Getting restful sleep can feel elusive, especially for nurses who work long shifts on rotating schedules. Just over two-thirds of nurses — Assistants in Nursing, Enrolled Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Midwives — struggle to stay awake during shifts due to poor sleep quality.
Getting quality sleep is not a luxury for nurses — it is a necessity. Ensuring you get the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep is an important part of practising good sleep hygiene.
Strategies for improving sleep hygiene
Agency nurses work hard and are tired at the end of a long shift. All they want to do is fluff their favourite pillow and fall into a deep sleep. Shifting from a day to night roster (and back again) can make it challenging, but not impossible. Here are some strategies for making quality sleep a reality.
Tips for night roster nurses
When you work an overnight shift, it is difficult to convince your body and your brain they must stay alert and ready for action. There are tricks you can use to adjust.
- Sleep consistency is key to making the adjustment. You must train your body to work against its normal instincts for sleep and wake cycles by sticking to a routine. For instance, if you sleep from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on your days on, you must maintain the same sleep schedule on your days off. Once your body gets into the habit of following this routine, you will get a more restful sleep.
- Eliminate distractions like sunny bedrooms by using blackout curtains and an eye mask. If you need to block out household noise, consider earplugs and a white noise machine set to a sound you find soothing. Turn off your phone while sleeping unless you are on call. You can set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” and make an exception for your employer’s phone number only to ring through.
- Take a hot shower or bath before you go to sleep to help your body relax, or perform some meditation to help you wind down from your shift and relax enough for sleep.
Tips for day roster nurses
Day roster nurses have it a bit easier but still must follow a few rules to get restful sleep before a busy shift. Here are some tips.
- Drink caffeine in moderation and never past 3 p.m. Moderate amounts every 2-3 hours is better than a super dose in one sitting.
- Take a nap during your break for 10-20 minutes to refresh. Using the “coffee nap” method helps boost nap benefits.
- Do a quick workout during a break to help keep your blood pumping. Knee lifts and jumping jacks work great.
Tips for rotating shift nurses
Rotating shift nurses perhaps have it the most difficult when trying to get enough rest. One of the best strategies you can use to help your body adapt is adjusting your sleep times. If you know you will switch from day shift to night shift, gradually delay your bedtime an hour each night to prevent a shock to your system. If you work a rotating schedule and find yourself worn out or unable to adjust, speak to your supervisor. They may be able to adjust your shifts or find a rotation that is better suited to you.
A final word on sleep hygiene
First Choice Care Nursing Agency cares about the quality of sleep nurses get before their shifts. We recognise that rotating shift nurses may need accommodations. That’s why we offer flexible schedules that promote your health and wellness. Contact us today to explore career options.
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Having 12 months of experience working as a nurse unlocks a lot of doors! You’ve got some experience under your belt and a greater idea of what you want out of your career as a nurse. By this point, you’ve experienced parts of the job that you love, and some things you don’t love as much, which will help shape your pathway forward. One door that has now been unlocked for you is Agency Nursing. We think it’s the best next step for most nurses, whether you’re looking for more flexible work, or want to earn a bit extra while maintaining your existing job or study commitments. To help you see why, we’ve put together this list on the pros and cons of agency nursing. What do you want to achieve next? The first thing to consider when determining your next step is what exactly you are looking to achieve. Do you want more flexibility, to travel the country while working, to work and study, to earn a bit more money, or do you want to follow a specific specialisation? Your priorities can help you determine whether Agency Nursing is the right step to take in your career. Put together a list of what you value, want to achieve, and want to prioritise. If any of our pros below connect with you, then Agency Nursing may just be right for you. Upskilling and specialisations If you’re ready to try something new, then you may look at upskilling. Undertaking further study will allow you to work in new specialisations that align with your passions. There are so many options when it comes to specialising in nursing, like emergency, theatre nursing, clinical, aged care, midwifery, and more. If you choose to do further study, you can work around it by picking up shifts for a Nursing Agency (more on that below)! Agency nursing Agency Nursing is one of the best pathways for working in nursing on your terms. Whether you want greater flexibility, to supplement your income from your primary job, or to travel while working. It isn’t perfect, of course, so we’ve put together the pros and cons of agency nursing to help you determine whether it fits your needs. Pros of agency nursing Flexibility Agency Nursing provides unmatched flexibility. Your work schedule is entirely in your control. You can work as much as you like, picking shifts that suit the needs of your life. This is perfect for nurses who are engaging in further study, have another job and want to pick up more work, have family commitments, or just want more flexibility in general. Pay As Agency Nurses are employed as casual workers, they earn a higher hourly rate than full-time nurses. In some cases, a hard-to-fill shift or role may receive a slightly higher hourly rate. But this higher casual rate means that on average, you can work as much as a full-time nurse while earning more. You may also receive higher rates as you progress in your career. Just like working directly for a healthcare facility, Agency Nurses may be offered a higher rate depending on the role and experience. Travel If you’re looking to explore Australia while working, then Agency Nursing is your perfect match. You pick up shifts in different cities that you visit, working while you explore. But the real gem comes in when you pick up Rural & Remote work. These temporary contracts will have you exploring and working in gorgeous rural locations all across Australia. Variety Variety is the spice of life, and Agency Nursing is perfect for getting your fix. You’ll work in a wide variety of healthcare facilities, with new people, and in new environments. It’s perfect for nurses looking to explore both public and private healthcare facilities in their city. Networking Working with a large variety of people across different facilities does wonders for expanding your network. You'll be working alongside a variety of different healthcare professionals, making connections, and learning from each other. A wide network is a great asset when you want to grow your career. Cons of agency nursing Shift availability While Nursing Agencies have enough shifts to keep you working each week, you may not always get shifts at your preferred healthcare facility. The shifts available are based on the needs of each individual healthcare facility. Meaning one week your preferred facility may have a lot of shifts available, and the next week not as many. Fortunately, you will still find shifts in other facilities that you may enjoy working in. Annual Leave/Sick Leave If you want to go on a holiday or need to take a rest for a few days, you will be sacrificing income over that time. Agency Nurses don’t have access to Annual Leave or Sick Leave as they are classified as casual workers. However, to make up for it, you do get paid significantly more for each shift, which often more than makes up for the lack of Annual Leave. As an Agency Nurse you will also be able to easily take time off whenever you want, whether you’re sick or need a break, you control when you work. Shift cancellation Shift cancellations do happen from time to time. Facilities sometimes decide that they don’t need anyone working on the shift that you have previously booked. In the case of a cancellation, our team will work hard to try to find you a replacement shift that matches your needs. Mentorship Finding an ongoing mentorship relationship with a more experienced nurse is more challenging as an Agency Nurse, but not impossible. As a staff nurse, you may engage in a mentor relationship with your nursing manager or other more experienced nurses you work with every day. But as an Agency Nurse, you will need to seek out those relationships on your own. Agency Nurses do develop strong relationships with the allocations teams, which can help you find resources, and the work you want to advance your career. Conclusion After your first year working as a nurse, you have a lot of exciting pathways in front of you. It’s the perfect time to take a look at what you want to do with your career, and the options that best suit it. If you’re looking for more flexibility, better pay, and the ability to work and travel, then Agency Nursing may be calling you. Find a job or register to work with us!
This May, we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on our Nurse of the Month, Marjie! Known for her dedication, compassion, and adventurous spirit, Marjie exemplifies what it means to be a nurse with First Choice Care. Her journey into emergency nursing and her love for rural and remote work make her truly one-of-a-kind. Here’s what Marjie had to say about her experience with us: What do you like most about First Choice Care? I like the flexibility of being an agency nurse. I also feel like I exist as a person to First Choice Care, where I have worked for others and only felt like a number. Why did you want to become a Nurse? I became a nurse actually as a platform for paramedicine and then I discovered the Emergency department and haven’t looked back. I love being able to help people. What has been the highlight of working with First Choice Care? I really enjoy working with handlers and I enjoy the flexibility to travel with my work and make a good pay packet. I am not someone who does permanency well, so this is an ideal set up for me. Would you recommend First Choice Care to other nurses and why? I would recommend First Choice Care for their rural and remote team. I have never done ad hoc shifts so I can’t speak for the metro teams, but I can only imagine that they are just as good. I have always been able to speak to a person when I called and the team actually communicate with each other which I love. I find the pay rates to be very competitive and I get the support I need when I need it. Thank you, Marjie, for being such an incredible part of the First Choice Care family. Your passion for emergency nursing and commitment to quality care in rural and remote settings is inspiring. We’re lucky to have you on the team!
So, you’ve nailed your application and interview—congrats! But before you can start picking up shifts as a casual nurse or healthcare worker, there’s one final (and very important) step: completing your compliance and credentialing requirements. Many applicants underestimate the time it takes to get their paperwork in order, and missing even one required document can delay your start date. To ensure a smooth onboarding process, here’s a checklist of the most common compliance mistakes and how to avoid them. Not Providing the Right References Your referees play a crucial role in verifying your experience and suitability for agency nursing. However, many applicants make the mistake of: Providing personal references instead of professional ones Listing references who haven’t supervised them in the last 12 months Forgetting to notify their referees that they’ll be contacted What You Need to Do: Submit 3 referees with their current phone number and email address Ensure referees have directly supervised you in the role you’re applying for within the last 12 months Contact your referees in advance and let them know they’ll receive an email or call from First Choice Care Missing Critical Proof of Experience If you’re applying as an Enrolled Nurse (EN) or Registered Nurse (RN) student, you’ll need to prove your recent clinical experience. A common mistake is not providing the right documents or thinking placements alone will count. What You Need to Submit: 2 x recent ANSAT reports or University Transcript (for EN/RN students only) 2 x recent payslips (from the same role you’re applying for—important for verifying recent experience!) Forgetting to Upload Key Qualifications Many applications stall because nurses and healthcare workers forget to upload their essential qualifications. Make sure you provide: Copy of your relevant certificates (Postgraduate Certificate, Bachelor, Diploma) Current AHPRA Registration (For nurses only—check your renewal date!) Not Completing Background Checks Your police clearance and working permits are non-negotiable for agency roles. A common mistake is not having the correct up to date documents or having the documents ready to go. What You Need to Submit: Certified Copy of a Current National Police Clearance (Dated within the last 6 months & clear of disclosable outcomes. Current Blue Card with Yellow Card Exemption (Required for Disability Support Workers only) Working with Children’s Permit (If applicable to your role) Proof of Work Rights in Australia (Passport, Australian birth certificate, or Confirmation of Enrolment for student visa holders) Not Meeting ID Requirements Not providing the correct identification and clear headshot is a common roadblock in onboarding. You need to provide at least 100 points of ID, such as: Passport (70 points) Australian Driver’s Licence (40 points) Marriage Certificate or Change of Name Certificate (25 points) What You Need: A clear headshot from the shoulders up for your ID badge. Think passport photo, not selfie. Not Submitting Immunisation & Health Clearance Records You’ll need documentation proving immunity to: Hepatitis B (Serology results with titre level OR record of 3 completed vaccinations) COVID-19 (Evidence of vaccinations required) Hepatitis A (If required for your role) Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) (Serology results OR record of 2 completed vaccinations) Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (DTP) (Vaccination within the last 10 years) Varicella (Chickenpox) (Serology results OR record of 2 completed vaccinations) Fluvax (Yearly dose—mandatory for Aged Care, Community, and Disability roles, highly regarded for Acute nurses) Tuberculosis Clearance (BCG, Mantoux results <5 OR negative, QuantiFERON result required if applicable) Relevant certificates required: First Aid Certification (Must be completed within the last 3 years) Don’t Let Paperwork Hold You Back! Completing compliance might seem overwhelming, but getting it right the first time will speed up your onboarding and help you start working faster. Triple-check that all required documents are submitted in full Contact your referees in advance to avoid delays Make sure your police check, AHPRA registration, and immunisations are up to date Respond promptly to emails requesting additional documents Tip: Keep a digital folder with all your credentials handy, so you can upload them quickly when applying for roles. Conclusion Completing your compliance and credentialing requirements correctly is an important step in getting started with First Choice Care quickly. Review your compliance and credentialing documentation and match it to this list to ensure you're getting it right the first time. Then you'll be ready to start picking up shifts and enjoying the flexibility that agency nursing offers. Ready to join First Choice Care, Australia’s most supportive nursing agency? Check out our current roles or register your interest here .
