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As a nurse, you’ve got a lot of career opportunities in front of you. Two of these opportunities include choosing between staff nursing and agency nursing. Both offer unique experiences, benefits, and career opportunities. This makes choosing between the two quite a challenge. So, which one is right for you? If you’ve got no idea, then you’re in the right place. It can be hard to know the answer. But hopefully after our detailed breakdown of staff nursing and agency nursing, you’ll have a better idea as to which path suits you. Let’s dive in! What is an Agency Nurse? Before we get to the pros and cons let’s define what an agency nurse and a staff nurse mean. An agency nurse is a nurse who works for a nursing agency. These nursing agencies partner with a variety of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, GPs, aged care homes, and many more facilities. These facilities will send requests to the nursing agency to fill available shifts. The agency will then send one of its nurses to work in that facility for that shift. So, this means that an agency nurse works across a lot of different facilities. Facilities often have shortages, so you’ll find a lot of opportunities to work in a variety of locations, with many different people and patients. What is a Staff Nurse? A staff nurse on the other hand is employed full-time by a single facility. They will work their required shifts in the facility that they are employed by. Staff nurses work consistently with the same people and cover the same responsibilities each week. Of course, even in one facility, no two days are the same, but generally things will be more consistent than with an agency nurse. What are the big differences? Agency nursing and staff nursing have stark differences from each other. From the way you are employed to the way you pick up shifts. Let’s go over some of the distinct differences now. Pay levels While staff nurses may be employed on a full-time salary, it’s actually agency nurses who win the pay battle. Agency nurses can make significantly more money than staff nurses. This is because agency nurses often earn a higher hourly wage and have the flexibility to work as much as they like. So, if you want to work less but earn as much as you do now, that’s entirely possible as an agency nurse. Alternatively, you can take up an extra shift to help boost your savings goals. It’s also common for someone to work as a staff nurse and then supplement their salary by picking up some shifts with a Nursing Agency. Flexibility An agency nurse has the freedom to set their schedule. They can choose how many hours they work each week, when they work, and where they work. This means that an agency nurse has the flexibility to schedule around events and holidays or to add a few shifts when they want to make some more money. Staff nurses tend to have a set schedule each week with a set number of hours. This is great if you crave that consistency and stability. But with the high demand for nurses in Victoria, you’ll likely find a shift whenever you want to work as an agency nurse. Annual leave As staff nurses are employed on a full-time basis, they get access to all leave entitlements. This includes annual leave and sick leave. So as a staff nurse, you can submit your leave applications for any holidays or sick days and know that you won’t lose out on any income. On the other hand, agency nurses do not get access to sick leave or annual leave. Instead, this is often made up through higher pay and greater shift flexibility. So, if you’re sick you can take the day off, or schedule shifts around an upcoming holiday. But you won’t get paid if you’re not working. Generally, this is a consideration agency nurses have to make in their savings. Alternatively, they may pick up extra shifts before and after to make up for the lost income. Stability Staff nurses have a set number of work hours each week and a set location to work during those shifts. Their schedule is set in advance and followed through. There’s a guarantee that you will get shifts each week. If you’re someone who likes the stability of working in the same facility with the same people with generally consistent hours, then staff nursing holds the advantage. On the flip side, there is constant demand from facilities for more nurses. Which an agency nurse can fill whenever they feel like working. You’ll still be able to fill each week up with shifts, but they may be at different times, in different facilities, and with different people. Facility politics Few people enjoy work politics. If you’re always at a single facility it can be hard to escape the politics. This can drag down your passion for nursing. Fortunately, agency nurses can escape politics by moving around between facilities. They can try out different facilities to find the ones that they prefer working for. If you’re a staff nurse, then you can also take up a shift as an agency nurse in a different facility to get a little break from the politics. Mentor relationships Building a mentor relationship can be an important part of your career development. Since, as a staff nurse, you’ll be working with the same people each week, it is much easier to build these mentor relationships. You’ll be able to connect with senior nurses at the facility and develop a close mentor relationship. These relationships are great for learning new skills, getting career advice, and improving your abilities. Of course, being an agency nurse doesn’t stop you from gaining a mentor. You will just need to take the initiative and reach out to your mentor. As well as this you may need to coordinate shifts if you want hands-on time while working. However, agency nurses also often gain access to other educational and career-progressing opportunities to make up for it. Experiences Nothing quite matches the number of experiences you can get from being an agency nurse. Since agency nurses work with a wide variety of patients, healthcare workers, and facilities, they experience a lot of variety. No two days are the same. Agency nurses can use these experiences to expand their knowledge and skills. It’s the perfect way to rebuild your passion for nursing and accelerate your career. Which option is best for you? Now that you’ve seen the pros and cons of both options it’s hopefully a little easier to know which path is best for you. Generally, agency nursing is perfect for anyone who wants greater control over their schedule, the flexibility to take shifts when they want, are seeking a break from staff nursing, or want to supplement their income. On the other hand, staff nursing can be great if you are looking for absolute stability, want to establish yourself in a facility, or want to build a mentor relationship. If agency nursing sounds like something that you’d love to get involved with, come have a chat with First Chpoice Care by registering your interest today.

At First Choice Care (FCC), we take pride in celebrating the incredible work of our nursing staff. For August, we are thrilled to announce Kat as our Nurse of the Month! As a dedicated travel nurse, Kat has made a lasting impact on patients across Australia while balancing her personal and professional life. Here's a closer look at her journey with FCC. What do you like most about FCC? "One of the things I like the most about FCC is the variety of contracts on offer to nurses throughout Australia and the work/life balance I've been able to achieve working as a travel nurse." Why did you want to be a nurse? "I chose to become a Registered Nurse because the profession offers a unique combination of personal and professional fulfillment. The ability to provide care, support, and comfort to patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives gives me a profound sense of purpose. Furthermore, I have always been fascinated by the human body and how its complex systems work in unison to sustain life. You can probably guess some of the subjects I enjoyed most whilst at university!" What has been the highlight of working with FCC? "The best part of working with FCC has been the opportunity to improve my clinical skills, meet new people, and explore locations I wouldn’t have discovered if I had continued working solely in Brisbane." Would you recommend FCC to other nurses and why? "I would recommend my consultant, Sasha, to any of my nursing friends considering travel nursing. I have found Sasha to be dependable, an excellent communicator, and proactive in securing contracts for her clients." Conclusion Kat's passion for nursing, her adventurous spirit, and her dedication to delivering top-quality care make her a shining example of what it means to be part of the FCC family. We are proud to have her as our Nurse of the Month for August and look forward to supporting her continued success as she travels and makes a difference across Australia. Congratulations, Kat!

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!

Healthcare is an incredible industry to work in. There are so many opportunities, amazing people to work with, and so much good to do. Because of all these positives, remaining focused on your professional development is important to make the most of your career. To help you get the best out of your healthcare career, we’ve put together our top 7 tips for healthcare success. 1. Make a plan To find success you must have a plan! This should always be the first step taken in setting up your career. So, what should you include in your plan? It’s all about what you want to achieve. Think about some goals. Look to your future and where you want to be. Put together the steps you need to take, and the skills you need to develop to get there. The trick to making your plan effective is to include SMART Goals. That means specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. Your SMART Goals will help you keep on track as you progress in your career. 2. Surround yourself with the right people The right people make all the difference. By surrounding yourself with people who have similar goals and aspirations you’ll find the support and motivation you need to keep pushing ahead. You’ll also be able to utilise this network for advice, to find job openings, and for help around upskilling. The best way to find like-minded people is through networking events or by joining professional organisations. Have a look online or ask around for events happening near you. While they may seem intimidating at first, once you’ve gotten to know a few people they will be fun and great for your career! 3. Pursue your passions The best way to advance your career, and have a blast doing it, is by pursuing something that you’re passionate about. Following your passion will keep you motivated and provide positive experiences regardless of the challenges you face. To find the fields or specialisations you’re passionate about, consider your past experiences. What have you enjoyed most while working? What is something that first excited you about healthcare? Once you’ve got an idea consider doing agency work in these fields to try them out. 4. Be open to change Healthcare is filled with change. There are new technologies, procedures, discoveries, and information coming in constantly. To work in healthcare, you need to be prepared for, and open to, change. You’ll be required to constantly learn and evolve your skills in order to keep up. Sometimes unexpected career opportunities may open up. Exciting developments are occurring in healthcare, creating fresh job opportunities and innovative approaches to working within the field. When an opportunity that interests you arises, give it a go, even if it wasn’t part of your plan. Trying things out may allow you to find whole new passions. 5. Dress for success What you wear is important for progressing your career, even these days. As they say, dress for the job you want, not the job that you have. Your clothing can reflect your level of professionalism and competence. It can also give you confidence, allowing you to step up to be who you want to be when meeting with others in your industry. Scrubs will always be a staple in healthcare and have their time and place. But when it comes to networking events, interviews, or meetings, it’s important to dress the part. You don’t need to break the bank. Simply wear well-fitting, clean, and pressed clothing to convey that you’re put together and take your career seriously. 6. Continue your education A key component to a long and successful career in healthcare is to never stop learning. As we’ve said earlier, it’s an industry which is constantly evolving, so staying on top of everything requires a love of learning. Pursue new training opportunities where you can. Learn about new technologies, theories, or procedures. Look to professional organisations, your employer, or third-party learning companies for more ongoing educational opportunities. Growing your skills will grow your career opportunities, helping you reach your goals. 7. Start now When’s the best time to start working on your career? Right now! Starting right now allows you to keep up your motivation, and maintain your momentum. Waiting could leave you procrastinating, and missing opportunities. Get started with a plan as soon as you can. From there, you’ll be free to focus on education and upskilling, which will be guided by your plan. Start now and you’ll change your career for the better, forever! Conclusion Working in healthcare is an incredible experience. There are so many wonderful moments, opportunities, and people to meet. It’s an unforgettable career path. To make the most of it, you need to put together a plan, surround yourself with the right people, and get on with pursuing your passions. Start trying out these tips and see how they shape your career. For a change in your career check out agency nursing by getting in touch with us!

We know that shift work is tough! So, we’ve put together some tips to help nurses stay energised and passionate through their shifts. If you’ve got irregular or a tonne of night shifts it’s important to be prepared and put some robust routines together. It’ll turn the after late night shift “why on earth did I choose this career?” around to “I love nursing” again (at least after a good sleep). We’ve all had the challenges of dealing with shift work, so we know what works and what doesn’t. Shift work can be stressful on your body, and all the systems that manage how your body functions, so we’ve got 10 tips designed to aid those body functions and help you feel your best. There’s some important habits and routines you can put in place now that will help your body recover quickly and get it into a new rhythm, helping you stay energised. It’s all about finding the right routines which work for you. We’ve put together our top 10 tips to help shift workers with their health and well-being. 1. Create a sleep schedule Sleep is the best defence on your side against the side effects of shift work. You’ll need to find the sleep schedule that works specifically for you. Most people need at least 7-8 hours of sleep a day however this can decrease with age. The first place to start is keeping a sleep diary. Record your sleep patterns and any problems you encounter while sleeping in a physical book (we want to avoid screens). Then, use this to help you find the best strategies and conditions to improve the quality of your sleep. Once you know how your sleep is going, there are a few things you can try to improve it: If you’re working regular shifts experiment with different sleep and wake-up times until you find something that works for you. Have a short sleep before your first night shift. When coming off a night shift, have a short sleep and go to bed earlier that night. When you’ve found the sleep schedule that works best for you, try to keep it. 2. Find a routine Beyond sleep, your body loves routines. This includes routines for eating, resting, working, and having fun. Start by putting together a consistent bedtime and wake-up routine. When you start either routine, your body will know it’s time for sleep and then wake you up with the wake-up routine. It can be as simple as a shower, putting on certain products and listening to some calming music. Just make sure you limit your screen time before bed. Beyond your wake-up and bedtime routines are your other day-to-day routines. It’s a good idea to be consistent, when you can, with eating meals. It’ll help with your digestion and energy as your body knows when it can expect to receive more energy. 3. Plan out caffeine Coffee is great for waking you up when you need it, but it can also disrupt your sleep or have other negative side effects when taken at the wrong time. So, to make the most of your daily coffee it’s important to structure it so you can get the best sleep possible. You generally need to give your body at least 6 hours to process caffeine before you should sleep. This means that a 5 am coffee while on your night shift may be a bad idea, even if it’s desperately needed. Try to avoid caffeine after 2 am so you’ll be able to get a good sleep and be well-rested for your next shift. 4. Plan out water Just as important as managing your caffeine intake is managing your water intake. At night your kidneys concentrate your urine while you sleep so that you don’t need to get up through the night. But when you swap night for day on night shift, your kidneys don’t swap around. So, your kidneys remain quite active during the day even when you’re trying to sleep. It can be frustrating when you’re trying to rest, especially after a night shift, and you keep getting woken up busting to go to the bathroom. To help, taper off your water intake after 4 am. While staying hydrated is important, drink more water towards the start and midway point of your shift before tapering off. It’ll help you stay energised while avoiding your body waking you up mid-sleep. 5. Bring along healthy snacks and meals Nurses work long hours so it’s important to remain energised through your shift. It can be tempting to reach for sugary foods or those high in cholesterol, like chocolate, baked goods or chips, but they’ll only provide a short-lived boost of energy. What you need is a long-term energy boost without the side effects of a sugar-high crash. Some easy things to bring include egg cups, cheese and crackers, overnight oats and fruit. Eat meals with good fats like avocado, nuts and fish to help regulate hormones throughout your shift. Whether you’re on the night shift or not, structure your day around a “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” schedule to keep your metabolism going. 6. Keep up with family and friends Shift work often pushes your schedule out of line with your friends and family. This can lead many shift workers to feel isolated. So, it’s important to make an effort to not lose contact. Start by talking to your friends and family about shift work, so they understand the challenges you face, your shift schedule and be accommodating to find time with you. Make the most of your time off and plan mealtimes, weekends, and evenings together. 7. Keep active Night shift can often bring with it reduced activity. While some nights are busy, others are less so, meaning you’re sitting down a lot more. It’s important to keep your physical activity up to improve your energy and alertness levels. Whether you’re going on walks while on shifts or going to the gym before your shifts, you’ll be able to keep your energy up to take you through the shift. 8. Learn how you destress Everyone needs something that will help them destress. These things will help energise you, improve your mental health and make your shifts easier. Things like meditation, mindfulness, yoga, reading, exercising, or any other hobbies are great for your energy levels. Bring them into your routine to help make stress reduction second nature. 9. Plan the end of your night shifts Plan a reward for yourself after your night shift. It could be a catch-up with friends, an after-night shift brunch, buy yourself a gift, or get yourself a massage. Motivation is so important for getting through challenging shifts. It’ll give you a quick mental health boost and help make each shift even more worth it. Nursing is a 24/7 job, you can only do as much as you’re physically capable of. So don’t feel bad about relying on your colleagues and rewards for support. 10. Say no to overtime and take time off When you’re feeling exhausted, have had a day with no sleep, or are close to burning out, don’t take on more work! You need to take time off for your mental health. Stress is a part of the job so it’s important to recognise when you’re feeling overwhelmed and need the time to recover. The best way to provide the best care for your patients is to be well-rested. Sometimes just say no to overtime and take a day off between shifts.  Conclusion When doing shift work your mental and physical wellbeing is important. Shift work can be challenging for your body and your health. To keep yourself at the top of your game, and in love with your job, take the time to look after yourself, and set up a routine that will keep your body energised. Take these tips and tweak them to fit your needs and schedule! If you want more nursing tips, check out our blog here .