Hi there,
Hospitals do hire thier own staff. They have full time, part time, and resource positions. Full time and part time employees are scheduled for a set amount of hours based on thier FTE, and are offered benefits. Per diem employees are paid at a higher rate, but are not gauranteed hours and do not recive benefits.

Hospitals contract with agencies to fill shift openings that they are not able to with thier own staff. Agencies usually offer higher pay rates, and some offer benefits such as health insurance. How many hours you can work each week through an agency depends on the nursing shortage/ demand for shifts in your area. I am in Portland, OR which only has two hospitals with peds units, so shifts are scarce.

I hope this helps.

Thanks,
Heather

Thank you, I am getting the idea!