A per diem nurse conducts all of the same tasks and has most of the same responsibilities as any other nurse. The difference is that per diem nurses do not work a set schedule and are not under contract to do so. They fill vacancies in the schedule as needed and desired. Per diem nurses provide all types of nursing care according to their license (RN, CNA, LPN, etc.), including administering medication, helping with patient needs and procedures, updating medical records, and communicating with physicians and other staff members.