So you’re already working full time but you need more work. For some nurses the thought of this is crazy talk, but for others like you, it’s a must to live your current lifestyle. Managing your existing schedule needs to work and NNA wants to help make this a reality. While it’s easy to simply accept another agency shift, it’s the logistics and self care which need serious consideration to ensure you don’t burn out. And that’s exactly what we are going to explore here today.
Picking up Agency Work When Your Schedule Is Already Full
There is no one-size-fits all solution when it comes to picking up agency work whilst already working a full time job. It depends greatly on where you live, the nature and hours of your full time job and also what your goals are in securing more work.
If you are a full-time rotating shift worker, meaning you work mornings, afternoons, night shifts and also weekends, consider the following 3 points which could lead to success in picking up more agency work;
1.Could you add another night shift onto your existing run or pick up an extra shift on your “weekend”?
2.Call NNA to discuss which shifts they have available around your current workplace to shorten the commute if you were considering two shifts in one day.
3.Whilst in contact with NNA you could also discuss if any shorter shifts/less physically demanding shifts were available which align with your skillset.
Alternatively, if you’re a full time, Monday to Friday, 9-5 (ish) worker, picking up agency shifts is a little more straight forward. If you’ve got the traditional Saturday and Sunday weekend off you could consider picking up agency shifts there.
Personally, I really enjoyed working a Saturday morning agency shift when I was in this position. I was able to enjoy my Saturday night off and all of Sunday, making me feel relatively “normal” amongst friends.
Depending on your specific job, you could also consider picking up a swing shift on top of your full time job. This shift will vary in time and duration depending on the facility but there could be a shift available from approximately 5.30pm - 1am for example. This shift time and arrangement will not suit everyone, but you may find it works depending on the location of both jobs and how physically demanding each one is respectively.
Again, get in contact with NNA and discuss the options available to you.
It’s also worth mentioning, how flexible are your permanent hours? Can these be altered to suit a specific agency shift if it was to pop up? Could you swap shifts with a friend or even modify your hours slightly. Though it may seem impossible, your manager may be more accommodating than you may think.
Further Grow Your Nursing Skills
Before you consider picking up agency shifts on top of your full time job, it’s worth contemplating completing a course which broadens your nursing skills.
Being able to offer the facilities more expertise, such as advanced life support and venipuncture, can help increase your chances of securing work in a variety of settings at times which suit you.
NNA have partnered with Australian Healthcare Academy (AHA) to offer their staff a range of such courses which are ideal in further growing and developing your skills. Though taking a course when working full time may be a difficult feat, it’s worth considering for long term gain.
Finding Time For Self Care Is Essential
For others observing your busy life, they might be thinking, when do you sleep? When do you have time to cook? How do you maintain your relationships? And these are all very valid questions and deserve consideration.
Here are some important self care tips you should consider when working full-time whilst also picking up agency shifts;
Sleep
Exercise
Mental Health
Meal Prep
Relationships
In summary, picking up agency shifts whilst working full time is not impossible but it requires strategic planning and a solid self-care plan. If this situation is all too familiar, be in contact with NNA to discuss work options within close proximity to home or your existing workplace. They want to assist you in finding appropriate agency shifts around your already hectic schedule.
Emma Smith
Registered Nurse