I'll go up to bat on this one...The only employer I've had since I graduated nursing school last year has been an agency. I applied online right after I passed the NCLEX and was hired. I now realize that my situation isn't always, or maybe shouldn't be, the norm. However, I have flourished and wouldn't give it up for anything. I've done hospice, school nursing for medically fragile patients, follow-up home assessments, and I'm starting a psych assignment in-home tomorrow.
I have used my clinical skills (caths, meds, g-tube feedings, trach care, etc.), my assessment skills, charting, and so on. I still attend college full-time (online mostly) and have an active social life. The reason agency appeals to me is because working in a LTC facility and factoring in mandatory overtime and such does not appeal to me. I would secretly love to be in a hospital, but I live in Chicago, and I dare you to find a hospital in the city employing LPNs.
Do I think that you will enjoy agency? If you feel you are inexperienced, then I say go with your gut. I went into it with full confidence, and I'm sure that is why I have been successful. If you are already in a LTC facility, I would say stick it out for another 9 months to get that year under your belt and then move on.
However, if you do pursue the agency work-best of luck to you!!! We are all here to help if you need anything.
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