Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) are in demand across various healthcare settings.
While traditional full-time roles in hospitals and clinics remain popular, many nurses are exploring alternative paths, including working through staffing agencies.
This option attracts those seeking greater flexibility, diverse work environments, or increased earnings. However, like any career path, it has its own set of pros and cons.
If you want to learn what it’s like to work as an LVN through an agency and the pros and cons of agency nursing, continue reading this blog.
What Is LVN Agency Work?
When LVNs work through staffing agencies, they’re hired on a temporary or contract basis to fill in at healthcare facilities that are short-staffed. These facilities can be hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and even home healthcare settings.
The agency acts as a third party, matching nurses with assignments and handling administrative tasks like payroll and credential verification.
Working as an LVN through an agency allows nurses to choose when and where they work, as an alternative to the routine of a fixed, full-time position.
Pros Of Working As An LVN Through An Agency
There are several notable upsides to this model. Let’s take a closer look at the key LVN agency work benefits:
1. Flexible Scheduling
One of the most commonly cited perks of LVN nursing is flexibility. Nurses can select shifts and assignments based on their availability. This is ideal for those with family obligations, part-time students, or nurses who want to avoid burnout by controlling their workload.
2. Variety Of Experience
Working with different facilities allows LVNs to gain hands-on experience in a wide range of settings. From long-term care to acute hospitals, agency work can expand your clinical knowledge and increase your adaptability. This variety can make your resume stronger and help you discover which environments suit you best.
3. Higher Pay Rates
Many agencies offer higher hourly wages compared to traditional full-time roles. In some regions, agency LVNs can earn significantly more per hour than staff nurses. For those focused on maximizing income, especially in the short term, this is a major incentive.
4. Less Administrative Stress
Since the agency handles credentialing, job matching, and sometimes even continuing education requirements, the nurse can focus more on patient care. This is helpful for those who dislike administrative burdens or want a simpler employment process.
5. Fast Hiring Process
Agencies often have urgent needs to fill, which means faster onboarding compared to hospital systems. If you’re looking for quick employment, agency work can be a faster way to get back into the field or start your career as an LVN.
Cons Of Working As An LVN Through An Agency
Despite the appealing benefits, agency nursing also presents challenges. Here are the major drawbacks to consider when thinking about working as an LVN through an agency:
1. No Guaranteed Benefits
Most agency jobs do not include health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. Nurses who rely on these benefits will need to secure them independently, which adds to personal expenses and planning.
2. Inconsistent Work
Assignments can change from week to week. While some nurses thrive on this variety, others may find the unpredictability challenging. There may also be periods with fewer available shifts, particularly during times of low demand.
3. Lack Of Team Integration
Temporary staff are often excluded from team discussions, long-term planning, or staff benefits. While most facilities are welcoming, agency nurses may feel like outsiders due to the short-term nature of their role.
4. Repeated Onboarding
Each new assignment often requires an orientation. While some agencies streamline this process, others do not. Frequent onboarding can become repetitive and tiring, especially if the facility has different software systems or procedures.
5. Career Advancement May Be Slower
If you’re aiming for promotions or leadership roles, agency work might not support long-term growth in the same way as a permanent position. Facilities typically reserve such opportunities for full-time staff, which means your upward mobility might be limited.
Who Should Consider LVN Agency Work?
Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons of agency nursing, it’s clear that this model isn’t for everyone.
However, the following types of nurses might find it especially rewarding:
- New graduates looking to explore different settings before committing.
- Parents or caregivers who need schedule flexibility.
- Retired or semi-retired nurses who want occasional work.
- Travel-ready nurses willing to take assignments in high-demand areas.
- Nurses who want higher hourly pay without long-term commitments.
- Understanding your priorities will help determine if this route fits your career and lifestyle.
How To Get Started With An LVN Staffing Agency
If you’re interested in trying LVN agency work, here’s how to begin:
- Research reputable agencies in your area and ask for feedback from other nurses.
- Prepare your documents, including licenses, certifications, and references.
- Be upfront about your preferences, such as preferred shifts, maximum commute distance, and patient types.
- Stay organized. Keep a personal schedule of your shifts, especially if you’re working with multiple agencies.
- Be professional and adaptable. Each assignment is a chance to build relationships and earn repeat opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Working as an LVN through an agency can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s a path that offers flexibility, variety, and often better pay, but it also comes with a lack of stability and fewer benefits. By weighing the pros and cons of agency nursing, you can decide whether this route suits your current goals and long-term plans.
For many nurses, the freedom and income of agency work are worth the trade-offs. The good news is, as an LVN, you have options, and agency work is one of the most flexible and dynamic paths available today.
Take control of your future. Reach out to Allied Health Services, the leading LVN staffing agency, providing top-tier medical staffing across Houston and beyond. Your next opportunity starts here.
