Should I choose to be a agency nurse?

BadBird, BSN, RN · Feb 9, 2004

It all depends on what you want out of your nursing career. Are you a new nurse? If you are you need experience to work for a agency especially in ICU, most have requirements of 1 yr. and 3yrs. of ICU or critical care areas. I work for a agency and love it but my husband has the medical benefits. I do make a good salary but I also get cancelled which comes with the terriority. If you are a new nurse then I would advise you to sign with a hospital for a few years to get the experience you need. Other things to consider if you are agency you pay out of pocket for CEU's unless the agency reimburses you. Agency requires that you have excellent assessment skills and can adapt to just about any situation. You really have to be organized and have a good skill level to just walk in and take care of patients, orientation usually consists of someone pointing out where the med room is, clean utility room, etc. then you are on your own. As a new grad I never could have handled it, you are expected to function just like a staff nurse. Just my 2 cents worth. Good luck with your decision.

Oreo · Feb 9, 2004

Thank you so much for your advice.

What's the meaning of CEU? Moreover, do you mean agency nurses may not have medical insurance and have to float? Or does it true for an agent's promise to provide a "full coverage on medical insurance"? Also, what's the standard salary for a MICU agency nurse? Is that possible to get $35/hr as some agents claimed? I really don't want to be cheated by them....

Anyway, as you reminded, it's difficult for a new ICU RN like me to cope with the requirements. It's such an important point for me to consider. Thank you so much again!