How to Prepare for Your First Contract Role at a Nursing Agency

When you think of agency nursing, consistency and routine are presumably words that don’t instinctively spring to mind. But at VNS Nursing Agency we are redefining the status quo. We provide exciting contract roles for nurses, midwives, enrolled nurses (ENs), endorsed enrolled nurses (EENs), Theatre Techs (TT), Instrument Techs (IT), and personal care assistants (PCAs) across metro and regional Victoria, allowing you to feel secure but not confined to one role. Contract roles can be exhilarating, but it takes planning and thought to hit the ground running. Let’s explore what contract nursing could look like for you with VNS and how to best prepare.

Understand the Contract Details

Though you're enthusiastic about your upcoming contract, it’s worth slowing down to consider the nitty-gritty details. What is life really going to look like for you over the next few weeks or months? 

Here are some key questions and concepts to explore:

Contract details and requirements

• How long is the contract for? What does this mean for your current living arrangements?
• Consider rent, mortgage, pets, housemates, etc.
• What are the specific requirements outlined in the contract and are you eligible for the role you want to apply for?
• Consider the qualifications, required immunisations, police and Working with Children's Checks.
• Is there an opportunity to extend or shorten the contract if need be and are there consequences for making such adjustments?

Shifts, pay and location

• How are the shifts structured and what is the rostering/scheduling system used? Are you able to request shifts?
• What is the pay structure? 
• Consider public holidays, weekends, night shifts, and afternoon shifts.
• How often will you be paid?
• Do you know anybody who lives in/around your possible new home? Are there opportunities for social interaction outside of work, such as sports complexes, libraries, community markets, etc?

Other

• Will the nursing agency help me relocate? Is housing included in the contract?
• Are there any moving bonuses or subsidies on offer? Check what benefits are included in the role you are interested in.
• Do I need to buy a specific uniform or any other tools and equipment?
• What is the area like? Can I access public transport?
• Is there anyone that can support me during my orientation or someone that can show me around?

How to Best Prepare for Your First Contract Role 

Upskill if required

Before you jump in the car, or in some cases a plane, to start your next nursing adventure, be honest with yourself about the requirements of the job. Do you hold the qualifications necessary to confidently undertake the role? Or is now a great time to focus on gaining nursing specialty experience? The more versatile your skill set is the more options for assignments and locations you will have. 

Taking a short course in an area specific to the location you are going to, such as ECG interpretation, advanced life support or wound management, can boost confidence and open more opportunities. Check out our courses page here. 

Know your itinerary/trip

Though spontaneity can be fun, it’s worth considering how you are going to get from point A to point B safely and on time. Your new nursing friends are likely expecting you on a particular date, so make a good first impression by arriving on time. 

Considering the possibility of undertaking a “practice run.” This allows you to adequately plan whilst also giving you the opportunity to explore your new surroundings. If this is not possible, ask friends and family, contact VNS and research the town and surroundings yourself. Think about how you are going to spend your spare time and the items you may need to bring from home to occupy time outside of your working hours. 

Get in the right mindset

Put yourself in the nursing clogs of your new employer. What would you be looking for in a nurse or midwife who is coming to your organisation to undertake a short-term contract? You’re likely thinking of somebody who is adaptable, approachable, passionate, and a proactive problem-solver who is equipped with the skills to do the job independently. 

Find other travel nurses or those who are across contract nursing and make friends with them where possible. Gain an honest insight into their experiences and apply them to your own journey. 

Why Undertake Contract Work with VNS?

• Contracts vary from beautiful regional and remote locations to city contracts; the choice is up to you
• Immediate start options are available
• Open to all nurses - Registered Nurses (RNs), Enrolled Nurses (ENs), Endorsed Enrolled Nurses (EENs) and Personal Care Workers (PCAs)
• Some contracts offer bonuses, travel redemption or free/subsidised accommodation
• Sponsorship opportunities are available to highly qualified Nurses and Midwives with a minimum of 3 years of experience
• Great pay rates with the security of ongoing work
• A user-friendly Members only app where you can view your shifts in real-time
• Most jobs include a free scrub top
• An opportunity to earn money through our Refer a friend program
• The ability to change to a different contract or new location 

If this has sparked your interest in setting off into new facilities and exciting places, check out our contract roles today and apply!