For many nurses, the passion for caring never fades – but the pressures of the job can take their toll. Long hours, rigid rotas, staff shortages and emotional strain often leave healthcare professionals feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, with little time left for themselves or their families.
At Jane Lewis, we regularly hear from nurses who love what they do, but need a better balance to sustain their careers and wellbeing. For many, agency nursing has provided that turning point, offering flexibility, choice and the ability to regain control over their working lives.
The Reality of Burnout in Nursing
Burnout in healthcare isn’t just about feeling tired. It’s the emotional and physical exhaustion that comes from constantly giving without the chance to recharge. Fixed shift patterns, last-minute overtime and limited flexibility can make it difficult to manage personal responsibilities, family life or even basic rest.
Over time, this imbalance can impact mental health, job satisfaction and the quality of care nurses are able to provide – which is why finding a more sustainable way of working is so important.
Flexibility That Fits Around Real Life
One of the biggest benefits of agency nursing is flexibility. Rather than working to a rigid rota, agency nurses can choose shifts that work for them – whether that’s days, nights, weekends or fewer hours overall.
Stacey shared how this flexibility has made a meaningful difference in her life:
Registered Mental Health & Adult Nurse
“Choosing agency nursing with Jane Lewis has given me the flexibility to be able to have a healthy work-life balance, which is particularly needed when you have a 15-year-old son who is going through GCSEs and planning his future.”
Being able to adapt work around family commitments, important milestones or personal priorities allows nurses to stay present both at home and at work, without feeling pulled in too many directions.
Flexibility That Fits Around Real Life
For many nurses, stress comes from a lack of control. Agency nursing restores that control by allowing professionals to decide when, where and how often they work.
Yetunde explained how joining an agency transformed her experience:
Registered General Nurse
“Joining the agency has been so beneficial to me and my career. It’s given me flexibility that I never had before. I can now choose the shifts and work patterns that are right for me and my family, which has given me a healthy work-life balance and really reduced my stress”
Having the freedom to plan work around life (rather than life around work) can significantly reduce pressure and help nurses feel more supported and valued.
Supporting Wellbeing Without Stepping Away from Care
Choosing agency nursing doesn’t mean stepping back from meaningful work. In fact, many nurses find they’re able to give more when they’re well-rested, less stressed and working on their own terms.
With agency work, Nurses can:
- Take breaks when they need them
- Avoid burnout by managing their workload
- Continue developing their careers at a sustainable pace
- Work in a variety of settings without long-term pressure
This balance supports not only nurses’ wellbeing, but also the quality of care they deliver.
Registered General Nurse
“Joining the agency has been so beneficial to me and my career. It’s given me flexibility that I never had before. I can now choose the shifts and work patterns that are right for me and my family, which has given me a healthy work-life balance and really reduced my stress”
Better Balance, Without Compromise
At Jane Lewis, we believe no nurse should have to choose between their career and their wellbeing. Agency nursing offers a way to continue doing the work you love – while protecting your time, health and personal life. Whether you’re balancing family commitments, managing stress, or simply looking for more control over your schedule, agency work can offer the flexibility and support you need to thrive.
