Amanda's Advice: Working With an Agency
Amanda is a “fairy godmother” who helps nurses get their careers going while balancing their family life. She’s the gatekeeper, making it easy for them to meet their goals.
For the management side, she’s the one who provides the right people, understanding what they need.
Working with an agency can be a great experience, but it’s important to know what to look for when making your choice.
Here are some helpful tips from Amanda to guide you in finding the best fit for your needs.
What to Aim For
Clear Communication
Good communication is key. Make sure the agency explains everything clearly, from your role to working conditions.
Well-Vetted Staff
Look for agencies that carefully check the skills and experience of their team. You want to feel confident knowing that staff are qualified and reliable.
Consistent Staffing
Consistency matters. Aim for agencies that provide the same staff whenever possible, to help ensure smooth and reliable care.
Flexibility
Find agencies that are quick to fill shifts or can adjust to your changing needs. Flexibility makes all the difference.
Experienced and Qualified Nurses
Check that the staff has the right qualifications, training, and certifications for the job. You deserve to work with a team that knows what they’re doing.
Compliance with Rules
The agency should follow all regulations, including proper licensing and insurance. This keeps you and everyone else safe.
Strong Relationships
You want an agency that really gets your needs and works well with you. Long-term partnerships create better outcomes.
Support and Training
Continuous learning is vital. The best agencies offer regular training to keep their team up-to-date and skilled.
Cost-Effectiveness
A fair price is important, but so is quality. Negotiate pricing that works for both sides without sacrificing good care.
Openness to Feedback
Choose an agency that listens and takes action when there’s an issue. Feedback helps improve care and builds trust.
What To Avoid
While there’s a lot to look for, there are also some warning signs to watch out for.
Unreliable Shifts
Watch out for agencies that cancel or change shifts at the last minute. You need stability.
Low Pay Rates
Avoid agencies that offer unfair pay or fail to provide benefits. Your hard work deserves fair compensation.
Lack of Job Security
Agencies that can’t guarantee regular shifts or a stable income may not be the best choice if you're looking for consistency.
Poor Support
An unresponsive agency can leave you hanging. Look for one with a supportive team that’s always there when needed.
Unclear Contracts
Be careful of agencies with contracts that are hard to understand or include hidden clauses. Clear terms are a must.
Lack of Training
Agencies that don’t provide proper training can set you up for failure. Look for those that invest in their staff.
Unsafe Workplaces
Never work with agencies that send you to unsafe environments. Your safety is non-negotiable.
Inconsistent Communication
Agencies that fail to keep you informed, especially about shifts or pay, are a red flag.
No Career Growth
If the agency doesn’t offer opportunities for career development, you might find yourself stuck with no room to grow.
High Staff Turnover
Agencies with high turnover rates often have bigger internal issues. Stability matters when building relationships.
Following these tips from Amanda will help you find an agency that offers the support, safety, and success you need in your nursing career.
Need a hand finding the right shift? Amanda is always happy to help.
Get in Touch - Your Partner In Health
Your patients’ journey to better health starts with a simple call.
Our friendly team is ready to discuss your staffing needs and help you find the right care solution.
You will be listened to, supported, and provided with the best possible care.
