carrying out treatment. Per diem nurse practitioners can even prescribe medicine with varying levels of independence.