What to check before an agency nurse starts a shift
A short, practical checklist for the first ten minutes of an agency shift, so your new nurse is safe, briefed and useful straight away.
The first ten minutes of an agency shift set the tone for the next twelve hours. A nurse who's been checked in, shown the essentials and given a clear handover is safe and useful almost immediately. One who's left to work it out isn't. This is the checklist we suggest to the managers we work with.
1. Confirm who has arrived
Check the nurse's photo ID against the name on the booking confirmation from the agency. It takes thirty seconds and it's the simplest safeguard you have.
2. Check their NMC registration
Every registered nurse has an NMC PIN. Your agency should already have verified it, but you can confirm it yourself on the NMC's online register. Check that the registration is current and look for any conditions of practice.
3. Give a short local induction
An experienced nurse doesn't need training, but they do need to know your building. Cover:
- Fire exits, assembly point and what the alarm sounds like
- Where the emergency equipment is kept and how to call for help
- How your service handles medication, including controlled drugs
- How to access records, and any logins they'll need
4. Hand over properly
Treat it like any handover. Go through each patient or resident: current condition, risks such as falls or pressure areas, allergies, resuscitation status and any observations that are due.
A good handover to an agency nurse is the same as a good handover to anyone. Just leave out the assumptions.
5. Make escalation clear
Tell them who's in charge on the shift and how to reach them. Nights and weekends are when this matters most.
6. Close the loop
At the end of the shift, sign the timesheet and give the agency honest feedback. If the nurse was excellent, ask for them again. If something wasn't right, say so, and a good agency will act on it.
Need cover? Send us a staff request or call the shift desk on 01274 442082.