Let me paint a familiar picture for you: you’re a dedicated nurse or healthcare assistant who’s been working in a permanent nursing role for the past few years. You’ve endured unpredictable rotas and have been switching from day to night shifts with little notice. You’ve probably worked countless weekends, missing out on family gatherings, birthdays, and maybe even a wedding or two.
As a nurse who transitioned from a permanent role to agency nursing, and now proudly part of the NursLink team, I see every day how agency nursing transforms the work-life balance for our nurses and carers. Choosing agency work empowers you to take control of your schedule, allowing you to prioritise your own wellbeing. When you care for yourself, you’re better equipped both physically and emotionally, to provide the best possible care for your patients.
With firsthand experience in both clinical nursing and healthcare recruitment, I understand the demands of the job and the steps required to explore flexible agency nursing opportunities. I’m here to support you through every stage of the transition.
So, Why Are So Many Nurses Switching to Agency?
Agency nursing offers unmatched flexibility for Nurses, Care Assistants, and Support Workers. Our nurses have full control over their schedule, choosing when and where they want to work. This way, they build careers around their lives, instead of squeezing life into the gaps between shifts!
Our nurses build their skills by working across a variety of healthcare settings, giving them the chance to explore different areas of nursing. This helps them to discover where they thrive- and just as importantly, which environments aren’t the right fit.
Another key reason that more and more permanent nursing staff are looking to agency work is the competitive pay. With weekly pay and often higher hourly rates than permanent roles, agency nursing can provide financial flexibility alongside professional freedom.
So, now that you’ve heard first hand of the benefits to Agency Nursing, how do you get started?!
First Things First: Experience Requirements
Before applying for agency work, you must have a minimum of six months’ experience working in a UK hospital or relevant healthcare setting. This requirement ensures that you’re familiar with UK clinical practices and able to integrate smoothly into placements.
Once you’ve reached this milestone, we’d love to hear from you!
The Application Process
The next step is simple:
- Head to the Candidates page of our website and click join our team
- Submit your updated CV
If you’re not sure how to structure your CV or what to include, take a look at our previous blog post on CV writing for nurses, where we cover everything that you need to make a strong first impression!
After your CV is reviewed, one of our dedicated recruitment managers will reach out to you for a conversation. If all goes well, you’ll then move into the compliance process. Our compliance lead will guide you through this process, ensuring that you have all documents and certifications in place so you can start working as soon as possible.
Finding the Right Role
Once you’re fully compliant, our team will match you with roles based on your location, availability, and your preferred work environment. Whether you’re looking for shifts in public hospitals, private settings, or in the community, we focus on aligning your preferences with the right opportunities.
At NursLink, we understand that flexibility isn’t just a perk- it’s a necessity. We’re proud to support nurses and healthcare workers who want to take ownership of their schedules while continuing to provide high-quality care!
If you’re ready to start your journey into agency nursing, or if you have any questions about the process, we’re here to help. Get in touch today and take the first step toward a more balanced, flexible, and rewarding career.
