what do you think about agency nursing, please reply

mustangsheba · Jan 28, 2001

Mart: The thing I like about agency nursing is that I don't have to deal with what you mentioned you're tired of. I can go do a shift and don't have to deal with politics, meetings, committees. The drawbacks are that charting is different every place you go. Equipment is different. You don't know where anything is. Even the Pyxis in the same hospital are not always the same. This is time consuming because you have to find someone to ask how, where, who, etc., and some of those people you ask will look at you like you're a bug. Most of them don't, but just be aware. Overall, if you aren't concerned about benefits, I would recommend it if for no other reason than a refreshing change. I can't tell you about the agencys in your area. I went with the one with the shortest application. That may sound flip, but I figured it was an indicator of their management style. The best resource is probably other nurses who work for agencys in your area. Good luck!

nrsjo · Jan 28, 2001

I enjoy agency nursing only because I don't have to put up with the politics, staffing issues, mandatory overtime,etc. I come in, get my assignment, and can focus on my patients rathar than being dragged into every conflict on the floor. Having recently relocated to Memphis and not knowing the hospitals here, I took a 13 week contract with a travel company and still get all the perks even though I'm not technically "traveling".

You have to be somewhat thick skinned to do agency work, because not everyone is going to be happy to see you. I have been to places that dump their worst patients on you, won't tell you where things are, or explain policies, or cover your patients so you can go to lunch.

All in all, I still think it's the best job for me.

Charles S. Smith, RN, MS · Jan 29, 2001

Originally posted by MARTRN:
Hello, i was seriously considering agency nursing. I am tired of hospital politics, and i would like to get paid better for what i do. I am a RN with 1.5 years experience as a charge nurse in a rural hosp. Please tell me what your experiences have been, positive, as well as negative. I am a quick learner, and i am not afraid of new challenges. your response would be greatly appreciated. Also, which agency's do you recommend? What are some good questions to ask during an interview regarding agency work?Thanks in advance for your time. Martrn

Martrn...please contact me directly for some insights into agency nursing..my email address is under the profile section above. I look forward to hearing from you.

regards

chas

BadBird, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2001

Hi there,

I like agency nursing because you have a lot of flexibility over your life, you work when and where you want to. The money is always better than staff nursing and a lot of agencies pay for CEU's where hospital nursing doesn't. I like to work in different areas and learn new equipment, it isn't difficuly once you are shown. I have experience in ICU so I can go anywhere, I also have learned computer charting as well as the old flow sheets. Some hospitals are more progressive than others and you will have an opportunity to keep up with new technology. As far as how the regular staff treats me, I have no complaints because if I weren't there they would have a tougher assignment, most are very grateful for the relief. Be confident, you know how to do an assessment and take care of your patients - they are all the same only the hospital address change.

MARTRN · Feb 5, 2001

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR ALL OF THE HELPFUL INFORMATION. I TRULY APPRECIATE IT. I HOPE TO BE SUCCESSFUL AS AN AGENCY NURSE SOMEDAY. WISH ME LUCK!!!!!!!!!