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In the world of nursing, career progression is a goal many aspire to achieve. When thinking about agency nursing, the focus often falls on its flexibility, high pay rates, and the much-desired work-life balance it offers. While these are indeed excellent benefits to be considered, the potential to advance your career with agency nursing is an aspect often overlooked.
This type of nursing isn't commonly associated with career growth due to its contractual nature. However, as a nurse myself, I firmly believe that working as an agency nurse for a specific period can be a fantastic way to develop your nursing career for several reasons. I've outlined my top five below.
Are you eager to make a lasting impression in a particular healthcare setting but don't know where to start? Consider working as an agency nurse in that environment. This role offers you the unique opportunity to showcase your skills and personality to nursing managers across various settings.
Building relationships and getting to know these professionals on a day-to-day basis is something that traditional job-hunting methods can't provide. There is no healthcare recruitment fair, LinkedIn introduction or job interview that can offer this level of networking! If you decide to interview for permanent nursing positions, having worked as an agency nurse in the same setting and left a positive impression will undoubtedly make you stand out. It's your foot-in-the-door approach to your next permanent post!
Agency work opens up a range of benefits for nurses
Agency nursing is renowned for its variability, making it an ideal choice for those with a go-getter personality who aren't afraid to try new challenges. Being able to say that you've worked as an agency nurse in various settings demonstrates great flexibility and adaptability to new environments as a nurse.
These qualities are highly regarded and can significantly enhance your nursing CV or nursing portfolio, setting you apart from other candidates.
Think of agency nursing as a way to test the waters before taking the plunge. It’s a wonderful opportunity to dip your toes into a speciality before fully committing to a permanent position. You will quickly discover what specialities you enjoy more than others.
When you understand your likes and dislikes as a nurse, you can then carve out a career path that truly engages your interests and develops your talents.
The flexibility agency nursing offers is unrivalled when it comes to nursing educational enhancement. Working in permanent positions often requires night shifts, weekends and extra shifts to facilitate the ward roster.
This can make it very challenging for staff to get time off for classes they may be undertaking to enhance their nursing career or other educational interests. Agency nursing can alleviate this constraint by offering schedules that accommodate your educational pursuits.
Not only this, but the premium nursing rates agency work can offer can also help finance these courses. By selectively choosing to work on certain days at higher rates, agency nurses can have better remuneration with less hours. Having the time and additional money can overall add to a more positive learning experience while undertaking courses.
Agency work can help you improve and enhance your nursing skills
By working in a variety of positions through a locum agency in Ireland, you automatically get the lowdown on what permanent jobs are available. You'll receive updates from the agency on what permanent posts are in they are hiring for, and healthcare facilities may also inform you directly. This insider knowledge can give you a head start in the application process if you decide to transition to a permanent role.
Working for an agency such as Clarity Locums can help you by assigning you a dedicated recruiter to help you with the process, offering guidance and support tailored to your needs.
There are so many reasons to enjoy a career as an agency nurse, but knowing where to start can be challenging. Clarity Locums has created the ultimate guide to agency nursing, with the aim to help you learn everything you need to know about the career choice. If you're ready to take the plunge, sign up for Clarity Locums today or get in touch with out team for more information.
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