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Agency-nursing work: perceptions and experiences of agency nurses
Elizabeth Manias1, Robyn Aitken, Anita Peerson
1School of Postgraduate Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Level 1, 723 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia. emanias@unimelb.edu.au
International Journal of Nursing Studies
|February 28, 2003
Summary
Agency nurses prioritize flexibility but seek better communication and orientation. Enhancing these aspects can improve their integration and patient care within healthcare teams.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Studies
- Healthcare Management
- Sociology of Professions
Background:
- Agency nursing is a growing sector within healthcare.
- Understanding the experiences of agency nurses is crucial for workforce stability and patient care.
- Existing literature often lacks the perspective of agency nurses themselves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the clinical practice and professional status of agency nurses.
- To understand agency nurses' relationships with agencies, hospitals, and permanent staff.
- To identify factors influencing agency nurses' job satisfaction and retention.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing individual interviews.
- Ten agency nurses registered with three Melbourne-based nursing agencies participated.
- Thematic analysis was used to interpret interview data.
Main Results:
- Flexibility is the primary driver for engaging in agency nursing.
- Key themes include orientation, allocation, reasons for work, hospital staff interactions, and professionalism.
- Agency nurses desire improved communication, orientation, and recognition as integral healthcare team members.
Conclusions:
- Effective communication networks between nurses, agencies, and hospitals are essential.
- Comprehensive orientation and education are vital for agency nurses' professional development and patient care focus.
- Recognizing agency nurses as valuable team members can enhance job satisfaction and healthcare delivery.