Pros and Cons on Agency vs Permanent position

Nurses LPN/LVN

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care, Correctional.

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering how LPN's feel about just working through Agencies versus a permanent position.

Right now, I'm having mixed feelings. I have a perm position but I hate that I can't make my own schedule. When I first received my license, I was working for 2 Agencies and I loved it. I was always busy, made my own schedule and the pay was great ($30 and $27 per hr)!! I made more in one week than I did working full time at my perm position. And if I wanted, I could work for a Summer Camp during the Summer. Only problem was lack of benefits.:twocents:

How does everyone else feel?

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I feel the same way you do. With my agency side jobs, I can make more in three days that I do biweekly at the main job that contains my benefits. But, it is just that...I would not have a union, pension, medical coverage, eyeglass, prescriptions or dental coverage. Some agencies will pay for health insurance if you work for them full time (at least about 30 hours a week-but that is not all of them). If you are married, maybe you can go under your husband's coverage if he has any, or inquire about purchasing your own health insurance (will be very expensive). My job is hell on wheels, but from what I am hearing, other hospitals have less tolerance, and many of the nurses that work in these jobs that get paid a great deal more money are getting fired for silly reasons. I get paid less, however (and to be honest, sometimes it is not a good thing), it is much more secure for me. I see myself doing many things on the side, and if I see a great thing, I may take it, but I don't see me leaving where I have been employed for 11 years for a maybe situation.

Specializes in LTC, Acute Care, Correctional.

Thanks Pagandeva,

Sounds like you and I work for the same hospital:cool:. Some days I just want to quit and then some days don't. I'm thinking of decreasing to maybe part time or something. Or maybe just working in the clinics. I'm not married and I do need the benefits. I'm just soooo unhappy and frustrated right now.:banghead:

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Yes, benefits are huge, imo. I read somewhere that they can account for aprox. 30% of your salary. What I decided to do is kind of the best of both worlds, half-time at a facility that offers benefits at a small cost and then PRN work at another facility. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Specializes in LTC, Acute Care, Correctional.
Yes, benefits are huge, imo. I read somewhere that they can account for aprox. 30% of your salary. What I decided to do is kind of the best of both worlds, half-time at a facility that offers benefits at a small cost and then PRN work at another facility. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I may go this route, so that I can keep my benefits and at the same time have more flexibility and more money. I hate feeling like I'm trapped. Thanks for your response.:D

many agencies offer benefits now. it is becoming more and more common. keep looking for one that does.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Home Health, LTC.

I'd say go with the agency. There is a Starbucks on every corner!

But for real, I have done both. I love agency for the diversity

of assignments, choice of times and locations. Better pay.

I love being on staff for the closeness of friends and more relaxed in familiar surroundings. Less pay.

Now I am working agency again. Or, you can do both. I worked full time 12's and would occasionally travel about 2-3 hours to work agency for few years, I liked that too. Good luck in finding your special place, just don't stop till you find it. Its your show.

Specializes in Agency/HomeCare.

starbucks nurse, you went to work for an agency right when you graduated? just wondering if I read it right...don't you need experience before going out there alone working for an agency? thanks

Specializes in LTC, Acute Care, Correctional.
starbucks nurse, you went to work for an agency right when you graduated? just wondering if I read it right...don't you need experience before going out there alone working for an agency? thanks

Well I thought so too, but I guess since I worked as a CNA in a hospital they used that as my experience. I love agency work. I have gained so much experience. Once I become a RN, I'm going to take my experience and do some traveling nursing.

There are many agencies that don't require experience. Just go to one of the job fairs and sign up with every agency. The only door stopper I've come across was school nursing. They required RN experience. :banghead:

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