Are you curious to know what is an agency nurse? In today’s blog post, you’ll learn the definition of agency nursing and how it differs from other types of nursing.
Nursing is a noble profession that requires dedicated, highly trained personnel.
Regular nurses are typically employed by hospitals and other healthcare facilities, where they can devote all of their time, energy, and attention to patient care.
Agency or travel nurses, on the other hand, often take on assignments in multiple locations – usually with little or no notice.
Agency or travel nursing is an occupation that many people find appealing due to the flexibility it offers.
But if you’re considering becoming an agency nurse yourself, it’s important to have a clear understanding first of what exactly the role entails and why some professionals prefer this type of work over permanent positions.
We will look into all these questions and more in this article about what an agency nurse is.
An agency nurse is a healthcare professional who works in a flexible, temporary capacity to provide patients with quality health care services.
They strive to fill gaps that arise due to staffing shortages, unexpected absences of permanent employees, and shifts in patient needs.
Keep reading to learn more about the role of an agency nurse and what it takes to become one.
What is an Agency Nurse?
An agency nurse provides quality medical care on a temporary or contract basis in a variety of settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, or home health establishments.
They adhere to core clinical competencies established by their particular employer while demonstrating evidence-based practices and working collaboratively with other members of the interdisciplinary team.
Essential Qualities of an Agency Nurse
Being an agency nurse requires being able to multitask effectively, being able to accept whatever type of assignment that comes their way and working in different environments, and having excellent communication skills.
It also requires knowing how to prioritize tasks when presented with tasks from multiple nurses, physicians or administrators simultaneously.
Furthermore, they need the ability to build positive relationships quickly, adapt their practice style for different patients’ needs and assess patient conditions along with taking all necessary precautions for the safety of both the patient and themselves.
Responsibilities of an Agency Nurse
The responsibilities of an agency nurse include providing direct nursing care as well as providing guidance on treatment plans for individuals under their care; as well as educating patients about disease prevention, wellness habits and lifestyle changes needed for healthier outcomes.
Additionally they are responsible for documenting patient progress accurately; communicating any adverse events immediately so effective action can be taken by others; complying with safety regulations while working; monitoring certain vital signs which are routinely assessed during treatment (e.g., blood pressure readings); adhering to standards set forth by governing agencies such as The Joint Commission (TJC) or other third party payers; ensuring that best practice guidelines are followed; and participating in daily meetings.
Training/Qualifications Needed To Become An Agency Nurse
Agency nurses typically have a valid Nursing License from their respective state along with required certifications depending on their employer’s specific requirements e.g., BLS/ ACLS certification, CPR Certification etc.
Generally speaking most employers will look for someone who has at least one year of experience in acute-care nursing however those who have less may still qualify if they have worked directly with people needing specific medical attention such as elderly individuals living at home or students living in dormitories on college campuses etc).
In addition some employers may require specialized training programs related to emergency preparedness mobile health technologies etc).
Conclusion
In conclusion, working as an agency nurse is a great way to find flexibility and stability in your career.
With the right dedication and preparation, agency nursing can be a great option for current nurses or those starting out.
You’ll have access to more diverse opportunities, which come with their own unique set of rewards.
So if you’re looking to make a career change or just want some extra shifts here and there, give agency nursing a try!
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