When you say "per diem" I am assuming that you are an independent contractor and are being paid a 1099.  If that is the case then you are not necessarily covered by the hospital for unemployment insurance purposes.  Now, if you want to fight this and claim that you were treated as an employee and now your hours have been reduced and you want benefits, well, that is a different story.  State laws vary on whether or not you can collect for a reduction in time but the key here is being considered an employee.  There are certain facotrs that can be proven to show that you were indeed treated as an employee regardless of the way you are called or the way that you are paid.  Seek help from an attorney in your area.  Good luck.