Factors that Determine If You’ve Chosen the Right Nursing Agency
When you decide to pursue a career in agency nursing, you will have a satisfying experience despite the challenges. With the help of an established nursing agency, you can make the most of the opportunities that come your way. Working with an agency that follows the NHS framework has many perks for both new and experienced nurses.
From the choice of shifts to revalidation support and high pay rates, you will find several reasons to work with them. But, it’s essential to start looking for nursing agencies that suit your expectations and wants to get an edge over other candidates. Here are some ways to make your agency hunt easier.
Communication is Vital
If you want to find a rewarding temporary nursing shift in an NHS or private sector hospital, you need an agency that maintains open communications. The agency should not only understand your requirements but also maintain honesty and transparency while communicating with you.
Whenever you ask a question or raise a doubt, they should respond immediately with the latest updates. Due to changing preferences in the methods of communication, it is also essential for the agencies to provide multiple modes of interactions. Whether you prefer emailing or talking over the phone, it should be accessible for you.
Type of Shifts Available
Agency nursing opens several channels of opportunities for nurses. It offers you chances to work in different settings and specialities, depending on your preferences. If you prefer working closer to the home, look for a locally based agency that can offer you roles in your vicinity.
Even if you want to venture out of the country, NHS-approved agencies can provide employment opportunities in overseas nursing.
Adaptable to Changing Technologies
With the healthcare sector stepping into the digital domain, many new technologies have entered the field of nursing as well. A large number of nurses spend their time using automated processes and digital tools.
If you prefer working with the latest technologies, choose an agency that follows these trends and help you with fast processes at every step. From online registration through mobile phones to digital timesheets, they should facilitate fast and efficient digital services.
Career Guidance and Support
As an agency nurse in the UK, you have to understand specific standards and rules related to the industry. Whether it's about new legislation or changing ways of submitting the timesheets, you may need an expert counselling for many reasons. Hence, when looking for nursing agencies, choose the one that provides online support and a network of advisors to help you.
With assistance from the agency, you can remain compliant with the NHS standards at all times. Here, don’t forget to check if the agency is available at the times suitable for you. You may not be free to discuss your issues during the typical working hours. So, look for an agency that comes with 24/7 support even if you work night shifts.
Training Support
If you want to progress your career in the field of nursing, you need proper training and guidance. This is where a nursing agency can help a lot. Right from clinical skill workshops to training on IV therapies and medication procedures, your agency should have a course for every need. Also, look if they have proper training programs for every nursing speciality, be it A&E, paediatrics, cardiology, or others.
Pay Rates and Structures
Undoubtedly, rewards in nursing jobs go beyond financial remuneration. But, higher pay grades are still a major attraction if you want to work in this field. It is a perk to receive competitive salaries for performing your duties under stressful conditions. So, it will help if you always ask the agency about the pay rates they can offer.
Here, it is vital to know that agency rates may vary due to the shift type, hospital setting, and speciality. Pay rates may also differ
between framework and non-framework agencies. Though the grades are slightly lower for framework agencies, they offer additional benefits like work security, flexible shifts, block bookings, and different modes of payments.
Additional Services
Apart from placement and training, some nursing agencies also provide a wide gamut of additional services. Whether you need assistance with NMC registration, or want help for securing a DBS certificate, choose an agency that offers every service you need. A reputable nursing agency may also help you to find suitable referrals and assist you in completing documentation for work eligibility.
Strong Rapport with the Candidates
While looking for a suitable nursing agency, check if they have a good rapport and positive relationships with the candidates. This kind of understanding helps the agencies to customize every opportunity according to individual preferences.
Also, it helps with the management of payroll and onboarding for the nurses. Some well-established nursing agencies in the UK also provide individual consultants who work closely with the nurses and help them to make the right career choices.
With these factors in mind, start your job hunt and look for an agency that ticks all the right boxes.
