Balancing Training with a Busy Agency Schedule
1. Use Private Training Providers for Intensive Courses
For busy agency nurses, private training providers offer intensive one-day courses that can help you renew several certifications at once. These courses often bundle multiple mandatory training topics such as health and safety, basic life support, and infection control so that you can complete everything in a single day.
- Benefits of Intensive Courses:
- Flexible scheduling, with weekend and evening options.
- Opportunity to cover multiple subjects in one session, saving time.
- Accredited certificates that meet agency and employer requirements.
2. Create a Personal Training Calendar
Since you won’t have a manager reminding you of upcoming deadlines, it’s important to create a personal calendar that tracks when each of your certifications will expire. Use digital tools like Google Calendar or apps like Trello to set reminders a few months in advance, so you have plenty of time to book any necessary training.
- Tip: Color-code your calendar based on high-priority certifications that need more frequent updates (e.g., BLS, infection control).
3. Leverage Online Training Platforms
Many essential courses, such as safeguarding or food safety, can be completed online. This offers great flexibility for agency nurses who work unpredictable schedules. Online courses allow you to complete the training at your own pace and from the comfort of your home.
- Benefits of Online Training:
- Available 24/7, so you can train around your shifts.
- Immediate access to certificates once you pass the course.
- Often more affordable than in-person courses.
4. Join a Professional Nursing Association
Professional nursing associations often offer members discounted or free access to training courses. They also keep you updated on the latest industry standards and mandatory training requirements. Memberships can also be a great way to network with other agency nurses and share training resources.
5. Stay Informed About Changes in Compliance
Regulations around healthcare training can change, so it’s important to stay informed. Sign up for newsletters or notifications from regulatory bodies, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or local health authorities, to stay up to date with any changes in training requirements.
Balancing Training with a Busy Agency Schedule
As an agency nurse, finding time for training between shifts can be difficult. Here are some strategies to help you balance your work and training:
- Schedule Training During Downtime: Take advantage of quieter periods or weeks when you have fewer shifts to complete your training.
- Break Training into Chunks: For courses that don’t need to be completed in one sitting, break them into smaller segments and tackle them during short gaps between shifts.
- Prioritise Based on Expiry Dates: Focus on the most urgent certifications, particularly those required for your upcoming assignments.
Conclusion
Staying on top of your training as an agency nurse is essential for staying compliant, picking up shifts, and practising safely. While managing your own training schedule can be challenging, the flexibility of private training providers, online courses, and careful planning can help you meet your requirements without too much stress. By taking a proactive approach to your training, you can continue providing high-quality care while maximising your opportunities as an agency nurse.