How temping could solve burnout

After the challenging events of the past few years, a wave of burn-out is understandably affecting nurses and carers across the UK. Having worked throughout the pandemic, often under physically and emotionally taxing circumstances, many are now looking for lightened workloads, enhanced remuneration, or improved working conditions.  

Temporary working through agencies has emerged as a popular solution to burnout. Here, we investigate why so many healthcare professionals are turning to temp work and how to optimise this style of working. If you are considering temp work as an option, or want to know more about its advantages, we have put together some advice so you can make a well-informed decision.  

Burnout: A growing problem    

At Michael Page Healthcare, we have seen the unique trials that nurses and carers faced over the course of the pandemic. First, there has been the emotional impact of such enormous workloads, as hospitals filled with Covid patients. We have worked with carers who had found themselves unable to leave the nursing homes they had previously worked in out of fear of returning with the virus, meaning prolonged separation from family members. We have also worked with many carers who, sadly, had previously seen large numbers of those they cared for pass away once a Covid-19 infection entered the home.   

After these challenging experiences, there were many calls for nurses and carers to receive a significant pay increase. Nonetheless, many of the nurses and carers we work with are rethinking their approach to their work and searching for new and better ways to boost their income whilst still doing the work they love, both privately and for the NHS.  

Flexibility is key: Take control of your career with temp work 

Nurses and carers have traditionally had mixed attitudes toward temp work, acknowledging its benefits but ultimately considering it too unstable and insecure. This has changed recently, however. Facing longer hours under more stressful conditions, many professionals are reassessing their situation – and just as importantly, noting the changing dynamics of the employment market.  

With temp work, you will be able to pick and choose your hours, the locations in which you work, and the frequency of your shifts. You will also be able to influence the overall intensity of your working life: one shift might take place on a busy hospital ward, while the next might be in a nursing home with a far lower tempo of activity.  

Traditional nursing and caring work patterns, by contrast, are typically fixed and rigid. Many nurses and carers we talk to are tied into lengthy contracts with long notice periods, further inhibiting flexibility and diminishing work-life balance. By taking on temp work through a trusted agency partner, you will be able to fit your work around your life, rather than your life around your work. The other important point to note is that remuneration is often superior for temp workers, with one of our agency shifts typically paying around £27 per hour for a Band 5 nurse. 

A chance to expand your skillset  

Many of the nurses we work with have been keen and able to perform specialist types of nursing for many years, but due to low resource, have been forced to stick with functions they find less fulfilling. With temp work, no such restrictions will limit you: if you are able and willing to perform a particular role as a nurse or carer, there is a role waiting for you – you only have to ask. The other benefit of this, of course, is the opportunity to develop and implement new skills. 

From enhanced flexibility and skill development to superior remuneration and career development opportunities, temp work has many benefits. If you are burned out with your current work patterns, looking for more effective ways to supplement your income, or simply looking for a lifestyle change, it could be the perfect solution.  

At Michael Page Healthcare, our specialist consultants work closely with nurses and carers to help them make important changes to their professional lives. We are passionate about enabling each candidate we work with to develop the most fulfilling career possible. To have an introductory conversation with one of our expert consultants, get in touch.