NSUK: How to find the best nursing agency jobs
Nursing agency jobs and HCA temporary posts are more in demand than ever before, following public sector cutbacks. This is particularly the case for qualified staff who want to work at the times and locations of their choice – says NSUK.
In 2013 work with a reputable nursing agency offers great opportunities for those nurses who want extra shifts and pay or choose to balance their work-life commitments because they have family dependents for example.
The NSUK – Nursing Services of the UK – offers the following advice for getting the most from nursing agency work and work providers:-
1) Register with several nursing agencies in one group: to increase the opportunities for work, qualified staff can register through the NSUK web site, just once, to work for eligibility for five different agencies in the A24 Group- visit Nursing Services of the UK
2) At registration, ensure you provide all the information that is required: NSUK provides a detailed list of documents to supply. The agency meets with all candidates locally to help them complete the registration process. Initial registration may be started on-line through the NSUK web site. Documents required include a completed CRB, as well as a detailed NSUK application form; and job references.
3) Keep your registrations current: once you are registered and have on-line access through A24 Connect, ensure annual certifications are up to date – such as for training and CRB. Also, update your ‘Work Areas’ in the A24 Connect job management system– the geographical locations to which you are happy to travel for shifts. Agency Consultants will search for and offer shifts according to the work areas you’ve chosen.
4) Are you a specialist nurse in ICU or PICU, or perhaps SCBU trained for example? There is high demand for specialist nurses in many regions. Current certificates are essential as proof of your speciality, so NSUK can match your qualifications with relevant work. Also, if you do specialist training on an annual basis in your permanent job – such as Ventilator, Tracheostomy, IV administration – please inform the agency.
5) Let the agency know when you are available to work: NSUK’s on-line web diary enables nurses and HCAs to confirm when they are ready for shifts. It’s worth updating the diary at least every week. Be flexible: if NSUK knows that you will accept work at short notice – or will work some evenings, weekends or Bank Holidays – then you will get more, higher-paying shifts
6) Stay in touch: find out which NSUK consultants deal with the area where you want to work. E-mail the names of the towns and hospitals. NSUK’s consultants are there to help, and when they get to know you and the type of work you want, it will increase work opportunities
7) Social Media: it’s worth registering for NSUK’s Facebook and Twitter pages so that you are up to date on agency news and job opportunities – you can see details too at the Nursing Services of the UK web site
8) Complaints: feedback is always welcome. Let NSUK know if there is anything with which you are unhappy or could be done differently – or issues you have in the workplace. Good agencies are grateful for feedback
9) Tell a friend: if you have nursing friends who are interested in agency work, then telling them about the agency is helpful for feedback and communication. Visit NSUK’s Facebook and click on ‘Like’ or visit the web address: www.NSUK.co.uk
10) Consider your career: are you looking for specific nursing jobs or types of work or experience? If you are, then do discuss this with your NSUK consultant, as the medical staffing agency may be able to help, if you meet the standards required by clients for relevant nurses’ jobs with healthcare service providers.
Contact:
NSUK
http://www.nsofuk.com/
Tel: 0871 873 3380
Email: info@nsofuk.com
Address:
NSUK
Group House
92 – 96 Lind Road
Sutton
SM1 4PL