About Nurse Staffing Agencies

The healthcare industry offers prospective job hunters many employment opportunities. One of the most important health care roles is that of nurse. Nurses are health care professionals who assist in the care of patients. A nurse may work in many settings including a hospital, nursing home, school, private doctor's office or scientific research facility. Many nurses sign up with nurse staffing agencies to ensure they have assistance in finding placement in the best positions possible. Moreover, employers rely on these agencies to recruit and help retain some of the best talent available.

Types of Jobs

Many nursing staffing agencies employ nurses in a wide variety of nursing fields. Opportunities may be found in pediatrics, medical / surgical nursing, gerontology, cardiac care, psychiatric nursing, emergency room staffing and many other areas of healthcare. The majority of positions available on a regular basis are shifts for hospitals for various areas and specializations around the facility.

Requirements

Nursing staffing agencies find employment for both registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Staffing agencies require potential candidates to hold a license in their state of employment. An agency may work with candidates from other states to help them gain the right type of nursing license. In addition to holding a bachelor's degree or certificate in nursing, nursing staffing agencies prefer candidates with at least two years of experience in a professional healthcare setting.

Travel Nursing

Some staffing agencies specialize in travel nursing. Travel nurses travel among different facilities around the country -- and sometimes the world -- to meet staffing needs where they is an existing shortage or open position. A travel nurse may work two months in one hospital and then six months in another. They might travel to the site of a natural disaster to help people recover from injuries. Then, a travel nurse might opt for an assignment on a cruise ship before moving on to a speciality clinic. Many travel nurses enjoy the versatility and constant change of scenery provided through the travel nursing industry.

Available Shifts

Nursing staffing agencies offer employees a wide range of employment opportunities. Nurses may choose to work many different hourly shifts. A nurse may work an early morning shift one day and a late evening shift two days later. Nurses often work on holidays, weekends and evenings. Nurses choose to work as little as a one shift per month or five shifts in a week. Many nursing staffing agencies will offer those who choose to work a certain number of shifts per week benefits, such as vacation time and paid health care coverage. Part-time workers may also be offered benefits if they work a certain number of hours monthly.

Wages

Nursing staffing agencies generally pay nurses an hourly wage. Licensed practical nurses may earn up to $20 per hour. Registered nurses may earn up to $50 per hour. Pay may differ from hospital to hospital; and remember that some hospitals pay more per hour than others. Additional hourly compensation may be offered for holiday, weekend and overnight shifts.