If you’re an agency nurse, you’re much more likely to enjoy a certain amount of control over your life – from when and how long you work for, to the location and healthcare organisation that suits you best. You not only have more time to enjoy your hobbies and social life but you also get the chance to build up new skills and experience working in different environments. But with so many things to think about when choosing a nursing agency, finding the right one for you can be a real headache!
If you are currently trying to get your head around which is the best agency for nurses, we suggest you go with one that suits not only your professional requirements but your personal ones as well.
With this in mind, here is our advice for determining which is the best nursing agency to work for.
What to Look for in a Top Nursing Agency
When it comes to picking an agency, obviously everyone’s needs are different. Depending on what you’re looking for, there are several key things that should be at the top of your list.
The right agency will…
Supply shifts that suit your lifestyle
Whether you want to work close to home, you only want to work part time or you want to get a taste of a variety of healthcare facilities, you need to make sure the agency you’re working for fits the bill.
Look for an agency that offers roles in areas you like. For example, if you want to work as a locum in your local area, keep an eye out for an agency that boasts long-term relationships with the employers in your region. When all’s said and done, the best nursing agency for you is the one that offers shifts to suit your preferences, lifestyle and career goals.
Provide the right pay rates
When it comes to pay rates, there are two types of healthcare agencies – framework and non-framework agencies. For nurses who are focused on high rates of pay and have flexible schedules, non-framework nursing agencies allow you to pick up shifts at short notice (often on the same day) and be well rewarded in return.
Of course, the highest paying nursing agency isn’t always the right one. For those of you who like to be able to plan out your days ahead of time, be selective about shifts and enjoy more consistent work (we don’t blame you!), framework agencies will be a far better choice.
Offer support
Ask any agency nurse and they’ll tell you that ongoing support is vital. A good nursing agency will have an extensive network, a deep understanding of the healthcare market and will be well-versed in all the ins and outs of the healthcare organisations they work with. In addition to this, the best ones also provide career advice, help with professional development and will ensure you have access to the right information when you need it. They should also take the time to really get to know you and tailor their services to support you in the most meaningful way.
When deciding which healthcare agency to work for, look out one that can provide you with the right help and encouragement not just now, but in the long term as well. Your future self will thank you!
Add a personal touch
The nursing agencies that stand out from the rest are those that put in the extra effort and add a personal touch. From building a relationship with employers to finding the next step for your career, the top-notch agencies have a dedicated team of people who are available to give you the support you need, whenever (and for as long as) required.
At WESolutions, for instance, we provide ongoing aftercare to the nurses we place and are there to be a helping hand for however long they need us. Seeing our nurses thrive in their new roles is one of the best parts of our job!
Choosing the Best Nursing Agency to Work For
There is no right or wrong answer when choosing an agency, however, there are some steps you can take to break down your options and hone in on the one that ticks all the right boxes.
How to select the best nursing agency:
- Create a shortlist of 3-5 agencies you’re interested in.
- Write down the things that are most important to you regarding agency nursing (e.g. personalised support or the ability to schedule shifts in advance).
- Do your research on each agency, what they offer, how they work, etc (Hint: Looking at their social media pages, talking to other nurses who have worked for them and scheduling a conversation with a consultant are great ways to start).
- Narrow down your shortlist and choose the agency that meets the majority of your requirements, as well as that you feel you connected with most closely.
Are We the Right Nursing Agency for You?
If you have gone through all the above steps and would like to find out more about agency nursing with WESolutions, get in touch with one of our dedicated team today!
We pride ourselves on our personal service. We are always available to answer any question and support you throughout your career – if you’re looking for a nursing agency, we’re 100% sure we can help.
Which is the Best Nursing Agency to Work For?
If you’re an agency nurse, you’re much more likely to enjoy a certain amount of control over your life – from when and how long you work for, to the location and healthcare organisation that suits you best. You not only have more time to enjoy your hobbies and social life but you also get the chance to build up new skills and experience working in different environments. But with so many things to think about when choosing a nursing agency, finding the right one for you can be a real headache!
If you are currently trying to get your head around which is the best agency for nurses, we suggest you go with one that suits not only your professional requirements but your personal ones as well.
With this in mind, here is our advice for determining which is the best nursing agency to work for.
What to Look for in a Top Nursing Agency
When it comes to picking an agency, obviously everyone’s needs are different. Depending on what you’re looking for, there are several key things that should be at the top of your list.
The right agency will…
Supply shifts that suit your lifestyle
Whether you want to work close to home, you only want to work part time or you want to get a taste of a variety of healthcare facilities, you need to make sure the agency you’re working for fits the bill.
Look for an agency that offers roles in areas you like. For example, if you want to work as a locum in your local area, keep an eye out for an agency that boasts long-term relationships with the employers in your region. When all’s said and done, the best nursing agency for you is the one that offers shifts to suit your preferences, lifestyle and career goals.
Provide the right pay rates
When it comes to pay rates, there are two types of healthcare agencies – framework and non-framework agencies. For nurses who are focused on high rates of pay and have flexible schedules, non-framework nursing agencies allow you to pick up shifts at short notice (often on the same day) and be well rewarded in return.
Of course, the highest paying nursing agency isn’t always the right one. For those of you who like to be able to plan out your days ahead of time, be selective about shifts and enjoy more consistent work (we don’t blame you!), framework agencies will be a far better choice.
Offer support
Ask any agency nurse and they’ll tell you that ongoing support is vital. A good nursing agency will have an extensive network, a deep understanding of the healthcare market and will be well-versed in all the ins and outs of the healthcare organisations they work with. In addition to this, the best ones also provide career advice, help with professional development and will ensure you have access to the right information when you need it. They should also take the time to really get to know you and tailor their services to support you in the most meaningful way.
When deciding which healthcare agency to work for, look out one that can provide you with the right help and encouragement not just now, but in the long term as well. Your future self will thank you!
Add a personal touch
The nursing agencies that stand out from the rest are those that put in the extra effort and add a personal touch. From building a relationship with employers to finding the next step for your career, the top-notch agencies have a dedicated team of people who are available to give you the support you need, whenever (and for as long as) required.
At WESolutions, for instance, we provide ongoing aftercare to the nurses we place and are there to be a helping hand for however long they need us. Seeing our nurses thrive in their new roles is one of the best parts of our job!
Choosing the Best Nursing Agency to Work For
There is no right or wrong answer when choosing an agency, however, there are some steps you can take to break down your options and hone in on the one that ticks all the right boxes.
How to select the best nursing agency:
Are We the Right Nursing Agency for You?
If you have gone through all the above steps and would like to find out more about agency nursing with WESolutions, get in touch with one of our dedicated team today!
We pride ourselves on our personal service. We are always available to answer any question and support you throughout your career – if you’re looking for a nursing agency, we’re 100% sure we can help.