Whats an agency???

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Apr 25, 2007

An agency is a company that hires nurses to fill in at hospitals (or other facilities) when staffing shortages occur. Because you could be working stints at a variety of hospitals or units and you won't get a standard orientation, it requires confidence with a wide variety of skills. At least one year of experience is usually required to work for a staffing agency.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Apr 25, 2007

Eric explained it well. I also want to say that agencies have home care and visiting nursing cases. I work in a hospital and have a private client on Saturdays through an agency, and am having a great time with the private client. In fact, I get paid better there than at my regular job. It is true, you will NOT get the standard orientation, and experience may be necessary. I didn't have the experience to go to the agency, but, I visited there anyway, and they were accepting of that. What I do (because my focus is home care), is visit the client that they wish me to care for while another more seasoned nurse is there and have her show me the works. If I think I can handle it, I'll take it, if not, I don't. Also, my agency was willing to send me to a case just to orient myself to certain skills. I am not paid for that, but, because I am also a new nurse (since last June), I don't mind. I am trying to get to a client with a vent so, I am arranging for that within the next few weeks. My agency has been forthright so far in telling me about the client, their needs and medications and they also tell me quick things to do in case of emergencies (mainly call 911 and how to sustain them until the ambulance arrives). Best wishes to you!