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According to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), the estimated nursing vacancies currently across the United Kingdom are around 25,000. It is believed that with the working class still coming to terms with the new IR35 legislation changes, nurses aren’t finding their permanent position at the hospital economically beneficial. However, there’s more to it! It’s a no-brainer why more and more nurses prefer nursing agencies over hospitals and clinics to drive their career. For starters, agency nurses have the opportunity to take different positions and shifts unlike in hospitals where they hold a permanent position.
Nurses are anticipating their futures within the sector, and nursing agencies have proved to be the right catalyst for this aspect. There are many benefits to being part of the best Nursing Agency in Cornwall.
The primary ones include:
High pay with different payment options
Developing skills
Trying a new setting
Flexible working hours and shifts
While agency work isn’t for everyone, it offers control and flexibility along with a higher earning potential. This is the reason why working as an agency nurse is an option that many nurses are turning to. Nurses who work for agencies say that it allows them to provide high standards of care to the patients, which is not possible when you work at a hospital since there certain limitations.
With that said, let’s discuss why becoming an agency nurse is the best career option.
#1 Maintain and Develop your Skills Set
When you work as an agency nurse, you will be working within a variety of settings. In simple terms, you are free to try different things. You can work in a variety of departments, apply for different types of shifts, and expand your knowledge and experience across a broad spectrum in the field of medicine. You will gain experience across different departments and facilities and learn from professionals around you. Working with different patients and colleagues will help you develop your existing skills as well as pick up new skills. Last but not least, working in different departments across numerous health institutions will allow you to learn more about different technologies and equipment as well as new ways of treatment and working in medical science. These are all you need to perfect your resume.
#2 Flexible Working Hours
Working as an agency nurse gives you the privilege to choose shifts you want to work. Whether you want to work only days or if you prefer only nights with weekend off, you can do so; there are no restrictions or limitations when it comes to your schedule. This is a great aspect for those with family commitments. Moreover, if you are thinking about pursuing higher studies in nursing, you can do so without any hassle. Working as a permanent nurse at a hospital will not give you freedom and time, and if you want to go for higher studies, you will have to leave your job. With an agency, you have the option of choosing both temporary assignments and permanent placements – you can specify how many hours you wish to work.
#3 Greater Nursing Pay Rates
When compared to permanent NHS nurses, nurses working for an agency receive higher rates of pay. Events like staff sickness, relieve from employment, etc. takes place in hospitals on almost every single day. However, hospitals fail to cope with the shortage of staff in the most effective way. The economics of supply and demand is put into the play here. As an agency nurse, you are flexible to charge your rate based on your experience and working hours. Employers, who have a shortage of staff with lots of work on their plate, will not negotiate on the rate. The best part, you don’t have to wait for a month to get paid. Most nursing agencies follow a weekly pay system where the independent nurses are paid on a weekly basis. However, some also offer daily pay, as well. Even just one shift per week could put £200 or more in your pocket!
#4 You get to Travel
Working as an agency nurse offers a bit of travel. Since you are free to choose shifts wherever in the UK you wish, you can travel to new places and meet new people. If you love the idea of living between different parts of the country, you can do this without compromising your career. You can work for state-of-the-art hospitals across the country, work with highly experienced people in the health sector, and more.
#5 A Chance to Network
Being an agency nurse, you will be working in a variety of departments and in different locations. This gives you a chance to work with some of the finest in the industry. If you are a hard worker and know what you are doing, your reputation will start preceding you.
If you are looking for a change in your nursing career, working for an agency may open doors that no other means can.
