What are the benefits of employing an agency nurse?
Hospitals and other health care facilities hire agency nurses as a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective staffing solution. Whether filling short-term gaps or providing long-term support, agency nurses help hospitals maintain high-quality patient care while managing workforce challenges.
Healthcare facilities most often are required to operate 24/7 and need consistent staffing to maintain patient care. Agency nurses are readily available to fill shifts caused by:
- Staff shortages due to illness, leave, or vacancies;
- To cover roles whilst the facility is recruiting for permanent staff;
- To manage scheduled absences, like for example, planned parental leave;
- Sudden increases in patient admission rates; and/or
- Unexpected emergencies or crisis situations.
Healthcare facilities face constant challenges in maintaining adequate staffing levels while ensuring high-quality patient care. In our most recent Healthcare Job Index Survey, more than three-quarters of the healthcare hiring professionals we spoke with, reported staff shortages, increasing to 91% of public hospitals across Australia reporting staff shortages in the same survey.
One effective solution is employing agency nurses. Whether covering staff shortages, seasonal fluctuations, or unexpected absences, agency nurses offer numerous benefits to hospitals, aged care facilities, and clinics. Here are some of the reasons why hiring an agency nurse could be the right decision for your healthcare facility.
- Immediate availability & flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of agency nurses is their immediate availability. Healthcare needs can be unpredictable, and having access to a pool of qualified professionals ensures that shifts are covered quickly. This flexibility allows facilities to maintain optimal patient care without overburdening permanent staff.
- Reduced Staff Burnout
Overworked and understaffed healthcare teams face higher levels of stress and burnout. By employing agency nurses, facilities can distribute workloads more evenly, reducing fatigue, stress, and turnover rates among permanent staff. A well-balanced team leads to better morale and improved patient outcomes.
- Access to unique skills
Agency nurses bring a diverse range of skills and experiences from working across different healthcare settings. Their adaptability allows them to integrate quickly into new environments, bringing fresh perspectives and best practices to improve patient care and team efficiency.
- Cost-Effective Staffing Solutions
Hiring permanent staff involves long-term commitments, training costs, and on costs. In contrast, agency nurses provide a cost-effective solution by filling immediate gaps without the expenses of recruitment and onboarding. Facilities only pay for the time and expertise they need, making it an efficient use of resources.
- Enhances Patient Care & Safety
When understaffing occurs, patient care can suffer. Employing agency nurses ensures that nurse-to-patient ratios remain balanced, leading to safer, higher-quality care. With their extensive experience in various settings, agency nurses are skilled at quickly assessing situations and adapting to facility protocols.
- Support During Peak Periods
Hospitals and aged care facilities often experience seasonal surges, such as flu season or increased patient admissions. Instead of overburdening existing staff, agency nurses provide essential support during these busy periods, ensuring continuous, high-quality care.
- Trial Before Permanent Hiring
For facilities considering long-term staffing solutions, employing agency nurses allows them to assess a candidate’s fit before offering a permanent role. This reduces hiring risks and ensures the right professionals are selected for long-term positions.
- Compliance & Accreditation
Reputable nursing agencies, like Talent Quarter, thoroughly vet and credential their nurses, ensuring they meet industry standards and regulations. This saves healthcare facilities valuable time and effort while guaranteeing compliance with accreditation requirements. Talent Quarter goes so far as to pulse the AHPRA database every day, to ensure that there have been no changes to a nurse’s registration whilst they are working with a client.
Final Thoughts
Employing agency nurses is a practical, flexible, and cost-effective solution for healthcare facilities looking to maintain excellent patient care while managing workforce challenges. If you’re considering hiring an agency nurse, you’d be in good company as just under 50% of hiring professionals who responded to our Healthcare Job Index survey are also planning to hire new staff, with 17% expecting to rely on agency support to fill vacancies.
From reducing burnout to ensuring seamless operations during peak times, agency nurses will always play a vital role in supporting the healthcare industry.
