A guide to casual and agency nursing in Australia

Published on 15/11/2024

Nursing is a highly rewarding and demanding profession crucial to the healthcare system. In Australia, various nursing positions are available, including full-time, part-time and casual. While full-time and part-time positions can offer stability and consistency, casual nursing provides flexibility, variety and other benefits you may have yet to consider. This guide explores what you need to know about being a casual nurse, including the differences between agency nursing and being in a casual pool and the key skills you need for a thriving casual nurse career.

What is a casual nurse?

A casual nurse can be an enrolled nurse, registered nurse or assistant in nursing working via an agency or as a casual employee in a hospital or healthcare setting. Many hospitals and health centres have a casual ‘pool’ of nurses to support staff during busy periods or to cover leave or sick days when permanent staff are away. Hospitals and healthcare centres may also engage a casual nurse through an agency to undertake shifts as per the needs of the organisation. It's possible to accept work both as a casual pool nurse and as an agency nurse.

Casual nurses, whether from a casual pool or agency, don’t work in a designated ward or unit and instead may have experience in a diverse range of specialties and are required to fill in where they are needed. Casual nurses are entitled to a higher pay rate compared to permanently employed part-time or full-time nurses to compensate for the loss of leave entitlements such as annual and sick leave. Casual nurses can work in many healthcare settings such as public and private hospitals, aged care centres, rehabilitation facilities, outpatient care centres and schools.

Employment rights of casual nurses in Australia

You may be wondering about employment protections in place for casual nurses in Australia. According to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation and under the National Employment Standards, casual nurses and midwives in Australia are entitled to:

proper compensation for losses in employment security and leave entitlements
access to entitlements such as shift allowances, penalties, overtime, casual loading (25 per cent) and other applicable leave
adequate orientation before commencing clinical duties
access to equal professional development opportunities as permanent staff
opportunities for permanent employment whenever possible

This framework helps casual nurses be recognised as valuable assets in the nursing profession, ensuring access to higher pay and permanent employment pathways are available.

Differences between a casual nursing pool and agency nursing

In Australia, you can pursue casual work as a nurse via an agency or be employed by a hospital or organisation directly. You can also pursue roles as both a casual and agency nurse. Being part of a casual pool in a hospital and working with an agency has its own pros and cons. What suits you best will depend on your financial needs, desired lifestyle and career aspirations as a nurse.

Working in a casual nursing pool

Casual pool nursing involves nurses who work on a flexible basis, filling in shifts on different wards as needed by hospitals. They can nominate their availability and usually have a roster given to them around four weeks ahead of time. Casual nurses can also be in the casual pool across multiple hospitals simultaneously. Casual pool nurses adapt to various areas of the hospital and typically do not have guaranteed hours. Their role is essential for addressing staffing needs due to fluctuating patient numbers or other staffing leave requirements. Casual nurses are also responsible for maintaining their own annual professional development, which must be completed outside of work.

Advantages of working in a casual pool

Michelle Deroubaix, an experienced registered nurse and nurse educator, shares her views on working as a casual nurse. She says that some of the best aspects of working as a casual nurse in a pool are flexibility, variety and cash flow.

Michelle says this role offers good work flexibility, even with a set roster given in advance. She also highlights how the variety in her shifts keeps things exciting and interesting. “I can work in coronary care, maternity and orthopaedics from one day to the next”, she says.

Casual nurses can move between wards, gain clinical experience in many areas and continuously enhance their expertise.

Disadvantages of working in a casual pool

Registered nurse and coach Madeline Kessler shared some of the stresses related to working as a casual nurse. She expressed that her main worry was being put in situations where the work environment wasn't always supportive. “This can sometimes impact your ability to do your job and deliver quality patient care”, she says.

Here are some of the overall advantages and disadvantages of working in a casual pool:

Working in a casual pool
Advantages	Disadvantages
Flexibility and stability One of the main advantages of working in a casual pool is its flexibility while offering a known schedule. Casual nurses nominate their availability and know their roster around four weeks ahead. The ability to plan other commitments around work hours better balances their personal and professional lives.	No income security As casual nurses are not guaranteed shifts or ongoing employment, there is no certainty of shifts and therefore, no guaranteed income. There is also a possibility that shifts might be cancelled with late notice. This means that nurses may experience fluctuations in their income and may need to find other sources of work during slow periods.
Greater work variety Working in a casual pool means working in different wards and helping various patients. This gives nurses an understanding of how different wards and staff work within a hospital, broadening their expertise and skills.	No annual or sick leave Casual nurses do not receive paid annual or sick leave, which can be challenging if they need time off for personal pursuits or due to illness. This may be difficult for nurses with children or other commitments that require unexpected time off.
Higher rate of pay Casual nurses are paid at a higher hourly rate compared to full-time or part-time nurses due to the lack of benefits and job security. This can be an attractive option for nurses looking to earn more money in a given period.	Uncertainty of work environment Casual nurses may only know the specific ward or unit they're working in once they arrive at the hospital, making it difficult to plan and prepare for a shift. This lack of predictability may also cause additional stress and uncertainty, impacting patient care as nurses feel underprepared and unsupported to perform at their best.
Team building Since casual pool staff work within the same organisation, they can quickly build relationships in their team, especially if given a few repeat shifts in the same ward or unit. This workplace coherence can help casual nurses feel like they are part of the team, collaborating with other staff to provide excellent patient care. Casual nurses can also network with other casuals across different wards, building strong relationships with staff throughout the hospital.	Lack of support for CPD Full-time staff are supported by their organisation with continuing professional development and are given days allocated to complete mandatory training. In contrast, casual pool nurses are required to uphold these competencies and pursue professional development courses in their own time. This could potentially hinder their career advancement and limit their professional growth.
Less stress Working in a casual pool can be less stressful compared to full-time roles as there is less involvement in workplace politics which may impact job satisfaction and quality of care to patients. Instead, nurses can attend their shifts and focus on their work, continuing to help patients who rely on their expertise and nursing skills.	Feeling undervalued as a casual Feeling undervalued or overlooked as casual staff can impact the morale and motivation of casual nurses. If nurses don’t feel appreciated within a team for their skills and experience, it can cause disengagement from work and may impact patient care.
First access to shifts Casual nurses are offered shifts before calling on agency nurses, which means a higher likelihood of securing your desired shifts first. This also helps support the continuity of patient care as hospitals source staff from their existing bank of casual employees as a priority.	Challenges in building seniority Being a casual nurse may present challenges with building seniority and pursuing higher roles in management or leadership. Since casual work sometimes involves shifting between different wards or units without a stable pattern, casual nurses may not always have the chance to showcase their leadership potential, gain a deep understanding of operations and be considered for senior positions.

Working as an agency nurse

Agency nurses are nurses employed by an agency engaged by a hospital or other healthcare organisation. Agency nurses work in many healthcare environments, gaining experience working with different patients and having the opportunity to network with many health professionals.

They can enjoy the variety of working in different healthcare settings, including public and private hospitals, rural health clinics, aged care and mental health facilities and private practice. A nurse choosing to work for an agency may do so for a short time or more long term. Nurses in these roles are sometimes also employed as casual nurses looking to supplement their work and income.

Advantages of agency nursing

Similar to working in a casual pool, the flexibility and variety of agency nursing are big drawcards for nurses looking to create more balance in their work and life. “You can be more direct about where and when you want to work”, Michelle says, emphasising the added autonomy that agency nursing brings.

Madeline recounts her early experiences working as an agency nurse and how she learned to embrace the unknown that each day brings. For Madeline, the work she secured with an agency gave her immediate hands-on experience as a young nurse.

“I'd be doing home visits, patient transport and some hospital shifts as well”, Madeline explains.

Disadvantages of agency nursing

Both Michelle and Madeline share similar views on the disadvantages of agency nursing. Last-minute shift cancellations, lack of income security, uncertainty of the workplace and feelings of isolation were the main challenges related to agency nursing that were expressed by both nurses.

“Working in an agency sometimes causes a level of anxiety. You’d worry about not knowing where you’re going, whether you’ll get lost, where to park the car and what sort of patients you’d be caring for”, Madeline recalls.

“When the hospital cancels you at the last minute, it's frustrating. They'll keep the casual staff but cancel the agency nurses", Michelle says. She also shares the difficulties of being shuffled around and the need to be adaptable, which is part of being an agency nurse. “They can also move you around the hospital at the last minute and you really need time to get organised for your shift,” she added.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of working as an agency nurse:

Working as an agency nurse
Advantages	Disadvantages
Flexibility and autonomy As an agency nurse, there’s more control over your schedule, which helps create a flexible work schedule to suit family and personal commitments.	Inconsistent income Agency nursing may not provide a stable income as shifts can vary each day. This can make budgeting and financial planning more difficult.
Workplace diversity Working as an agency nurse means having the opportunity to work in different healthcare settings, such as hospitals, private clinics, nursing homes or providing in-home care. You’re also exposed to new technologies and practices depending on your given work setting. This can expand your knowledge and skills, adding value to your nursing role.	Extra travel requirements As an agency nurse, you may have to travel frequently to different healthcare settings. This travel time is not covered within your allocated shift and can add stress and extra travel expenses to your workday.
Networking opportunities Different healthcare settings allow for networking opportunities with various healthcare professionals, which can lead to career advancement in the future.	Short notice shift changes Casual nurses are typically offered shifts before agency nurses. Having a shift cancelled at short notice without compensation is a significant disadvantage of agency nursing. This can disrupt your personal life and availability for other work that you could have taken up instead.
Higher hourly rate Agency nurses earn more per hour than casual pool nurses. In some settings, an agency nurse can receive an average of 45 per cent loading, compared to 25 per cent as a casual pool nurse. This rate may vary depending on state and territory rules and in public versus private hospitals.	Uncertainty of work type As an agency nurse, you may be unable to choose the type of work or setting you want, or you may feel pressured to agree to a shift for financial or other reasons. This can lead to stressful situations where you feel unprepared or uncomfortable, which may impact your fulfilment at work and impair your ability to provide optimal nursing care.
Better job satisfaction There may be less stress involved with agency nursing compared to permanent roles, as there are fewer workplace intricacies that may affect your work. This means you can prioritise patient care and your own wellbeing. The added flexibility and control over your schedule allows for greater work autonomy, which can help reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction.	Feeling like an outsider Working in different healthcare facilities on a frequent basis means you are often the 'new' person on staff. This can make building rapport with colleagues and feeling part of the team challenging.
Improved work-life balance The adaptability of agency nursing gives you more time to enjoy a balanced lifestyle. You can choose to work wherever it suits you, which could mean working for a few weeks or months at a time, travelling, undertaking part-time study or pursuing hobbies outside of work.	Limited CPD opportunities Agency nurses need to complete CPD in their own time, which can be difficult to maintain with an irregular work schedule and uncertainty of work. This can impact your ability to enhance your skills and advance your career.

How to thrive in your role as a casual nurse

While there are some challenges for agency and casual pool nurses, there are valuable nursing skills you can master to ensure you thrive in your role as a casual nurse. Some essential skills casual nurses need to be successful in their careers include assertiveness, adaptability, compassion, resilience, boundary-setting and prioritising self-care.

Michelle and Madeline agree that setting healthy boundaries is an important skill to learn, especially with agency nursing where workplace diversity varies greatly. “Sometimes you'll be put somewhere you don't like”, Michelle says. “There's less say about where you work, but that's the nature of being an agency nurse.” When advocating for yourself, it's helpful to speak to your manager, protect yourself and don't put yourself in situations where you feel unsafe or unsupported.

Madeline reflected on the beginning of her career doing casual work on certain times when she felt pressure to say yes to shifts or situations in which she didn't feel comfortable. She recommends that casual nurses be assertive, learn how to say no and communicate their needs with their manager to keep themselves and their patients safe. Setting boundaries and making sure to operate within their scope of practice, she adds, is necessary to facilitate a positive environment for everyone.

Engaging in self-care practices and prioritising your own health and wellbeing are also important for a thriving career in casual nursing. Working in this field can be physically and emotionally demanding, so looking after yourself is crucial. Getting enough sleep, eating well, engaging in exercise and relaxation techniques and enjoying time with family and friends will help ensure you have a fulfilling, exciting and enduring career as a casual nurse.

Is casual nursing right for you?

You might wonder if casual nursing is the right path for your nursing career.

A permanent role after graduating from university can provide you with a valuable opportunity to consolidate your years of study with well-supported practical nursing experience. Work regularity, staff continuity and a stable environment can help newly graduated nurses build confidence in those initial years of clinical nursing practice.

However, once you've 'cut your teeth' in nursing, casual nursing may be a chance to branch out and expand your expertise. As a casual nurse, it’s possible to flourish in your career without sacrificing your personal needs and professional aspirations.

Casual nursing offers unique opportunities that may appeal to many nurses. It provides flexibility in work arrangements, more autonomy, potential for higher pay rates and valuable experiences in the ever-changing healthcare industry. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges, such as job uncertainty and insecure income.

If you're considering starting a family, have a partner who also does shift work, want to pursue study, are saving for a significant purchase or are nearing retirement, working as a casual or agency nurse may be suited to you. Casual employment arrangements are likely to remain in the contemporary nursing workforce.

Ultimately, it is important to carefully consider your situation and make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and lifestyle. With a good work ethic, dedication and a passion for nursing, you can succeed in any role as a casual nurse.

Postgraduate courses to advance your career as a casual nurse

Many postgraduate degrees can help to advance your career as a casual nurse. These courses can provide pathways toward senior clinical and managerial roles that attract a higher salary. A good starting place is to explore courses in nurse leadership and advanced nursing practice including:

Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership at Southern Cross University
Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Leadership and Management at James Cook University
Master of Advanced Nursing at the University of Technology Sydney
Master of Healthcare Leadership at Southern Cross University
Master of Nursing Majoring in Advanced Practice at James Cook University
Master of Nursing Majoring in Leadership and Management at James Cook University
Master of Nursing (Leadership) at Victoria University

Curious about other health professions? Explore GlobalHealth Education’s university partner courses in social work, public health, counselling, nursing, psychology, leadership and mental health and enquire to speak to a Student Enrolment Advisor who can advise you on courses and career pathways that best suit you and your study needs.

A guide to casual and agency nursing in Australia

What is a casual nurse?

Employment rights of casual nurses in Australia