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lokisare
(offline)
- Joined: Sep 2007
- Location:
- Posts: 37
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Sun Sep 09, 2007 2:09 pm
Hi all, I am (due to other life factors) looking at working casually as an agency nurse instead of doing a grad year - I was wondering if anyone else has experience with this and also whether agencies will accept new graduates without experience. This isn't until the end of next year by which time I'll have been a div 2 for a year as well so I'll have some reasonable experience under my belt. I would love to do a grad year but am looking at studying full time so even part time would be too much. Thanks for any info,
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Molly
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- Joined: Apr 2007
- Location:
- Posts: 135
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Sep 09, 2007, 03:23 pm
Hello lokisre ! I am just wondering are you a RN or EEN now?and are you living in Brisbane? I am a EEN and living in Brisbane. Hope to hear from you soon.
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lokisare
(offline)
- Joined: Sep 2007
- Location:
- Posts: 37
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Sep 09, 2007, 04:10 pm
Sorry nope I'm actually in Vic, studying RN (Bachelor of Nursing - div 1) course but can register as an EN (div 2 nurse here) at the end of this year.
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KingAaron
(offline)
- Joined: May 2006
- Location: Adelaide
- Posts: 51
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Sep 09, 2007, 08:59 pm
Hey I work for and have worked for nursing agencys most of my employment time in nursing. NasaNsb - who I used to be with, they take on and do GNP's, so its agency whilst your doing your grad year. But they also take on RN's without a GNP. It also depends on what the client ask's and if the client is willing to take a Non GNP Nurse over someone who has completed a GNP. ie: If one of my clients request a RN and they request that the min class of the RN be 1.5, I can only offer RN's who are 1.5 and above. A lot of my clients have a min limit, and that is generally 1.2 / 1.3 ... and I do have a few RN and EN's 1.1 on our books. For me to book these nursing staff into shifts that are placed with my agency, I need to contact the client and ask if they will accept a 1.1 or whatever the class is of the nurse, and by doing agency the agency has to follow what the client is asking as the client is paying the money for a service. So as with everything, when you pay for a service, you expect what you pay for. Hope that answers some of your questions, if you have any more feel free to sing out with them, Regards, Aaron
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lokisare
(offline)
- Joined: Sep 2007
- Location:
- Posts: 37
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Sep 09, 2007, 09:12 pm
Thanks Aaron, that's great info. A GNP through an agency sounds ideal - do you know how flexible the hours can be with that? I don't mind being paid/treated as a grad it's the hours that pose the issue, I'm looking at studying full time so I'd be available for full time work over breaks (up to 4 months a year) but only minimally at other times. I'm assuming when you say 1.2 that the second number refers to years of experience? So 1.2 would be second year out post degree? Thanks again
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KingAaron
(offline)
- Joined: May 2006
- Location: Adelaide
- Posts: 51
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Sep 10, 2007, 07:19 am
Hey Yes the second number is years of service, Iam unsure with your other questions, but what I will do, if ask the girls @ work, and then get back to you :) Aaron
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lokisare
(offline)
- Joined: Sep 2007
- Location:
- Posts: 37
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Sep 11, 2007, 04:16 pm
Thanks Aaron, That would be great.
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Liz
(offline)
- Joined: Sep 2007
- Location: Brisbane
- Posts: 79
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Oct 04, 2007, 07:41 pm
I am kinda in your situation. I still dont have a grad program offer yet, but am hoping I can get one. I was talking to my mentor about my options for next year, and she said that it is best to do your grad year, but its only its worth if you get the actual support that a new grad needs. My agency i kinda still work for (havent worked for since like Feb), Drake Medox, had a sms out to everyone saying the Maters were looking for permanent EENs and RNs, and I rang up to see if they would take those straight out of uni who didnt get a grad program, and the guy said no, coz they want some experience, which is fair enough. If i dont get a grad program I spose I could do community work, Im sure some offer grad programs. I know one place from Melbourne that was at the RCNA expo in brisbane that said they do grad programs. So i guess I could do that for a year or so. If you live in Brisbane, I think Oxley nursing do a grad program.
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Pixie Dust
(offline)
- Joined: Jan 2008
- Location: Melbourne
- Posts: 1
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Jan 08, 2008, 08:42 pm
Hi Liz, There is a nursing expo held every June or July in Melbourne. It is held at the Exhibition Building in Carlton/Fitzroy. I only know of one agency here in Vic who will employ you as a Graduate Nurse and that is Belmont (there office is in the same building as the Nurses Board on Collins Street). They allow a lot of flexibility with shifts and my understanding is that it is like working for any other agency in that they call to say a shift is available and you say Yes or No. Perhaps have a look at their website for further information or contact them and have a chat. They may even be able to get you work as a Div 2 if you have registered for that. Hope that helps. PD
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rosyjo11
(offline)
- Joined: Jan 2008
- Location:
- Posts: 5
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Jan 09, 2008, 11:11 pm
HI, years ago it was not uncommon for hospital trained RNs to head into agency nursing upon registration. However those RNs had three years intensive hospital training under their belt. They were well educated and highly experienced and did not pose a risk to patients. They were trained in a variety of nursing specialties and used to flipping from ward to ward. They were adaptable and competent in adjusting to different wards,specialties, staff etc Having worked with uni trained RN's fresh out of uni for the last 14 years and working with ENs and EENs I would be inclined to think it would be negligent to put yourself in a position of agency nursing without a minimum of a postgrad year. Agency nursing in a capital city may provide a multitude of options however you may find yourself being sent to specialty areas and treating very ill patients in need of 'specialling'. The question is not 'is agency a good option for you', the question is, 'are you a good option for agency'? It would be a shame to start your career as an RN in an environment that could lead you and your patients into disaster. Kind regards JO
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rosyjo11
(offline)
- Joined: Jan 2008
- Location:
- Posts: 5
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Jan 09, 2008, 11:13 pm
Another option may be to get a job in a hospital as support staff whilst you finish your studies. We have a few students that work in our private hospital as support staff. We also have a number of EN's working that are studying to become an RN. You could try part time or casual work at a hospital, it sets you up for a post grad placement as well as they know you and you know the hospital. You may even fall into a scholarship. Jo
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