Are you one or the 60% of nurses considering leaving full-time work? Perhaps you are just beginning your nursing career and don’t know where to start? Agency nursing is an enticing option, offering nurses a chance to explore various settings, exercise adaptability, and take control of their schedules. However, like any profession, agency nursing is not without its fair share of myths and misconceptions that can put people off from exploring agency assignments. In this blog, we’ll embark on a journey to dispel the myths about working as an agency nurse. From the flexibility and skill development opportunities to the potential challenges, we’ll provide you with an accurate and comprehensive understanding of this intriguing career path.

Let’s dive into the world of agency nursing and separate fact from fiction, ensuring you have the insights you need to make informed decisions about your nursing journey!

How does agency nursing work?

Agency nursing involves working through a staffing agency on a temporary basis, filling staffing gaps in a variety of healthcare settings. Nurses can choose assignments based on preference, location, and schedule, enjoying greater flexibility. An agency nurse’s salary varies depending on factors like experience, location, and specialty, with assignments often offering competitive compensation.

 

5 myths about working as an agency nurse

Over the years we’ve heard all sorts of myths about life working as an agency nurse! Here are some of the most common misconceptions and the reality of agency nursing:

Myth: Agency nursing is only for experienced nurses
Because agency nursing requires nurses to seamlessly transition into a wide range of different healthcare settings and immediately provide high-quality care, many people assume you need to have a lot of previous experience.

Reality:
While experience is valuable in agency nursing, it’s not a requirement. Many agencies offer opportunities for nurses at different stages of their careers, including recent graduates. Newer nurses can gain valuable exposure to diverse clinical environments, enhance their skills, and develop adaptability through agency assignments. Agencies often provide orientation and support to ensure nurses are ready to take on assignments and deliver the best patient care.

Myth: Agency nursing isn’t a stable career
There is a belief that agency nursing is not a stable or consistent career choice. This is because agency nurses might experience gaps between temporary assignments, leading to an inconsistent income and potential uncertainty in their work schedules.

Reality:
While agency nursing might not provide the same type of stability as a traditional permanent position, it offers a different kind of stability. Healthcare employers have ongoing needs for temporary staffing, which can provide nurses with a steady flow of assignments and agency nurses are in high demand! Additionally, agency nurses can have more control over their schedules, choosing when and where they work, and they can manage their assignments to maintain a consistent income and lifestyle.

Myth: Agency nurses can’t build meaningful connections
A big part of why you became a nurse is the ability to develop connections with your patients and colleagues. You might think that moving between assignments will make it more difficult to build meaningful relationships with patients, colleagues, and administrators and that this might impact your ability to provide top quality care.

Reality:
While agency nurses may not have the same long-term relationships as staff nurses, they can still forge meaningful connections. Their adaptability allows them to quickly establish rapport with patients, colleagues, and multidisciplinary teams. Agency nurses often have extremely strong effective communication and interpersonal skills, which can lead to genuine connections. While these bonds might be different from those formed over years, they can still have a significant impact on patient care and professional experiences.

Myth: Agency nurses have fewer opportunities to build skills
A big misconception is that agency nurses, due to their frequent shifts in various healthcare settings, have limited opportunities to build and enhance their skills and that their constantly changing work environment makes it more difficult to develop expertise in specific areas.

The reality:
Agency nursing provides unique opportunities for skill development . Nurses working in different facilities and specialties gain exposure to diverse patient populations, procedures, and healthcare practices. This exposure can accelerate skill-building and broaden clinical knowledge. Because agency nurses must adapt quickly to new situations, they build key soft skills such as flexibility, time-management and problem-solving —all essential for nursing expertise. Agencies also offer training and orientation to ensure nurses are competent and prepared for their assignments.

Myth: Agency nursing means lots of night shifts and travelling
There’s a widespread belief that agency nursing entails a constant stream of night shifts and extensive travel, making it unsuitable for those who prefer regular daytime hours and staying close to home.

Reality:
While agency nursing does offer flexibility and travel opportunities, it’s important to know that you can choose assignments that align with your preferences. While night shifts and travel might be appealing to some nurses, agency nurses have the autonomy to select assignments that suit their schedule and location preferences. If a nurse prefers day shifts or wants to minimize travel, they can communicate these preferences to the agency, potentially leading to a variety of assignment options that cater to their needs. This flexibility is one of the attractive features of agency nursing, allowing nurses to shape their work experiences according to their lifestyle and preferences.

Why you should consider working as an agency nurse!

 
Agency nursing has many benefits. You too can:

• Choose assignments to fit your schedule and preferences
• Get exposure to a variety of healthcare settings and specialties
• Develop new soft skills and clinical expertise
• Enjoy the potential for higher earnings compared to traditional roles.
• Enjoy more control over your work-life balance and career trajectory

If you are ready to take on the challenge of agency nursing, you’ll need a dedicated partner to help you find assignments that suit you. Discover a wide variety of temporary and contract opportunities across the UK with ProMedical. Whether you are looking to broaden your skillset, experience new areas of nursing or elevate your earning potential we provide a comprehensive and quality service.

Reach out today for details on agency nursing positions that match your skills and aspirations and could award a higher rate of pay or search our current roles.