There is no doubt that working as an Agency Nurse or an independent nurse has lots of perks. Nursing is more than just a career, it is a way of life because the shifts, the working environment, etc. drain you emotionally and physically. So a certain degree of flexibility and transparency is required in this job role. While the perks can be minimal for a full-time nurse, as an agency nurse, you can enjoy opportunities and benefits that a permanent nurse may not. Still, the role is quite demanding and requires you to be apt in every field.

So, if you have made up your mind to join a nursing agency in Cornwall and work as an independent nurse, there are certain things, or you can say traits that you should work on developing to become a trusted and an amazing nurse.

The following are the top qualities required to be an awesome agency nurse:

#1 Professionalism

As an independent nurse, you are on your own. Unlike a hospital who holds responsible for their nurses, you can’t expect that when you are an agency nurse. So, this means that you really need to know what you are doing. As an independent nurse, it is possible that you may hit the ground running. You will have to keep a professional attitude all the time, making sure that you are completely well-aware of the current procedures and practices and are capable of dealing with your colleagues of different seniority levels on the ward. This is an essential quality that a nursing agency in Cornwall looks for in a candidate before hiring.

#2 Adaptability

One of the perks of being an agency nurse is that you will be travelling a lot and working in different environments, and definitely different people. So, one of the key requirements here is adaptability. You will be working in a variety of medical care facilities throughout the United Kingdom. That means you won’t be seeing the same people every day or week. Moreover, based on the hospital you are working at, it may require you to be on your toes all the time. While this seems a bit daunting, it will provide you with variety, and you will be able to enjoy new challenges, which will only amp up your resume.

#3 Flexibility

Apart from adaptability, flexibility is another aspect that you should work towards. Are you willing to work at short notice, maybe take an extra shift? Will you be able to work in different environments? Being an agency nurse, you cannot expect to work at the same place. While it is up to you whether you choose to work at a particular hospital at a particular shift, an openness to being flexible to type of nursing, in working hours, as well as the location will stand you a very good chance to become recognised in your sector. Seeing your dedication and adaptability, many medical care facilities would want to book you more regularly. This is not only good for your career but will also support you financially.

#4 Empathy and Compassion

Empathy and compassion are naturally triggered in nurses. Their desire to care and help people is what makes them stand out from the rest of us. However, unlike being a permanent nurse, you would not be able to create bonds with the patients in your care. Since you will be working in a different setting almost every week or even day, you won’t get the time to be friends with the patients as well as your co-workers. So, you need to utilise every bit of time you have and make most of it to show your empathy and compassion so that people can remember you even if they met you for a few hours. Hospital is a desperate place, and as a nurse, it is your responsibility to cheer up patients and show compassion towards them.

#5 Calm under Pressure

One of the cons of being an agency nurse is that you are almost always ‘the newbie’ in the ward. So, it can put a lot of pressure on you to meet the expectations of your co-workers. Whatever circumstances you are in, you should be able to keep yourself calm no matter what. There may be instances where you would feel like screaming. But keeping yourself composed and talking in a calm voice will impress everybody at the hospital, including the patients.

#6 Physical Stamina

We don’t think that after a 12-hour shift, anybody will be able to come to work the next day, and yes, we are not talking about desk jobs. Being a nurse can drain your energy because you will be on your feet all the time covering patients after patients without rest. Therefore, it is important to keep your physical health in check. Drink plenty of water and never skip your meals. And when your shift is over, make sure that you get proper rest.

Being a nurse, there are a lot of emotions you have to hide. But taking care of people in need is a perk itself, and this should motivate you to do your job more dedicatedly.

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