The Royal College of Nursing estimates that there were over 46,828 nursing vacancies last year. This record high underlines just how difficult it has been for healthcare employers to fill permanent nursing roles and is why the NHS spent nearly £3bn on agency staffing in 2021-22, an increase of 20% on the previous three years. Agency nurses play a valuable role in healthcare stepping in during periods of staff shortages, high patient volumes, or when specialised skills are required. Because of rising demand for agency services, agency nurse pay rates are increasing. But while higher pay is tempting, it might not be the only reason to choose to become an agency nurse!

 

Let’s explore how agency nursing pay works and some other benefits of moving into agency nursing so you can make an informed choice.
 

Understanding agency nurse pay rates

 
You may have seen the news that some NHS hospitals have been spending up to £2,500 for a single agency nursing shift! However, when it comes to pay rates there’s no simple answer to the question how much do agency nurses get paid?

In general, hourly rates will be higher for agency nurses than permanent nursing staff. However, agency nurse pay rates can vary by location, role responsibilities, the skills you have and how urgently employers need to fill the role.

5 factors influencing agency nurse pay

One of the great things about agency nursing is that how much you earn is up to you. Pay can rise even further if you are willing to take short notice assignments, work anti-social hours or weekend shifts. There are several factors that will influence the pay rates for agency nursing assignments:

1.Supply and demand
Right now, there is a shortage of qualified nurses leading to increased demand for agency staff. Maning employers are willing to pay more to fill jobs. Certain high-demand roles and specialisation like mental health nursing will also offer higher pay.

2. Individual flexibility
Agency nurses have greater control over their schedules and work locations. This flexibility means that some locations or shift patterns will offer higher pay rates to attract nursing staff. It also means that you can tailor which assignments you choose to get the highest pay.

3. Your skills and specialisations
Certain skills and specialisations are in higher demand than others, like A&E nursing, mental health nursing and ICU nursing. If you have experience in these areas, you are likely to command a higher pay rate. This can be valuable knowledge if you are trying to decide how best to develop professionally.

4. Short-Term Commitment
Agency assignments can vary in length, but most are short-term meaning you may not know where you’ll be in 6 months’ time. might also only have a few weeks’ notice before starting an assignment. Pay rates are higher to reflect this uncertainty.

5. Responsibilities and challenges
Agency nursing isn’t for the faint hearted! Agency nurses face unique challenges and responsibilities that can be stressful and demanding. To acknowledge and compensate for these additional pressures, higher pay rates are often provided, reflecting the dedication and resilience required.

 
The benefits of agency nursing beyond pay

 
Of course, higher pay rates aren’t the only reason to choose and agency nursing role. There are plenty of other advantages to having greater control over your nursing assignments such as:

• The chance to develop new skills and expertise
  Working in agency roles can expose you to a range of different patient needs and treatments. Navigating these challenges makes you more adaptable and hones your abilities, making each assignment a steppingstone to a richer, more versatile skill set.

 

• Exposure to a wide variety of roles and healthcare settings
  From bustling hospitals to specialised clinics, each assignment broadens your horizons. This exposure to new healthcare settings can help you discover your career passions and make more informed decisions about your goals.

 

• Increased networking opportunities
  In every role you’ll expand your personal network engaging with other healthcare professionals and administrators. These connections can open doors to new opportunities and assignments.

 

• More flexibility and personal choice
  Agency nursing gives you the freedom to crafting your schedule and select the assignments you want. This allows you to balance nursing with other family, education, or personal commitments.

 

We understand the deciding to pursue agency nursing isn’t an easy decision and it’s important for you to weigh up the financial and non-financial benefits in relation to your own circumstances and career goals.

Before you take the next steps, are your compliance documents up to date? ProMedical can help you manage your documentation. Stay focused on delivering exceptional care while we handle the administrative details and navigate your career with confidence and efficiency.

Have you decided to pursue agency nursing?

 
If you are ready to take on the challenge of agency nursing, you’ll need a dedicated partner to help you find assignments that suit you. Discover a wide variety of temporary and contract opportunities across the UK with ProMedical. Whether you are looking to broaden your skillset, experience new areas of nursing or elevate your earning potential we provide a comprehensive and quality service.

Reach out today for details agency nursing positions that match your skills and aspirations and could award a higher rate of pay or search our current roles.