Cost Estimates for an Agency Nurse

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

I'm wondering if any of y'all have any idea how contracting with an agency works and how much it might cost to have someone come in sporadically or only a week at a time? I am in such a preliminary stage in exploring this, that I am not ready to start reaching out to agencies and entering into conversations that are not going anywhere.

Our district is small, but we have an agency nurse working 1:1, who is generously provided by the family of the student she works with. Since she is not a district employee, she can take time off whenever she wants, but we are still obligated to provide a nurse to cover her when she is out, but surprise surprise, we have no subs. 

I am trying to make a case to our administration that we hire a full time resource nurse who can help with screenings & paperwork, do health education, and be a sub when we need it. When there is other time available, I would have that person float between our elementary schools and be an extra resource to our Pre-K & Kindergarten classes. Our district is also exploring opening up a day care primarily for employee children and I think this nurse could also be helpful for that if it ends up happening. Obviously, this is all going to come down to $$$ and having a good idea of how much it might cost to contract with an agency would be a good place to start.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

If it is an agency, I would bet they are paying a  hefty hourly rate for that nurse. If you factor out that vs. what a nurse would get for a 1:1 rate (and it should not be the same rate you are getting), and add the cost of benefits if they are full-time, you might make the case for a district hire that would allow for stability and safety for the student as well as the safety and continuity of their education, they night bite. Also if available, a small stipend in lieu of benefits (if they have a spouse  that has benefits) might make them more financially attractive. Good luck!

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

NutmeggeRN said:

If it is an agency, I would bet they are paying a  hefty hourly rate for that nurse. If you factor out that vs. what a nurse would get for a 1:1 rate (and it should not be the same rate you are getting), and add the cost of benefits if they are full-time, you might make the case for a district hire that would allow for stability and safety for the student as well as the safety and continuity of their education, they night bite. Also if available, a small stipend in lieu of benefits (if they have a spouse  that has benefits) might make them more financially attractive. Good luck!

That's what I would bet... I just can't seem to get an agency to let me know what it would cost to just have them as a retainer or if they even do that sort of thing! 

Thanks for your help!

[cowboysandangels, BSN]

I would forgo the agency since they are EXPENSIVE and hire a sub.  You can pay a sub much less and they don't have to be there everyday.  Our subs get paid the same as a teacher sub.