Variety spices up life for aged care nurse



Faith Hicks thrives on working a different shift in a different place each day.

An Enrolled Nurse who works through South Australian employment agency, Support Staff Australasia, Ms Hicks says she loves the variety of working across a number of aged care providers.

“Some people need regular set hours but I love being in different places and meeting different people,” says Ms Hicks.

Working through an agency can suit people who need work that fits around their lifestyle. Agency staff can study, raise a family, or just work part time because it suits their need to have a life outside of work.

The variety of placements also offers higher rates of pay than permanent placements as well as access to Support Staff’s incentive scheme.  

Ms Hicks says the upside of working through an agency means that she never becomes complacent. She also enjoys the freedom, the flexibility and the fact that she can nominate her availability, no questions asked.

“I just let Support Staff know when I am not available, and they block me off that roster,” she says.

The challenge of working for an agency is that each new shift can be like starting a new job. There’s a new manager, new processes, a new work culture and a new team but Ms Hicks says Support Staff lives up to its name – not just for clients but for agency staff.

“Support Staff have been caring and loyal. Any issue I have had on site, they have been there for me. Any issues on site they discuss with me,” says Ms Hicks.

Ms Hicks has never wondered where her next job is going to come from. She’s been in constant demand since she started working.

“Support Staff always keep calling with jobs.”

For more information, view the Support Staff Australasia video in which Recruitment Manager Leah Uren talks about what Support Staff offers to candidates and employers.

CareerOne.com.au, May 17, 2010.