Separating Fact from Fiction: Nurseplus Busts Care Agency Myths
The world of healthcare and social care is full of myths and misconceptions, especially when it comes to agency workers, agency nurses, and agency care staff.
These myths can often cloud the reality of what it’s like to work with agency care staff and care recruitment agencies, obscuring the invaluable role they play in the healthcare system. Today, we’re going to debunk some of the most common myths surrounding care recruitment agencies, and our carers and nurses to help clear up any misunderstandings.
Myth 1: Agency Workers are Less Qualified
One of the most common myths about agency workers, particularly agency nurses and agency care staff, is that they are less qualified than their permanent counterparts.
Busted: In reality, agency workers often have the same, if not more, qualifications and experience as permanent staff. Many agency care staff and nurses have worked in the field for years, gaining a diverse range of experience across various settings.
Nurseplus carry out extensive background checks, require professional references, and deliver not only mandatory training but offer continuous updates and further learning to ensure our workers meet the highest standards.
Myth 2: Agency Care Staff Are Only Used in Emergencies
It’s commonly believed that care recruitment agencies are only useful in emergencies to fill last-minute gaps, and their role doesn’t go beyond crisis management.
Busted: Many healthcare providers use agency nurses and agency care staff to supplement their teams on a regular basis, whether to cover planned absences, manage fluctuating patient demands, or provide specialised skills.
Nurseplus do offer a free on-call service that will help you during an emergency situation but our agency workers are available to provide flexibility and support at all times. Your local branch teams will always ensure continuity of care and can often help prevent burnout among your permanent staff.
Myth 3: Care Recruitment Agencies Are Too Expensive
Another prevalent myth is that hiring through care recruitment agencies is prohibitively expensive.
Busted: While there are costs associated with using agency workers, these are often balanced by the reduced administrative burdens, recruitment costs, and employee benefits that healthcare providers would otherwise need to handle. The flexibility offered by agency workers can lead to cost savings in the long run by allowing organisations to staff according to real-time needs rather than overstaffing or underutilising resources.
Nurseplus are aware that our prices are higher than some UK care recruitment agencies but we offset higher costs with higher quality candidates and services. Here are the main benefits you’ll gain when you choose to work with Nurseplus over other care recruitment agencies.
Myth 4: Agency Workers Lack Commitment
There is a misconception that agency care staff are less committed or less reliable than permanent employees.
Busted: Many agency workers choose this route precisely because it allows them to bring their best to the job, offering them the flexibility to manage their work-life balance and pursue ongoing professional development. In fact, agency nurses and agency care staff are often highly dedicated professionals who have chosen agency work to gain experience across different settings and make a meaningful impact wherever they are needed.
Nurseplus give our carers and nurses the option to work when they want to or can. This can mean working around further education, another job, or simple lifestyle commitments like childcare or a partner's shifts.
Myth 5: Care Recruitment Agencies Don’t Prioritise Quality of Care
Some believe that care recruitment agencies prioritise profit over the quality of care.
Busted: A reputable care staff agency will place a strong emphasis on quality and safety with an understanding that their reputation depends on the quality of the care provided by their workers. Many care recruitment agencies have stringent hiring processes, and regular performance assessments to ensure that the standards of care are not just met but exceeded.
Nurseplus will only recruit care staff who are passionate about delivering quality care. Part of our hiring process is to ensure our candidates either have previous experience in care or are willing to learn and progress to the standard of quality we provide.
Myth 6: Agency Care Staff Disrupt Team Dynamics
It’s often assumed that introducing agency workers into an established team disrupts team dynamics and leads to poor patient outcomes
Busted: On the contrary, agency workers are adept at quickly integrating into new teams and adapting to different work environments. Their diverse experience allows them to bring fresh perspectives and solutions, often strengthening team dynamics rather than disrupting them. The flexibility of agency care staff enables teams to maintain adequate staffing levels, which is critical for delivering consistent and high-quality care.
At Nurseplus, we often receive glowing feedback from our clients about how well our carers integrate into their settings. We find that our teams can often become favourite members of staff among their colleagues and the people they care for.
Myth 7: Agency Work is a Last Resort for Care Professionals
Some think that professionals only turn to agency work as a last resort.
Busted: Many care professionals choose agency work deliberately for its flexibility, variety, and opportunities for career advancement. For some, it’s an ideal choice that allows them to maintain a healthy work-life balance, avoid burnout, or gain experience in multiple areas of care. It’s a career choice that can be both fulfilling and rewarding, and not just a fall-back option.
The True Value of Care Recruitment Agencies
Care recruitment agencies play a vital role in today's healthcare ecosystem by providing skilled, experienced, and flexible professionals when and where they are needed most. Whether it's agency nurses or other agency care staff, these workers help maintain the quality and continuity of care in what can often be challenging circumstances.
We hope we’ve helped you move past the myths and recognise the true value that agency care staff and care recruitment agencies bring to the table and that you now appreciate the important role that agency workers and care staff agencies play in delivering high-quality care.
Posted on September 16, 2024 by Nurseplus