22 Apr Interesting Facts About Nurse Agency Work
Breaking into nurse agency work can feel like entering a jungle of unfamiliar terms, application processes, and legalities. There’s a vast amount of information available online and from agencies themselves, and it can be overwhelming to sort through it all. Some sources may be outdated, contain biases, or be outright misleading. It’s crucial to find trustworthy resources to ensure you’re making informed decisions about your career path.
This blog dives deep beyond the basic surface information about agency work. Our goal is to equip you with a well-rounded understanding of what to expect. We’ll explore hidden perks, potential, and everything in between to help you decide if agency work is the right fit for your nursing career. Get ready to take the plunge! We’re about to explore the fascinating world of interesting facts about nurse agency work and equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate it successfully.
Travel opportunities
Travel agency nurses have the chance to travel all over the UK. You could work in London, the Cotswold, or even Birmingham! Plus, travel nursing can be quite lucrative– facilities and agencies are willing to pay mega bucks to attain nurses who are flexible and willing to delve into the unknown. Many agencies provide perks like sign-on bonuses, housing and food stipends, and travel expense reimbursement. Also, there’s a high demand for travel nurses across various specialities.
The concept of travel nurses is relatively new, dating back to the late 1970s. Back then, nurses were brought in specifically to address a surge in patients during Mardi Gras.
Not just a stepping stone
Traditionally, nurse agency work was seen as a stepping stone on the way to a permanent job. But that’s just not true anymore. Lots of nurses choose agency work as a career on its own because of the benefits like better pay and being able to work when they want.
High chance of finding a permanent job
Did you know? Around a third of nurses end up with permanent employment after agency work because their assigned facilities were such huge fans of their work. This is vital information because you get to look forward to the camaraderie of being in a permanent position with a team and a sense of community.
The benefits can be creative
Not all agencies or facilities offer traditional benefits packages. Some might provide perks like continuing education stipends, gym memberships, or even free housing during travel assignments. Be sure to ask about benefits during the wage negotiation dance.
Negotiation Leverage
Agencies typically have a set pay rate for a facility, but some flexibility might exist. Knowing the facility’s typical pay range and your in-demand skills can give you some wiggle room when negotiating your hourly rate with an agency like Proximity Healthcare.
Short-term doesn’t mean unfulfilling
While some agency gigs are one-offs, others are repeats because of the specific skills desired, especially if you’re an experienced nurse with additional certification. You might be able to land a long-term contract with a familiar team and environment, enjoying agency flexibility with a touch of stability, which could be a great way to test the waters at a hospital, clinic, or other facility.
Building your network
Agency work can be an awesome way to mingle with colleagues in the same speciality as you! These connections can be valuable for future job opportunities or simply building a strong professional network, a long-term advantage to your career.
Did any of these facts surprise you? Hopefully, you now have a more rounded understanding of the caveats of nurse agency work from reading these facts. Contact Proximity Healthcare if you have any questions about nurse agency work. We would love to be of service!