Does your current schedule leave you scrambling for family time? Did you just pass your boards and want to find the type of nursing that fits you best? Do you need some extra income or something to fill the gap between jobs? These types of situations make nurses wonder whether a nurse staffing agency is the right fit.
We can’t make the decision for you, but we can help you understand what a staffing agency does, who it suits best, where the trade-offs show up, and which questions to ask before you sign up. Then you can make an informed decision about your next career steps.
What Does a Nurse Staffing Agency Do?
A nurse staffing agency connects you with healthcare facilities that need clinical help. The agency builds relationships with facilities, shares details about each opening, and matches you with work that fits your license, experience, and availability. Then, you work shifts or longer assignments at that facility.
The agency is basically your go-between. You focus on patient care while they find you the places to work. You don’t have to work at just one place or for a single supervisor, and you can schedule work around your scheduling or financial needs.
Facilities that use agencies include:
- Long- and short-term care facilities
- Memory care and assisted living communities
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Hospitals
- Physician offices
- Outpatient clinics
Is a Nurse Staffing Agency Right for You?
Wondering if a nurse staffing agency is right for you? The truth is that agency work isn’t for everyone, but it can work well for you if you want any of these:
- Scheduling Control. Agency work lets you choose when and how many hours you work. This is a great option if you juggle family, school, another job, or other responsibilities. You can build your schedule and availability around your life, not the other way around.
- Experience Variety. An agency may be a great option if you aren’t sure what type of nursing is right for you. This is a common issue for new nurses who simply haven’t had the opportunity to work in a lot of different types of facilities yet. Agency work lets you try various settings and learn what suits you before you commit to one.
- Supplemental Income. Many healthcare professionals keep a main job and pick up additional shifts through an agency. PRN nursing, which means “as needed” work, suits this approach well.
Benefits of Working with a Nurse Staffing Agency
Working with a nurse staffing agency offers many benefits. What you consider a positive likely depends on your specific situation, but here are some common benefits of this type of work:
- Flexibility. Did we mention scheduling flexibility? You decide how much and when you work, within the assignments available.
- Variety. Working in different settings sharpens your skills and widens your professional network. You’ll see how different facilities operate and which ones you may want to join long term.
- Competitive Pay. You can take the assignments that pay what you want, need, and expect. Pay varies by role, setting, and shift, so ask for specifics before you accept any offer.
- Daily Pay. Some agencies, like Sooner Medical Staffing, offer daily pay, so you can access your earnings without waiting for a traditional pay cycle.
Questions To Ask Before Joining a Nurse Staffing Agency
A good agency welcomes your questions. Bring this list to every conversation and get answers before you sign up for placement:
- What are the pay rates for my role, and how often do I get paid?
- Do you offer daily pay, and how does it work?
- How do you assign shifts?
- What’s your cancellation policy if a facility cancels my shift or I need to cancel?
- Where are your facilities located?
- What support will I get if I run into a problem on a shift?
- What benefits, if any, come with the work?
What to Expect from Sooner Medical Staffing
Sooner Medical Staffing is an Oklahoma City-based staffing agency with nearly two decades of healthcare staffing experience. We connect CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and EMTs with organizations and facilities in need, and we match you with opportunities that fit your goals and availability.
Here’s what you can expect from us:
- Flexible scheduling options
- Competitive pay
- Daily pay availability
- A supportive team that answers your questions
Our process is simple. You tell us what you’re looking for, we match you with a facility, and you get to work. Contact us today to learn more about working with us or to get started.
FAQs
Do nurses get paid more through an agency?
Sometimes, but it depends on job-related factors like the role, setting, and shift. Pay rates vary by agency and facility, so ask for specific numbers before you accept an assignment.
Can I work for an agency and keep another job?
Yes, many healthcare professionals do. PRN nursing suits people who want extra income alongside a main job. Be sure to check your primary employer’s policies to make sure picking up other work is acceptable. Also, tell the agency your availability so it can match you with shifts that don’t conflict.
Do I need experience to work with a nurse staffing agency?
Not always. Some facilities welcome new graduates, while others prefer clinicians with experience in a specific setting. Your license, credentials, and the facility’s requirements determine which openings are a good fit.
