Nursing Terminology for Job Searchers
Nursing Vocabulary for Job Seekers
Have you taken a moment to think about the extent of vocabulary you've developed since starting your nursing career? The vast array of symptoms and conditions alone may easily exceed thousands. When you also consider interventions, acronyms, medications and their interactions, tests, procedures, and terms associated with various specialties, it’s quite possible you've accumulated more than 50,000 terms, with new ones being added every day.
One area that may not have received enough attention in your training is the wealth of terminology and descriptions you'll encounter during your job search in nursing. To aid you in your search, we’ve put together a handy glossary for your reference.
Contract Position
A contract position is generally a temporary role within a defined department or project, with specific duration outlined. Such roles can span from a few weeks to cover for a colleague’s absence or can last for a longer term, always having set start and end dates. Responsibilities are predictable; compensation may be salary or hourly, and benefits could be included.
If a nurse excels in a contract position, they might be offered a renewal for the same or a different assignment. Hospitals, long-term care centers, clinics, and specialty facilities, as well as travel nursing agencies, frequently provide contract roles, enabling nurses to customize their schedules according to personal needs.
Flexible Role
A nursing position labeled as flexible is often part-time or per diem, offering varied hours and schedules, which grants employees significant control over their work. These roles are usually temporary or short-term, without long-term commitments from either side, typically offered by hospitals, clinics, or staffing agencies to address short-term needs or projects. Nurses in flexible roles need to be adaptable to changes in work environments and tasks and may sometimes have to travel within the hospital system.
Flexible positions can be an ideal way to supplement income without being bound to a single facility or set schedule.
Internal Float
Nurses assigned to internal float roles work within a single healthcare facility and are temporarily dispatched to units or departments in need of assistance. Hospitals prefer internal float nurses, as they provide skilled and quality care during times of staffing shortages, vacations, and increases in patient numbers.
Those in internal float roles must deploy a range of skills depending on the unit they are placed in, making adaptability vital. These roles present a great opportunity to enhance skills, gain experience, and explore preferences across various specialties.
Internal Registry
Hospitals may hire nurses for internal registry roles to cover shifts for permanent staff members who are absent for various reasons. The term 'internal' signifies that the hiring is conducted by the facility itself rather than through an agency. These roles can be either temporary or per diem, often not guaranteeing steady hours weekly. Nurses in these positions may find themselves working across various departments or units, which requires adaptability and a diverse skill set.
Positions in an internal registry provide valuable exposure to various specialties.
Internal Travel
Internal travel nursing assignments are typically temporary or per diem, similar to internal registry roles. However, internal travel nurses specifically fill in for absent staff within one facility or across affiliated sites, necessitating rapid acclimatization to various units’ routines and equipment.
Locum
The term locum indicates a temporary nursing assignment at a particular healthcare facility, primarily covering for absences due to vacations, illnesses, or maternity leave. These assignments can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the organization’s needs.
Locum nurses may be engaged by hospitals, long-term care facilities, or other healthcare organizations, and they can work either as independent contractors or through an agency. This type of role requires adaptability, as nurses may be assigned to different departments, offering diversity and flexibility.
Per Diem
Per diem nurses are employed to work on an as-needed basis, responding to staffing shortages, special projects, or increased patient volumes. They are typically paid hourly and do not usually receive benefits. Although these positions lack a fixed schedule or guaranteed hours, nurses often have the option to declare their availability.
Per diem roles offer significant flexibility and a chance for additional income, along with networking opportunities within the healthcare field. Alternatively, per diem roles may be known as Casual Contingent.
Permanent
Permanent nursing positions offer stability and an ongoing commitment. Nurses who choose such roles can expect to work indefinitely with the organization, with no set end date. These positions generally come with designated hours, though individual schedules may vary. Compensation can be hourly or salaried, and full-time permanent employees typically receive benefits.
Being a permanent staff member represents a long-term commitment that fosters deep relationships within a team, allowing nurses to fully leverage their potential for professional development and advancement into leadership positions.
Registry
Registry roles can be temporary or per diem, provided via healthcare facilities or staffing agencies. Regardless of the employer, these roles are often short-term and do not entail a long-term commitment.
Similar to per diem positions, registry nurse roles allow nurses to indicate their availability and serve to cover staff absences. While they do not guarantee hours, they provide the flexibility of diverse work environments and the opportunity to expand professional networks.
Staff
Staff nursing positions are the same as permanent roles, indicating a mutual commitment between the nurse and the facility with no defined end date. Whether full or part-time, staff roles have designated hours in specific departments. Salary and benefits are typically agreed upon, providing a higher level of job security and stability while allowing nurses to develop lasting connections and seek professional growth opportunities.
Strike
Strike nurse roles are temporary emergency positions established to cover nursing responsibilities usually handled by striking staff members. These short-term roles exist only for the duration of the strike but are crucial for maintaining patient care and operational continuity in healthcare settings. Nurses who enter strike positions should be flexible and ready to handle a variety of responsibilities and may need to engage with striking colleagues.
