Has anybody here worked for a care agency before?

[Hatefreezingweather1]

I mean something where you choose your own shifts and work in various care homes/settings through the agency, depending on where staff are needed.
If so, do you/did you enjoy this sort of job?

I'm interested in it as the hourly rates are good, i would just be worried about going into homes where staff are unwelcoming/unfriendly.

Some people also think they can boss agency about or give them the more undesirable jobs, I'm sure there are a lot of nice ones too though

I've done it, but I usually found myself posted in one particular site. People there were friendly, but some did resent the idea that agency weren't bound to a rota. It didn't seem to sink in that we were giving up most employment benefits for that privilege.

Oh, and definitely yes to bring given certain jobs. Especially if you're a driver. That's often all I did for some shifts because none of the staff could.

I'm a nurse and do agency work.

It's the nature of agency work to come across great/good/bad/awful co-workers, whether you're a nurse, carer, supply teacher, whatever - most permanent staff are fine, and if they're not you just decline to return!

That's good to hear. I guess like you say if they're awful I don't need to go back there!

There's such a shortage of carers you'll get plenty of shifts!

Choose your agency with care - ask around as to which have a reputation for providing training and maintain high standards.

There's a huge shortage of carers, so you may find you can pick and choose which jobs to accept (to some extent), but I suspect you'll be pressured to take on more and more