10 tips to speed up your agency application

Time to Read

2 minutes

Date

25 June

Agency application tips

Work experience
The amount of experience needed can vary depending on the clinical area. Ensure you have at least 6 months experience within the last 2 years. Check out our experience guide.
Documentation folder
Keep a folder handy with all documents related to your nursing career. As a result, you can quickly access these when requested. In addition, this is useful for your Revalidation. Useful examples could include DBS certificates, qualification/registration evidence, CV, identification documents and letters (e.g. most recent council tax, bank statements, evidence of name changes etc.)
Training and compliance records
Firstly, many clients require agency workers to adhere to similar/the same standards as the wider Trust. Consequently, keep a record of all training and compliance certificates, competency signoffs, training matrixes etc. Secondly, if you’re leaving a Trust/employer, remember to source confirmation of all courses conducted during your employment.
Occupational health
Keep a copy of your immunisation records handy. You are entitled to access them and it can be difficult to acquire copies once you’ve left an organisation. GPs will not always have a record. Therefore, requests can sometimes incur additional charges.
Employment contracts
Keep copies of any offers of employment, contracts or even payslips as these can occasionally be used as evidence of employment if references aren’t forthcoming or difficult to acquire.
DBS
Join the DBS Update Service if you can. Above all, this will enable potential employers to conduct your DBS check instantly and without charge. However, if you’re already on the update service or you’re completing a new one, ensure all previous names are included on the certificate.
Proof of address
Check that all proof of address documents are originals. For instance, no online bills/statements. Above all, The Home Office set this as a requirement.
Competency assessment
All reputable agencies will require applicants to complete a standard online multiple-choice competency assessment. This covers client induction requirements such as fire safety, infection control and applicable drug calculations. can we enhance that reputable agencies make you do it, and that others may ask for even more complex info than ours
References
Under NHS employer guidelines, references must be provided to cover the previous 3 years work experience, including one from a current employer.
Interviews
Whilst it may seem a tedious procedure, an interview is an opportunity to sell yourself. Agencies can and will reject people who don’t represent themselves well. Remember, the interview is a formal process and should be treated as such.

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