Working as an agency registered nurse or midwife through 2020 was, how should we describe it, tiring? Hard work? Exciting? Though it was “The Year of the Nurse” designated to honor the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth and nursing progression, it was sprinkled with a few nasty bits we would probably rather forget. But 2021 is a new year and there’s plenty for agency nurses and midwives to be excited about and here’s why.

Healthcare Jobs Are on the Rise

 After a quick browse on the Seek website, I found that the Healthcare & Medical industry in Australia boomed in 2020, growing by 12.3% and recording an average annual salary of $89,905. But what does this mean for us? There are probably a lot of nursing vacancies on offer with First Choice that comes with a very reasonable pay packet!

The Mental Health Sector Needs Support

If you’ve ever considered post-graduate studies in mental health, now could be the time to upskill. Beyond Blue and other mental health services received a record-breaking number of calls throughout 2020, especially in states who entered stage four lockdown. If you have a keen interest in psychiatry and helping those with mental health concerns, the number of presentations is likely to continue to rise as people cope with the emotional, social, and financial impacts of 2020. If the thought of going back to university scares you, the beauty about working for a nursing agency is that you have the freedom to choose when you work based around your shifts. This may not sound like a big deal but come assignment and exam time, you’ll be thankful you have the choice.

A Vaccine is Coming

 And you could help administer the life-saving injections! The nursing workforce required to immunise the Australian public in the future is mind-blowing. Though giving injections is a vital skill learned in university, taking an immunisations course, such as the one offered by the Australia College of Nursing, can teach you to become an immunisation advocate and promote immunisation uptake nationally. The best part about this particular course is in the end you are authorised to immunise independent of a medical officer. There is an abundance of immunisation courses available online but they all vary slightly so ensure you read the fine print.

COVID Testing Is Still a Prominent Part of Our Society

 While we wait patiently for a vaccine, outbreaks are going to continue to happen as borders open and we start living a new “covid normal” life. What that means for us as agency nurses and midwives is that screening clinics both in metropolitan, rural and remote areas will continue to demand our skills. If working in screening clinics and nursing in COVID-affected hotspots is of interest, speak to the allocations team in the First Choice office to discuss what work opportunities exist or check out the job board here. Being part of addressing the immediate need of the public due to a global pandemic is monumental and something to be excited about.

Ability to Try New Jobs on a Short Term Basis

 Have you ever considered working in rural and remote communities around Australia helping to address the acute need of those struggling to access healthcare services? As we know, COVID doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor and certainly doesn’t care if you live in a major city or on a farm thousands of km’s from the nearest community hub. This fact has led to the opening of jobs in rural and remote parts of Australia you probably never thought existed. First Choice Care Remote & Rural Nursing Agency, unlike other nursing agencies, gives extraordinary registered nurses like you the chance to build a career and lifestyle they love, while supporting them with everything they need to make the most of their experience away from home. The nurses behind First Choice Care Remote & Rural team are ex-remote and rural nurses themselves so they know what it’s all about and can tailor your experience to best support the local community.

If you’re looking for a change in your agency nursing career, there is certainly no deficit in short term options to try. Contact First Choice Nursing agency here for more information about rural and remote nursing.

Nursing Agencies Will Continue to Be a Sound Resource

Adequately filling shifts will likely continue to be a challenge for hospitals and healthcare facilities in 2021 – which is great news for agency nurses! Nurses and midwives working their permanent hours who were unable to escape for a break last year will likely be looking to take annual leave now and in the coming months.

In summary, nurses and midwives are spoilt for choice when it comes to work opportunities in 2021. If you’re feeling restless in your current position and need a change of scenery, your next job will not be hard to find.

Thanks,

Emma Smith

Registered Nurse