Agency vs. Hospital

[pbrn2001]

Hello everyone ,

This is my first post and hopefully you will have some insight. We are getting ready to move to Phoenix (Luke AFB) from TX due to military. I've done some searching on the various hospitals there (which there are tons) as well as some search on the salaries. I currently work for a HCA hospital, so if there is one there, I can transfer my current level and etc. I have been considering agency work (after speaking with some people) now that I have a little more experience (about 5yrs). Basically I don't need the benefits, but I do need flexibility (no w/e or holidays), day shift, and better pay wouldn't hurt:chuckle

I currently work PRN at a hospital which works for our situation (hubby's job) and have always worked in a hospital. I guess I just want to hear about the pros/cons. Also, about recommendations for either agencies or hospitals to work for or not. We plan on relocating near the base and if I can prevent it ahead of time, I don't want to commute too far (maybe 20mins--as it gets old after awhile).

Thanks in advance:thankya:

[boomerfriend]

Welcome to AZ...I'm guessing hubby is USAF? Mine retired 4 years ago after 20 years' service.

I don't have much advice on the agency vs. staff thing except one tidbit. I talked with the recruiter at Banner Baywood (way out east...you wouldn't want that) and she said there's really no difference in pay if you decline the health benefits (like $30 savings). I told her I had my healthcare through my spouse and don't need the benefits. She agreed and said she was in the same boat but took them anyway because it was so miniscule.

I'd say if you have experience, I'd do the agency thing for a while, try out different hospitals and see what you like. There's so many to choose from

[Calzonan RN]

I was contacted by an agency about three weeks ago called MGA healthcare. I filled out my ap and actually worked a job for them. I could be working a lot more, but I want to get a little more hospital experience (during clinicals) before I do it again. It was pretty stressful because I hadn't been in a hospital before and when I got to the floor I found out I was the only CNA for 30 patients in med/surg. Most of the patients were CBR and needed lots of care so I basically ran around like crazy all night long. I later found out that this is pretty common for agency work, that the hospitals don't want to pay the extra $$ that agency's cost so they only request the bare minimum staff. If you're an experienced RN, though, it shouldn't be any problem for you.

I can PM you the info if you want about MGA, so far they've been wonderful to deal with, they are very flexible and I can work as little or as much as I want.

Keli

[phxnewgrad]

Your right i work with MGA as well out here in Peoria. They just opened an office out in the west valley, this is close to luke. They have two locations, so dont drive to far! I have had no complaints as of yet, get ready for the Heat!

[pbrn2001]

Thanks. Any info sent would be great. Does MGA have contracts with certain hospitals or do you go to any facility.

[suzanne4, RN]

All agencies have contracts with specific hospitals. So the best is to find out which facilities that are in your area that you would like to work at, then find out which agencies staff them. That is the best way to go about it, not looking for agencies first.

[phxnewgrad]

The main places that i work are out here in the West Valley. West valley, Arrowhead, and Maryvale. Basically it depends on how far i want to drive, as phoenix is huge! I still need to find a house out here in Glendale, the bad news for you is they cost more here in Phoenix then they do in San Antonio!