Staffing Agencies

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Dec 14, 2014

Most staffing agencies are looking for experienced CNAs and nurses that can be sent to a facility with minimal orientation and get right to work. These are not placement agencies but temporary staffing agencies that fill in as requested for hospitals and LTC. Work is usually per diem

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 14, 2014

What is your experience as a CNA? Many agencies require at least a year, as you are expected to hit the ground running wherever they send you. I will also warn you that agency work is very, very per diem. You could get 40 hours 1 week, and 5 the next. You could be cancelled on your way in. You could be called to work a shift that starts in 30 minutes.

NurseAri16 · Dec 14, 2014

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NurseAri16 · Dec 14, 2014

What is your experience as a CNA? Many agencies require at least a year, as you are expected to hit the ground running wherever they send you. I will also warn you that agency work is very, very per diem. You could get 40 hours 1 week, and 5 the next. You could be cancelled on your way in. You could be called to work a shift that starts in 30 minutes.

I haven't been able to get a job as a CNA yet (because of school mainly) but now I'm getting to the point where I need a job asap. I've had endless clinicals on the medsurg floor and in long-term care facilities (I have only 3 semesters left in nursing school, so its been alot). I'm a fast learner and I know all the skills only thing they would need to teach me is how their system works, that's it. I dont really mind it being PRN, I'm still in school so that works fine for me, I just need it to be part-time hours while im in school but when im on break i can pick up hella hours.

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 14, 2014

Definitely reach out to staffing agencies, but do not be surprised if they ask you to come back after you have 1 year of experience. I've worked on the staffing side of nursing agencies, so I've seen this first hand.

Staffing agencies really only care about one thing: keeping their client. Many sign an agreement that states every nurse, cna, etc they send to the facility has at least 1 year experience. They don't want to do anything that may jeopardize their relationship with the client, including sending someone who has never worked on the floor as a CNA (clinical does not count).

There are agencies that will take people without experience, but definitely buyer beware on that front... Sometimes there is a reason why they do, and usually it has to do with exceptionally high turnover or less than desirable facilities.

NurseAri16 · Dec 14, 2014

Definitely reach out to staffing agencies, but do not be surprised if they ask you to come back after you have 1 year of experience. I've worked on the staffing side of nursing agencies, so I've seen this first hand.
Staffing agencies really only care about one thing: keeping their client. Many sign an agreement that states every nurse, cna, etc they send to the facility has at least 1 year experience. They don't want to do anything that may jeopardize their relationship with the client, including sending someone who has never worked on the floor as a CNA (clinical does not count).
There are agencies that will take people without experience, but definitely buyer beware on that front... Sometimes there is a reason why they do, and usually it has to do with exceptionally high turnover or less than desirable facilities.

Dang, that kind of sucks because I've done all the work just never got paid for it. I guess I might have to ask my friends what agencies are they apart of. People have told me thats how they got into a hospital.

Missingyou, CNA · Dec 14, 2014

There is always home care agencies if you are desperate for work. I don't mean to make that sound like home care is a bad thing..

They are flexible but, again, it is per diem and your hours will never be regular and predictable.

Home care won't help with getting you into a hospital setting, but if you're desperate for work with a flexible schedule, it just may work for you.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Dec 14, 2014

Assisted living facilities and home health often employee CNA's that are in nursing school. With that experience can springboard into a hospital position if local hospitals not hiring due to student glut.