We've collated our most frequently asked nursing questions, along with our answers, to help guide you. If you have a question which we've not answered please send it to us on the form at the bottom of the page and we'll reply back shortly.
Flexibility: Agency nurses can choose their shifts and work locations, allowing for better work-life balance.
Variety of Experience: Working in different settings provides diverse clinical experiences.
Higher Pay Rates: Agency nurses often earn higher hourly rates compared to permanent staff.
Opportunity to Travel: Agency work can allow nurses to work in various parts of the UK.
Networking: Working in different environments helps in building a wide professional network.
Dedicated consultant: At JustNurses, each Nurse will have a consultant providing 1-1 support and always helping to claim their candidates' ideal shifts.
The hourly pay rate for an agency nurse can vary depending on factors like location, specialty, and demand. On average, agency nurses can expect to earn between £20 and £35 per hour. Rates can be higher for those with specialised skills or working in high-demand areas and can reach up to £50 per hour.
The annual salary for agency nurses can vary widely based on the number of hours worked and the specific roles undertaken. Generally, agency nurses can earn between £30,000 and £60,000 per year, but this can be higher with more shifts and specialties.
Yes, nurses are in high demand across the UK. The NHS and private healthcare providers continually seek nurses to fill various roles due to an ongoing shortage, increased healthcare needs, and an aging population.
Education: A nursing degree (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) from an accredited university.
Registration: Nurses must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Training: Completion of a pre-registration nursing programme, which includes clinical placements.
Specialties in high demand include: Intensive Care (ICU) / Emergency Nursing (ED) / Theatre Nursing / Mental Health Nursing / Geriatric Nursing / Paediatric Nursing / Community Nursing
Agency nurses can work across a variety of settings. These include: NHS hospitals, Private hospitals, Clinics, Nursing homes, Community healthcare settings, Schools, Prisons & Occupational Health Departments.
Agency nurses typically earn higher pay rates due to the flexibility they offer healthcare providers and the immediate availability to cover shifts in short notice
Agency workers can choose from various shift patterns depending on the healthcare provider's needs and their own availability. Common shift patterns include:
Agency nurses have the flexibility to select shifts that suit their lifestyle and preferences, making it easier to balance work with personal commitments. This flexibility is one of the key attractions of agency nursing.
Usually Agency nurses need to have at least 6 months post-registration experience to be able to work agency shifts.
Most agencies will need you to complete some mandatory training to allow you to work for them. Having additional qualifications, skills and training may help you get work in areas of high demand, or mean you can earn a higher hourly rate.
As demand changes we'll keep adding to this list. Check back when you're looking for nursing work.