Being an agency nurse sounds like an enticing idea. It is true that agency nurses experience
great benefits but it is not all glitz and glamour. There are certain downsides to being an agency
nurse. Here are some pros and cons to consider before you decide to become an agency nurse:
Higher Pay Rates vs. Extra Costs
Generally, agency nurses get paid more compared to nurses working in permanent positions.
With the power to choose the night shift as their preferred working schedule, agency nurses can
earn more through night differentials.
Another advantage that they also experience is getting paid more quickly compared to nurses
working in facilities and hospitals. Besides waiting for the end of the month, agency nurses
usually get paid shortly after their shifts.
However, agency nursing comes with extra costs like insurance. Agency nurses often have to
find insurance on their own and pay for it. This could be costly in the long run. Not to mention
that the salaries of agency nurses are much dependent on their availability.
Flexibility vs. Unpredictability
One of the best things agency nursing can bring into your life is that you get to work on your
own terms. You choose the shift that is most convenient for you and you get to choose what
hospital or facility you will work with. It is a great way to gain new experiences, learn new skills,
and take on additional responsibilities.
With that said, unpredictability also plays a huge factor in the lives of agency nurses. For some,
working in different environments and meeting new people can be stressful. If working in a
routine is much more comfortable for you, it does not hurt to have more time considering a
career in agency nursing.
Diversity vs. Teamwork
Working with different people can help improve your skills and knowledge. The more people you
interact with makes it more likely that you will learn new things that you can add to your arsenal
in your career. You also get to establish and expand your connections in the healthcare field
when working as an agency nurse.
However, being an agency nurse means you have to navigate around policies that are
unfamiliar to you when working a shift in new environments. It is also harder to work with new
people every now and then. With every shift, it takes time before you get used to the team
chemistry a facility or hospital is practicing.
If you went through the whole article and think that you have what it takes to become a
successful agency nurse, sign up with ShiftMate today!
Sources:
https://www.randstad.co.uk/market-insights/attracting-recruiting-talent/top-pros-cons-agency-nursing/
https://corporatecare.com.au/blog/is-agency-nursing-for-you/
https://clipboardhealth.com/pros-cons-of-working-for-a-nursing-agency
https://thenursespeak.com/staff-nursing-vs-agency-nursing-pros-and-cons/
https://www.hhstaff.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-being-an-agency-nurse
https://scrubsmag.com/8-pros-and-cons-of-agency-work/