Agency Nursing, change your career trajectory!

Why Nurses are transitioning to Agencies and reaping the rewards.

Statistics by the HWA shows that there is currently a rising trend in nursing shortages in Australia that is estimated to reach a shortage of approximately 100 000 nurses by 2025.


A nurse is talking to an elderly man in a wheelchair.

 Hospitals and establishments will often reach out to formally employed staff, but more often there is an outreach to Agency staff to fill these temporary positions. A large percentage of these shortages are in aged care and rural areas; however, they also span a wide variety of departments within nursing care.


These are some of the key benefits of transitioning to an Agency Nurse:

Flexibility – unlike hospital ward shift requirements, that tie you down to specific hours, Agency Nurses are given the freedom and flexibility to choose their shifts and the hours they work. This is a consistent feature that enables you to master a work/life balance that creates a sense of ownership over what is most important to you, and the flexibility to maintain consistent change that supports this. Whether it is to be with family or to study further, your career is self -driven and backed up by consistent shift availability from the Agency in the background.


Higher pay rate – Agency staff are paid an hourly rate as opposed to a fixed rate in hospitals. These rates are often higher than permanent wage contracts. The flexibility to choose your shifts and the area of care also gives you the advantage of being able to personally control your income.


Variety and the opportunity to explore learning opportunities – working within a set environment in a hospital or department can lead to missed opportunities to further explore a broad spectrum of nursing experience. You will be exposed to individuals with many different needs, and this offers paid exposure to a new area of care that you may have considered but not been exposed to during your career. Agency staff are provided with courses and certifications as you enter the market, ensuring that you are fully comfortable with the change and feel empowered to move into a new area of care. The flexibility of being able to choose your shifts also provides you with the opportunity to pursue further formal studies in a new department of nursing that has been exposed to you in the Agency setting.


How do I become an agency nurse?

Whether you are ready to take the next step in your career or are still mulling over the idea, we invite you to contact Health Staff Australia. Our consultants will answer any questions you may have. It is important to know that working independently as an Agency Nurse, you are required to complete compliance checks and submit documents that are legally required for competency and safety purposes. There may also be additional short courses that you need to complete or renew that are part of government requirements. Don’t let this hinder your decision though – at Health Staff Australia we endeavour to guide you through the process as efficiently as possible, making the transition seamless and as stress free as possible.


With Health Staff Australia providing cover from Bulli to Batemans Bay, there is no shortage of vacancies with a broad spectrum of care divisions.


Each year, an estimated 720,000 people die by suicide worldwide. The impact is devastating — ripplin

Changing the Narrative on Suicide

September 8, 2025
World Suicide Prevention Day 2025: Changing the Narrative on Suicide Why World Suicide Prevention Day Matters Each year, an estimated 720,000 people die by suicide worldwide . The impact is devastating — rippling through families, friendships, workplaces, and entire communities. Behind every statistic is a story, a life, and loved ones left behind. This reality reminds us why World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) matters. On 10 September 2025 , people and organisations across the globe will come together to mark WSPD under the theme: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” This year, the campaign is placing particular emphasis on accessibility, with resources translated into more languages so the message of hope can reach more people, in more places. As Professor Jo Robinson, President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), shares: “Suicide prevention is a shared commitment that unites us across borders, cultures, and communities. As we continue our journey to change the narrative on suicide, let us ensure our message of hope and understanding reaches everyone — in every corner of the world.” What Does “Changing the Narrative” Mean? For too long, conversations about suicide have been surrounded by silence, stigma, and misunderstanding. Changing the narrative means shifting towards openness, empathy, and support. It’s about making suicide prevention everybody’s business — not just the responsibility of mental health professionals. The movement calls us to action in several key ways: Raising awareness and understanding through open, compassionate conversations. Advocating for the decriminalisation of suicide and the development of national suicide prevention strategies. Taking action by checking in with loved ones, sharing stories, and participating in training. Ensuring that people in crisis areas have access to mental health care and protective support. Ways You Can Get Involved in World Suicide Prevention Day 1. Start a Conversation and Raise Awareness Online A simple post using #WSPD can help challenge stigma and spread hope. Free resources, posters, and videos are available through organisations such as Suicide Prevention Australia, Lifeline, and the International Association for Suicide Prevention. 2. Raise Awareness at Work Workplaces play a powerful role in shaping culture and supporting staff. Host an event, share resources with your team, or consider creating a wellbeing initiative that prioritises mental health in your workplace. 3. Reach Out to Someone If you notice a friend, colleague, or family member struggling, reaching out can make all the difference. Asking “How are you really going?” might be exactly what they need to hear. 4. Listen Well When someone shares their worries, listen without judgment. Don’t minimise their feelings or rush to provide answers. Sometimes, being heard is the most powerful form of support. 5. Rethink Attitudes Toward Mental Health Reject harmful ideas like “just get over it” or “toughen up.” Encouraging openness shows people it’s safe to talk about their struggles and seek help when they need it. 6. Encourage People to Seek Support Whether it’s through a GP, a counsellor, or a helpline, professional help can make a huge difference. Remind those around you that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

The Youth Is Needed

August 6, 2025
International Youth Day – Celebrating the Future of Healthcare Each year on International Youth Day, we honour the creativity, resilience, and potential of young people around the globe. At Health Staff Australia, we believe it’s also a powerful opportunity to highlight how youth play an essential role in shaping the future of healthcare in our country — from aged care to frontline nursing and allied health services. Young healthcare professionals are not just the future — they’re already making a difference today. Whether it’s through their work as Registered Nurses (RNs), Assistant in Nursing (AINs), Support Workers, Doctors, Occupational Therapists (OTs), or in countless other roles, young people are stepping up with compassion, innovation, and a drive to care. Youth in Aged Care and Nursing: The Impact is Real Australia’s healthcare landscape is changing rapidly, particularly as our population ages. This makes sectors like aged care and disability support more vital than ever. Youth who choose careers in these fields bring fresh energy, empathy, and a willingness to learn — helping to enhance the quality of care for some of our most vulnerable citizens. The nursing profession is the largest single health profession in Australia, and as the Australian Parliament notes, “workforce planning is critical to ensure alignment of nursing supply with demand required by the health system, to create a sustainable nursing workforce for Australia” ( source ). That means we need more young people to consider healthcare as a career path — and not just any role, but those in high-demand sectors like residential aged care, community health, mental health support, and disability services. 

Signs You’re Meant to Be a Support Worker

July 2, 2025
You Were Made for This: The Qualities That Make a Great Support Worker – and How to Grow Them Support work is not just a job. It’s a quiet kind of strength, a steady hand, and a heart that chooses care—again and again. At Health Staff Australia, we’ve seen firsthand the impact a truly compassionate support worker can make. But what is it that makes someone right for this role? And how can you grow into the kind of carer you aspire to be? Whether you’re new to the field or have been walking alongside others for years, this is for you.