What is an Agency Nurse?

In recent years we’ve seen the demand for skilled nurses continue to increase. As the healthcare industry evolves, we will see the trend continue for the demand of healthcare professionals. Many nurses are starting to turn to nurse staffing agencies for more flexibility and versatility. But what exactly is an agency nurse and what does it entail? In this blog we are going to dive into what being an agency nurse means, typical responsibilities, work settings, and more.

What is an Agency Nurse?

An agency nurse is a licensed nurse who is employed through a staffing agency rather than being a direct hire through a hospital, school, clinic, etc. Agency nurses include all nursing credentials such as Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and more depending on the agency or jobs available. Nursing agencies such as Horizon Healthcare Staffing work with a wide variety of facilities and care sites to provide nursing services on a per diem, part-time, full-time, or even permanent basis. For example, we staff school nurses, case managers, and more.

How Does Agency Nursing Work?

Schools, healthcare facilities, private practices and more partner with staffing agencies like Horizon Healthcare Staffing to ensure they always have enough staff on hand to provide quality patient care. As an agency nurse you determine your availability, schedule, assignment, and setting. As an agency nurse you’ll work different assignments, and each assignment length depends on the employers’ current needs. Agency nurses have the opportunity to work in different settings, gain experience in various specialties, and have more control over your schedule.

Where Do Agency Nurses Work?

One of the benefits of agency nursing is having the opportunities to work in diverse work settings. Some of the most common settings include:

• Hospitals
• Schools
• Long Term Care Facilities
• Home Health Care
• Outpatient Facilities
• Specialty Practices
• Rehabilitation Facilities

The Role of an Agency Nurse

Agency nurses have different roles and responsibilities depending on the assignment they’re currently working. As an agency nurse it is crucial for you to maintain high-quality patient care in various healthcare settings. Common duties for different facilities/placements include:

• Providing direct patient care: Just like a staff nurse, agency nurses are responsible for monitoring patients vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily living activities. No matter where you are placed, providing high quality patient care is vital for any healthcare facility.
• Filling staffing needs: One of the biggest reasons facilities partner with staffing agencies is to use them as a resource for urgent staffing needs. As a solution to uphold the facilities high quality patient care, having a staffing company to lean on in a time of need is crucial. Whether they need help getting coverage for vacations, medical leaves, or unexpected absences, agency nurses help bridge that gap.
• Adapting to different work environments: Since agency nurses typically work short assignments and many different cases, adapting to change is extremely important. If you’re interested in becoming an agency nurse, you must be able to quickly adjust to new work environments, responsibilities, patient populations, and staff dynamics. Being able to practice open communication, proactive learning, have a positive attitude, strong critical thinking skills, and effective time management are ways you can adapt effectively. Being an adaptable agency nurse is a crucial skill for success.
• Collaborating with healthcare teams: No matter the setting you are placed in, it’s almost guaranteed that you will be collaborating with a healthcare team. Depending on the assignment, your healthcare team may include therapists, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. Adapting to your healthcare team quickly allows you to create effective patient care plans.

How to Become an Agency Nurse?

Looking to become an agency nurse in New Jersey or New York? At Horizon Healthcare Staffing we can connect you with nursing jobs in NJ and nursing jobs in NY! Below are the steps to get started as an agency nurse with us:

1. Apply with us via our online application: The first step is to send in your resume through our online applications. You can either fill out our general online application or you can take a look at our current open jobs and apply for a specific position. Along with your resume you must submit your credentials.
2. Get matched with a recruiter: Once you’ve submitted your resume and credentials, you’ll be matched with one of our dedicated recruiters. After a recruiter gets assigned to you, they will connect with you to learn more about your schedule, skills, and work preferences.
3. Start working: After the initial process is cleared, you’ll start hearing about our available cases. Accept the cases that fit best for you and begin gaining valuable experience while earning competitive pay.

Become an Agency Nurse with Horizon Healthcare Staffing

At Horizon Healthcare Staffing we take pride in helping dedicated nurses find meaningful opportunities that fit both their career goals and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to switch up your work setting, gain experience with different opportunities, or you’ve just graduated nursing school, becoming an agency nurse offers you a rewarding career path. If you’re looking for a nursing job in NY or a nursing job in NJ, send in your resume today!