Agency work is an excellent way to boost your income while enjoying added benefits to your nursing career. At Medical Staffing, one of the most common questions we receive from permanent NHS nurses is:
Can I Work Agency Shifts in Other Trusts?
The short answer is: Yes! As a permanent NHS nurse, you are indeed allowed to work in other Trusts as a temporary agency worker.
However, there’s a bit more to it. Working for an agency is considered secondary employment, so you’ll need to check your Trust’s policy on this. Typically, this involves completing a Secondary Employment Form or submitting a formal request in writing.
Your manager will review your request to ensure there’s no conflict with your permanent role. They’ll also need to consider the Working Time Regulations, which generally limit you to an average of 48 working hours per week. However, you can opt out of this limit in writing if you choose to work more.
It’s important to note that joining an agency doesn’t mean you have to exceed 48 hours per week. How much or how little you work is entirely up to you! Now that we’ve addressed the main question, let’s explore what else you should consider when thinking about joining a nursing agency.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Joining a Nursing Agency?
Working through an agency offers numerous benefits, but there are also some factors to consider. Here’s a breakdown:
The Pros:
Higher Rates of Pay: This is perhaps the most well-known advantage. Agency workers typically receive higher pay per shift, which can be a significant financial boost.
Control Over Your Shifts: Agency work is highly flexible, allowing you to choose when and where you work, fitting your shifts around your personal schedule.
Broader Experience: Working in different environments allows you to explore various wards and specialisations. You might even discover a new area of nursing that you’re passionate about.
Variety in Work: By working with different Trusts and in diverse settings, you’ll gain exposure to a wider range of colleagues and patients, continually enhancing your skills and knowledge.
Faster Pay: Many agency roles offer weekly pay, which can be a great way to boost your finances, especially if it’s been a while since your last monthly paycheck.
Increased Confidence: As you gain more experience and work with a diverse patient population, you’ll likely find that your confidence as a nurse grows, helping you become more assured in your capabilities.
The Cons:
Less Predictable Schedule: The flexibility of agency work also means it may be less predictable. There may be times when shifts are scarce during your preferred hours or at your desired hospital.
Frequent ‘First Days’: You might not be placed on the same ward every shift, which can lead to multiple ‘first days’ in different settings. This requires you to be adaptable, ready to jump in, and prepared to ask questions.
No Annual Leave or Sick Pay: As an agency worker, you only get paid for the shifts you work. This means you won’t receive pay during leave or sickness. However, if you’re working agency shifts alongside a permanent NHS role, you’ll still receive paid leave from your substantive position.
Secondary Employment Taxation: Income from agency work is taxed in addition to your permanent role’s income. Since your permanent job likely already meets your personal allowance, your agency earnings will be taxed at the basic rate of 20%.
Is Agency Work Worth It?
At Medical Staffing, we believe the benefits of agency work far outweigh the drawbacks. The flexibility, variety, and higher pay rates offer significant advantages, and for many nurses, agency work is an excellent way to enhance their career and financial stability. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or explore new nursing environments, agency work can be a rewarding option.