Just as modern medicine is transforming at a rapid pace, the healthcare industry is also undergoing significant changes. What was once considered the model for a nursing career is no longer the case. Full-time hospital work, typically three 12-hour shifts per week, is changing as more nurses desire flexibility.
When deciding on a career path, it’s important to note that you have options. Here, we look at some of the main reasons driving the changes and delve into how you can gain more flexibility in your career as a nurse.
Here’s Why More Nurses Choose Flexibility
Even in the face of the nursing shortage crisis, a career as a nurse remains a rewarding and respected choice. But, the need for flexibility over the more rigid demands of full-time hospital employment is necessary to avoid the burnout that comes from a work-life imbalance that leans more heavily toward work. There are other reasons why more nurses are choosing flexible scheduling over full-time hospital work.
- More Control: Flexible scheduling options like contract nursing, travel nursing, and per diem work offer greater control over your schedule. You don’t need to rely on administrative “others” to plan things like vacations, doctor’s appointments, or the demands of a family. You create your schedule to reflect your needs and make changes as necessary.
- Better Financial Stability: Per diem, travel nursing, and contract work already offer a boost in pay. When you choose your shifts, you have the flexibility to arrange your schedule by selecting those shifts that may offer a differential or allow you to manage your schedule more strategically.
- Professional Development and Skills: With the flexible option, you may choose to take on work in a variety of settings. That means you can learn new procedures, work with a new-to-you patient population, enhance your skills, and improve your professional resume while rising to new and exciting challenges.
- Reduces the Threat of Burnout: As we’ve seen in the pandemic, burnout is very real and very dangerous for those in the medical field. Rigid scheduling and patient-care demands create the perfect storm for burnout. Flexibility offers a way to sustain your career while continuing to do the work you love.
- Maintain Work-Life Balance: Nursing is a wonderfully rewarding career, but it is highly demanding. You need to ensure personal time in order to protect your emotional well-being and relationships with loved ones. Flexible scheduling puts you in charge in order to see that your work and your life are in harmony.
You Have a Choice
Flexibility begins with you. You do have choices. Medical staffing agencies offer many options for employment, your way. You can choose the location and specialty you want. One of the many advantages of working with a medical staffing agency? You’re in charge.
At BOS Medical Staffing, we offer nurses more flexibility than they have as full-time hospital employees. With our vast number of healthcare organizations seeking nurses for per diem, contract, part-time, and full-time staff positions, we can connect you with the right job for right now.
If you want more flexibility and control over your career than you get as a full-time hospital worker, please contact BOS Medical Staffing today.
