How to Pick a Healthy Nursing Agency 

Transparent Pay Rates - Keep an Eye Out For Them

Amanda advises checking how transparent the agency is about their pay rates. 

A healthy agency will be upfront about what you can expect to earn, including details about rates for different shifts and potential overtime. 

Many agencies offer a higher hourly rate due to the lack of benefits like holiday and sick pay. 

Make sure the pay rates reflect the work you’re doing and consider whether the rates offered make up for the lack of traditional benefits.

Clear Contract Terms and Conditions

A clear contract is important. Amanda has seen many nurses struggle with agencies that provide vague or confusing contracts. 

Make sure your contract terms are clear and explain your role expectations, including requirements for late notice cancellations. 

A healthy agency will provide you with a contract that is easy to understand and outlines all the important details, like your duties, shift expectations, and any penalties for changing availability. 

If the contract feels too complicated or leaves questions unanswered, that’s a red flag.

Check the Recruitment Process

Amanda believes that the recruitment process can tell you a lot about the agency. 

A professional and efficient process shows that the agency values your time and respects you as a professional. 

If the recruitment team is disorganised or vague about the next steps, it might indicate that the agency lacks the structure needed to support its nurses properly.

Placements and Consistent Shifts

On-Time Payment of Wages

Support for Ongoing Training

Amanda emphasises that a healthy agency will support your ongoing training. 

This means providing access to training, workshops, and certifications that help you grow in your career. 

Look for agencies that have a structured approach to ongoing education, as it shows they are invested in your growth as a nurse. 

Professional development opportunities not only improve your skills but also increase your value as a healthcare professional.

Employee Assistance Programs

The emotional demands of nursing can be significant, and a healthy agency will offer support through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

Amanda advises checking whether the agency provides such support, as it shows they care about your mental health and well-being. 

An EAP can help you manage stress, anxiety, or grief, which is important in a demanding field like nursing.

More Than Just Compliance with Standards

Compliance with healthcare standards, such as AHPRA, is non-negotiable. 

Amanda warns that any agency that cannot demonstrate compliance with industry standards is one to avoid. 

A healthy agency will have clear policies and procedures in place to make sure they meet all regulatory requirements.

This compliance makes sure not only your safety but also the safety of your patients.

Fair Shift Cancellation Policies

Amanda recommends looking for an agency with a clear policy for shift cancellations. 

Knowing in advance what happens if a shift is canceled—whether you still get paid or how you will be notified—is important. 

Agencies that do not have a clear cancellation policy can leave you in a difficult position, especially if you rely on that income.

Red Flags - Make A Note of This

Amanda has seen plenty of nurses make mistakes when choosing an agency, often because they missed the warning signs. 

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

High Turnover of Staff:

A high turnover rate often indicates that nurses are not happy working there. Amanda suggests speaking to current and former employees to get an idea of the work environment.



Poor Reputation: 

Check the agency's reputation online. Look at social media comments and reviews. Amanda says that reading the feedback from other nurses can give you a good sense of whether the agency is reliable.

Lack of Compliance: 

Agencies that don’t follow industry standards can put you and your patients at risk. Always make sure the agency is compliant with standards like AHPRA.

Delayed Payments: 

If an agency has a history of paying wages late, it’s best to look elsewhere. Amanda stresses that you should not have to chase down your earnings.

Poor Communication: 

A lack of communication can make your job much more stressful. Amanda advises avoiding agencies that are vague or take too long to respond to your questions.

Lack of Detail Regarding Shifts: 

If an agency can’t give you clear details about your shifts or placement locations, that’s a red flag.

Competitive Pay Rates and Transparency

Amanda advises that while pay rates may be higher with nursing agencies due to the lack of holiday and sick pay, it’s important that these rates are transparent and competitive. 

The agency should clearly explain how rates are determined and make sure you’re comfortable with the terms. 

A healthy agency values its nurses and pays them accordingly, especially when considering the lack of traditional benefits.

Job Security and Flexibility - Guaranteed Minimum Hours

One of the downsides of agency work is often the lack of job security. 

Amanda notes that agency staff are usually required to be flexible, sometimes at short notice, and that there may be no guaranteed roster or long-term contract. 

However, agencies that genuinely care for their staff will try to provide as much stability as possible. 

Amanda recommends asking whether there are guaranteed minimum hours per week, as this can provide a sense of security.

Remote Locations and Higher Pay

Agencies sometimes offer higher pay rates for remote locations, which can be appealing.

However, Amanda warns that these placements often come with higher levels of clinical responsibility. 

Make sure you understand what is expected of you and whether you feel comfortable taking on those responsibilities. The increased pay should reflect the demands of the position.

Determining Reputation and Credibility - Read The Fine Print

Amanda suggests several ways to determine an agency's reputation. 

Start by checking their social media for feedback—read all the comments, both good and bad. Speak to current and former employees to get their honest opinion. 

Amanda also recommends checking the fine print on your contract and asking the recruitment team any questions you have. If they can't provide clear answers, that’s a sign to proceed with caution.

Common Mistakes Nurses Make - That You Can Easily Avoid

Amanda has seen some common mistakes that new nurses make when joining an agency.

One is avoiding asking for help—no question is too small, and asking can save you a lot of trouble. 

Another mistake is working outside your scope. 

Make sure you understand what is expected of you and stay within those boundaries. 

Time management is also so important. New nurses often underestimate how long tasks like medication rounds can take, so Amanda suggests always prioritising your work.

Another mistake is neglecting self-care. Skipping meal breaks can seem like an easy way to catch up on work, but it’s important to take care of yourself. 

Amanda also stresses the importance of clear and concise documentation—if it’s not written down, it didn’t happen. 

Don’t feel pressured to take on overtime if you’re exhausted, and remember that the emotional demands of nursing can be intense. 

Talk to your colleagues and make use of EAP services when needed.

Building a Supportive Relationship with Your Agency

A supportive relationship with your agency starts with clear communication. 

Amanda advises communicating your preferences from the start and letting the agency know if those preferences change. Be open about your availability and any days you can’t work. 

Seek feedback from your agency—constructive criticism can help you grow and develop in your career.