Should I work for an agency??

Specialties Agency

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Specializes in LTC.

I am an LPN in LTC with 8 months experience. I am seriously considering quitting my job - my first job as a nurse - and going to work for an agency. I am frustrated with work, but I would stay if there wasn't so much politics going on among the staff. I am beginning to feel out of place..

So I am thinking about joining an agency.. but have some reservations because my strong point is being able to rely on the familiar routine of my regular shifts. However - I think going to different places could give me good experiences to learn from.

How tough is it to work a new routine every time you go to work? How do agency nurses organize their time? Would I be well received by agency even tho I only have 8 months experience?? Tell me why you like agency work!

:flowersfo

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Specializes in ICU.

Most agencies require at least a minimum of 1 year experience. In order to be an agency nurse you need to be able to work with little to no orientation. I would say if your current position is not working out for you, start looking for another permanent job, and once you are done with orientation there and feel confident that you know what you are doing there you can reconsider the agency idea. I think working agency would be difficult for you being so new to the field. But, that is just my opinion.

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Specializes in geriatrics-LTC/clinics/med surg/psych.

:monkeydance: I've done agency work on and off over the last 2yrs. It's great when you are getting alot of hours and horrible when you get cancelled. Most agency's require 1 yr. of experience. If you sign on with a agency see if they can get you a contract position(no cancellations,flexable, more$$$).I worked at a city clinic for 5 months,made good money-got paid weekly). Unfortunately, agency's don't always have alot of work and you could be sitting home going broke. Try to sign with 2-3 agency's or consider working prn at several hosp./ltc's.If you ultimately want benefits/steady pay, your best bet is to find a FT position.

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Specializes in ICU's,TELE,MED- SURG.

I did exactly that when I was a LPN many years ago. I was a LPN about 3 years or so first then went back for my RN. Total of 28 yrs. doing Nursing. I have been working travel contracts and you know, local agency is a better option for me right now. The pay is better and being off of contract, I am enjoying my work life better so I say try it. If you get cancelled a lot, you can ask for contracts and at least work for higher pay than staff.

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Specializes in Sub Acute LTC Hospice.

Hi LPN here with 1 year exp. I left my 19.an hour job to work for an agency. they pay 29. an hour and i work 40 hours a week. could work more but just dont want to over stretch myself. plus they have health insurance and holiday pay. I had to shop around. a couple of agencies dont take taxes out, that will kill you come tax season. I looked for an agency that is a large company and it has worked out very well for me.

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