Does anyone only work bank?

[pancakes222]

I am joining the bank as a maternity assistant alongside my current role which is fixed hours but eventually would like to move across to the MA role on more hours and drop my current role. The reason I can't commit to the maternity role at the moment is because of the hospital shift pattern not fitting in with children and my reluctance to work bank holidays/Christmas etc... however, now I'm joining bank where I can select my own shifts part of me is thinking couldnt I just do this on an ongoing basis as my main job and pick and choose a couple of bank shifts each week whilst still avoiding things like Christmas and weekends. Has anyone done this? Is it frowned upon on the wards? It seems like an easy option around the awkward shifts rota and so I don't know if there's a catch somewhere?

I did bank work only for a couple of years. I almost always banked in the same department so was just rostered in full time hours (it was in a clinic so 9-5 type hours). If there were days I couldn't or didn't want to work, I just told the manager in advance.

It suited me at the time.

The downsides would be no sick pay, no guaranteed hours, could struggle getting a mortgage etc.
However if none of this bothers you then go for it, it's the only way to get good shifts in a clinical environment IMO.

No sick pay, no annual leave, no guaranteed hours.

Other than that, if it works for you, then go for it.

They are always talking about how much the wards are understaffed that I'm presuming there are always shifts needed. Has anyone always managed to get regular shifts?

@pancakes222 I can't answer your questions but following with interest as I'm in a similar position. I have a standard job but now considering bank work. Initially to test the waters, but possibly like you to drop my current job entirely and do just bank (if enough shifts available). I know there's no guarantee but certain settings like hospitals seem always short on staff and needing extra help.

I work bank, you get Statutory sick pay, not the nhs top up.
You have to earn regularly around 120 a week to qualify. Also, you get work time directive, because if for instance you worked 20 hrs, you have accrued annual leave, you get that as an addition to your hourly rate.
I also pay into my nhs pension.

I did it when my children were really young, loved the flexibility and being able to pick and choose what I wanted to work. Made sure I was always off for the important things!