What Are My Work Options With a Nursing Agency During the Pandemic?

It's safe to say, the healthcare industry is spoiled for choice right now. There are plenty of growth opportunities for registered and enrolled nurses with the real potential to earn an extra dollar or two if desired. Though thankful to have multiple employment opportunities at your fingertips, it can be complex to choose the right path based on your individual circumstances. Here we explore a number of exciting job options available with Network Nursing Agency (NNA) worth considering and what you need to know before applying. 

Hospital Shifts

While NNA is providing some unique opportunities for their nurses, there is still a desperate need for agency registered and enrolled nurses within the hospital system. We will have a significant amount of vacancies in the near future and would love to see some interest. You will have the opportunity to not only work inside COVID and suspect COVID ("SCOVID”) wards, but also in Emergency Departments, hospital screening clinics and non-COVID wards. This includes trauma, orthopedics and general medicine. We understand how hard it has been and would appreciate whatever help you can provide to the hospital system during this time. 

Special Health Accommodation – Hotel Quarantine

Work as a registered nurse or enrolled nurse in Sydney's Special Health Accommodation (Hotel Quarantine) to provide holistic care and support to the community and returning travellers during their quarantine period. Your main roles will include;

• Monitor, record and report symptoms or changes in patient's conditions whilst maintaining accurate patient records in accordance with relevant facility protocols and policies
• Administer medication and treatments to patients as required
• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care for the patient
• Undertake discharge planning and provide education advice to families and patients
• Supervise, coordinate and work in consultation with other health care members

This flexible and enjoyable work is available in Sydney, specifically; Zetland, Mascot and North Ryde. NNA also offers advanced block bookings if you are looking for a steady and consistent workload. 

COVID Care Navigator / Assessor

Are you wanting to further assist the community during this pandemic but are physically exhausted? Putting up your hand to undertake COVID Care Navigator shifts may be the ideal position for you. 

With a functioning computer and access to the internet, your role is to join the virtual care center, from home, undertaking the following tasks;

• Perform social and welfare check-in's with those members of our community with a positive COVID result 
• Coordinate access to services that support their covid recovery care plan
• Identify gaps in clients support provisions and use a person-centered approach to work collaboratively with the client to ensure their needs are met
• Provide a screening service based on a systematic assessment framework to ensure patients receive the right care when necessary in a timely manner
• Ensure their local GP is aware of their physical and emotional wellbeing particularly during their mandatory isolation period. 

Unless you have undertaken a role such as Nurse On Call or alike, this kind of work may feel foreign to you. Nevertheless, if you're interested in taking on this position, the team at NNA will set you up for success. If you're a registered nurse or enrolled nurse, we will provide you with an informative orientation to ensure you can undertake this job confidently and efficiently. 

Immunisation Nursing

Help support the vaccination drive of NSW Health and join the COVID vaccination program workforce. If you have not yet obtained your immunisation certificate, the Australian Government has partnered with the Australian College of Nursing to develop and deliver free and accredited training modules for individuals involved in the administration of COVID-19 vaccines. This course ensures you feel confident and competent in safely administering the COVID vaccine. Once complete, give NNA a call to discuss your options for work, putting this theory into practice.

Rapid Antigen Testing

Finding out the results of a recent COVID swab can be a nervous and apprehensive time for all involved. Rapid antigen testing allows users to receive their results within a short 15-20 minute time frame, helping to safely navigate decisions regarding mandatory isolation. Though the results are not always 100% correct, they are an important factor in guiding care. 

For you, this job is very satisfying because you receive almost instant gratification for your work. NNA offers this exciting, hands-on role across various corporate and industrial sites, keeping your work environment interesting. If you're feeling uncomfortable regarding the technique and correct practice guidelines, don't panic. You will receive training before you commence. 

Medical Centres / GP Clinics

To assist the overrun hospital system, local medical centers and GP clinics are being called upon to assist in a number of important tasks to ensure patients don't "slip through the gaps.” This includes;

• Screening positive COVID patients (COVID care navigator role explained earlier)
• Becoming a "check-in” service for vulnerable members of the community
• Giving vaccinations and managing adverse events
• Swabbing patients 
• Attending to non-COVID medical-related issues within the community
• Working in close collaboration with medical, administration and other nursing staff to achieve desired outcomes

If you work in a medical center or are interested in exploring this job avenue, please get in contact with us, we would be thrilled to have you on board. 

COVID-19 Swabbing (Drive-thru Testing Centers and Clinics)

Join the diligent COVID swabbing team in both community clinics and drive-through facilities to screen efficiently for COVID-19. You will be safely covered in the appropriate PPE whilst being surrounded by a team of people all sharing a similar goal. 

If you have little swabbing experience, particularly whilst performing this skill in the car, NNA will teach you the correct technique and process. 

In summary, if you are looking at ways you can use your nursing expertise throughout this relentless pandemic, we hope this post highlighted the impactful options available to you in Sydney through NNA. The passionate team wants to see you progress and feel satisfied with your work but we also want to ensure safety during this complex time. If you have any reservations, questions or concerns about the roles listed here, please call us on 1300 568 773, we are keen to help. 

If you're interested in working with us, please register your interest with our nursing agency or alternatively apply for a specific role on our job board.

Thank you for all your hard work, you are doing a phenomenal job.

Emma Smith

Registered Nurse