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Nurse Staffing Agency VS Direct Hire

Nursing staffing agencies and direct hire are two common ways to hire nursing professionals in the UK. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to understand the difference between them before deciding.

Cromwell Medical Staffing are an international nurse employment agency that specializes in finding top healthcare facilities across the UK that offer a variety of specialities, and match them with our strong network of Registered Nurses to find the perfect fit.

What is a Nurse Staffing Agency?

Nursing staffing agencies have become increasingly popular in the UK to fill nursing vacancies, and provide a variety of services to healthcare organizations, including temporary and permanent staffing, as well as contract services. These agencies are typically hired by healthcare facilities to fill a variety of nursing positions, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, and other nursing roles. Staffing agencies match nurses with healthcare organizations based on their skills, experience, and availability.

What is Direct Hire?

Direct hire, on the other hand, is the process of a healthcare facility hiring and sponsoring nurses directly. Your employment contract would then be with the facility directly. They are responsible for filing any immigration documents and you would need to rely on their processes for any updates to your case.

Deciding factors

As a nurse, deciding between direct hire and staffing agency will depend on your personal and professional goals, priorities, and preferences. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:

Career goals

If you're interested in gaining a variety of experience and building a broad skill set, a staffing agency may be a better option. Nurse agencies work with a variety of healthcare facilities, which means they can offer a broader range of opportunities to nurses. Nurse agencies also have a large network of healthcare professionals, which can be valuable for nurses who are looking to build their professional network.

Work-life balance

Another advantage of working for an agency is the flexibility it offers. Agency nurses have the ability to choose their own schedule and can often pick up shifts at short notice. This can be particularly beneficial for nurses who have other commitments, such as family or school, and need a more flexible work schedule.

Pay and benefits

One of the advantages of working for an agency is that agency nurses typically earn a higher hourly rate than direct hire nurses. This is because agencies have to compete for qualified nurses and offer attractive pay rates to attract and retain talent. In addition, agency nurses may have more opportunities to work overtime or receive bonuses for working in high-demand areas or on short notice.

Personal preferences

Consider your personal preferences, such as the type of patients you prefer to work with, the type of healthcare facility you prefer, and the work environment you prefer. Both options can provide different experiences and opportunities, so it's important to consider what aligns best with your personal preferences and priorities.

Ultimately, the decision between direct hire and staffing agency will depend on your individual needs and goals. It may be helpful to research both options, speak with recruiters or healthcare professionals, and consider your own priorities before deciding.

Join Cromwell Medical Staffing

Unlike direct hire agencies, we take on the responsibility of hiring, preparing, and supporting our community of nurses. Our services include placing nurses in our clients' facilities and providing continuous support to them throughout their tenure with us. Additionally, we offer various career pathway options and growth opportunities to our nurses.

If you are looking to start your nursing agency journey or whether you are a seasoned professional, get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you.