Agency Nurse FAQs

According to PayScale, the average hourly rate for an agency nurse in Ireland is €24.72. However, this can range from €17 to €39 per hour based on the above-mentioned factors.

It’s also important to note that agency nurses may receive additional benefits such as holiday pay and sick pay, but they may not have access to the same benefits as full-time staff nurses, such as pension plans or health insurance.

How do I become an agency nurse in Ireland?

To become an agency nurse in Ireland, you will need to follow these steps:

Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI): Before you can work as a nurse in Ireland, you must be registered with the NMBI. To register, you will need to provide proof of your nursing qualifications, demonstrate proficiency in the English language, and complete an application form. You can find more information about the registration process on the NMBI website www.nmbi.ie.

Gain nursing experience: Many agencies require nurses to have at least one year of nursing experience before they will consider hiring them. You can gain nursing experience by working in a hospital, nursing home, or other healthcare setting.

Register with PE Global Healthcare: When registering with us be sure to provide your nursing qualifications, nursing experience, updated CV and references.

Complete agency orientation: Once you have been hired by PE Global Healthcare, you will need to complete an orientation program. This program will provide you with information about our policies and procedures, as well as the specific requirements for working as an agency nurse.

Start working as an agency nurse: After completing PE Global Healthcare’s orientation, you can start working as an agency nurse. You will be assigned to an agreed location and be responsible for providing nursing care to patients. As an agency nurse, you may work on a temporary basis, filling in for other nurses who are on leave or who are needed for additional staffing.

In summary, to become an agency nurse in Ireland, you will need to register with the NMBI, gain nursing experience, register with PE Global Healthcare, complete agency orientation, and start working as an agency nurse.

What is an agency nurse in Ireland?

In Ireland, an agency nurse is a registered nurse who is hired by an agency to work in a variety of healthcare settings on a temporary basis. Agency nurses are often employed to fill gaps in staffing when hospitals or healthcare facilities are short-staffed due to sickness, vacations, or other reasons.

Agency nurses work on a flexible basis, and they may be called upon to work on a full-time, part-time, or ad-hoc basis, depending on the needs of PE Global Healthcare’s clients. We place agency nurses in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and community health centres.

Agency nurses are typically paid at a higher rate than staff nurses because they do not receive the same benefits and job security as permanent employees. However, agency nursing can be a good option for nurses who want flexibility in their working hours or who want to gain experience working in different healthcare settings.

What are the best nursing agencies to work for?

PE Global Healthcare obviously! We can find you a role in suitable depending on your location, your qualifications and experience, and your personal preferences.

Here are the reasons you should register with PE Global Healthcare:

• NMBI PIN paid for one year (T&Cs apply)
• Uniforms?
• Flexibility around shifts to finally achieve that work/life balance you’ve been talking about!
• Variety of locations – we have roles across Ireland and as they say, change is as good as a rest!
• Paid Garda Vetting
• Shifts are available in both Private and Public Hospitals
• And PE Global Healthcare is always here for you! We have a 24-hour on-call service/office support so we are always only a call away.

With over 15 years of healthcare experience, PE Global Healthcare is a trusted healthcare agency, that successfully places healthcare professionals in roles that suit them.

What is the age limit for nurses in Ireland?

There is no official age limit for nurses in Ireland. As long as a nurse is physically and mentally capable of performing their duties, they can continue to work. However, nurses in Ireland must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) to work legally, and the NMBI requires that nurses undergo a health assessment every three years after the age of 70 to ensure that they are fit to practice. Additionally, some employers may have their own policies regarding the retirement age of employees, but these are not determined by the government or regulatory bodies.

What is the job of an agency nurse?

An agency nurse, also known as a temporary nurse or a travel nurse, is a registered nurse who is employed by a staffing agency and is sent to work at different healthcare facilities on a temporary basis. The job of an agency nurse is to provide short-term staffing solutions to healthcare facilities that are experiencing a shortage of nurses due to various reasons such as staff shortages, staff vacations, or increased patient volumes.

Agency nurses are expected to have a high level of clinical expertise and flexibility as they work in various healthcare settings and may have to adapt to different working environments, policies, and procedures. They must also have excellent communication skills, be able to work independently and be able to quickly build rapport with patients and other healthcare professionals.

The duties of an agency nurse include providing direct patient care, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, documenting patient care, and providing education to patients and their families. They may work in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centres.

Agency nurses are typically paid higher rates than staff nurses and have the flexibility to choose their work schedules and locations. However, they may also have less job security and benefits than staff nurses.

How many hours do nurses work in Ireland?

In Ireland, nurses typically work 39 hours per week, which is considered full-time employment. However, nurses may also work part-time or on a rostered basis depending on their employer and their specific job role. The actual number of hours worked may also vary depending on the nursing specialty, the healthcare setting, and the type of contract the nurse has with their employer.

What is the difference between a staff nurse and a registered nurse in Ireland?

In Ireland, the term “staff nurse” and “registered nurse” are both used to describe qualified nurses, but there are some differences between the two.

A registered nurse (RN) is a nurse who has completed a nursing degree and is registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). They are licensed to practice as a nurse and have passed the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) exam. RNs have a broader scope of practice, which allows them to perform more advanced nursing tasks and take on leadership roles in healthcare settings.

A staff nurse, on the other hand, is a registered nurse who works in a specific unit or department in a hospital or healthcare setting. They are responsible for providing direct patient care and are supervised by a charge nurse or nurse manager. Staff nurses are typically more involved in the day-to-day care of patients and may not have the same level of responsibility as RNs in terms of making clinical decisions or managing healthcare teams.

Overall, the main difference between a staff nurse and a registered nurse in Ireland is that all RNs are registered with NMBI and have a broader scope of practice, while staff nurses work in a specific unit or department and provide direct patient care.

Which nurses get paid the most in Ireland?

In Ireland, the salaries of nurses can vary based on their experience, qualifications, and job title. Generally, nurses who work in specialised areas or with higher qualifications tend to earn more than their counterparts in general nursing roles.

Here are some examples of nursing roles that typically earn higher salaries in Ireland:

Nurse Managers: Nurse managers oversee the nursing staff in a healthcare setting and are responsible for managing budgets, staffing, and patient care. They typically have a higher level of education and experience than other nurses and can earn a salary of €45,000 to €80,000 per year, depending on their level of responsibility.

Clinical Nurse Specialists: Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) have specialised knowledge and skills in a particular area of healthcare, such as oncology, cardiology, or critical care. They work closely with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals to provide expert care and support. CNSs can earn a salary of €42,000 to €70,000 per year.

Nurse Practitioners: Nurse Practitioners (NP) are advanced practice nurses who provide comprehensive care to patients, including diagnosis, treatment, and prescribing of medication. They work independently or as part of a healthcare team and can earn a salary of €45,000 to €70,000 per year.

Theatre Nurses: Theatre Nurses work in operating theatres and assist surgeons and other healthcare professionals during surgical procedures. They have specialised knowledge of surgical procedures and equipment and can earn a salary of €35,000 to €60,000 per year.

It’s important to note that these salary ranges are based on average salaries and may vary depending on the location, employer, and other factors.