Navigating School Holidays as a Casual Nurse: Your Financial Plan
2 November 2023

Hey there, dedicated nurses of Sydney! At JMB Nurses, we understand the unique challenges you face when it comes to managing your shifts during school holidays. It’s a topic close to our hearts because we care about your well-being. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how you can weather the quiet times and plan your shifts during the upcoming extended summer holiday from December 20, 2023, to February 7, 2024.

Why We’re Quieter During School Holidays

First things first, we want you to know why our business tends to slow down during the school holidays, especially during the Christmas and New Year’s period. JMB Nurses predominantly serves prestigious private hospitals and nursing homes. Unlike public hospitals that operate year-round, private facilities often choose to reduce their workload during school holidays. Many doctors and other staff take this time off to spend quality moments with their loved ones. This reduction in activity means fewer scheduled elective surgeries and consequently, fewer shifts for our nurses.

Understanding the Bigger Picture

Before we jump into how to handle the quiet times, it’s important to remember that this trend isn’t unique to JMB Nurses. If you work with multiple nursing agencies and healthcare facilities, you’ll likely notice a dip in the number of shifts across the board during school holidays. The demand for nursing services decreases industry-wide, so keep your expectations realistic. Remember, when others are quiet, we are too.

The Secret to Securing Shifts

At JMB Nurses, we value your dedication and flexibility as casual nurses. However, during quieter periods, we tend to prioritise those who have shown their commitment. It’s a simple truth: nurses who have worked more shifts, been reliable, and created a strong rapport with us will get priority when it comes to shifts, especially the coveted ones like weekends and public holidays.

In other words, consistency and reliability matter. So, if you want to be on our radar during quiet school holiday periods, make sure you’re available and dependable during busy times. It’s your commitment that will set you apart and increase your chances of receiving shifts when others are scarce.

Embrace the Fluctuations with a Financial Plan

We understand that the flexibility of casual nursing work is a major draw, but it does come with its ebbs and flows. To ensure you’re financially secure during the quiet periods, we recommend accepting more shifts when it’s busy before the school holidays begin. This proactive approach will help you build a financial cushion to weather the lull and ensure you’re not left in a tight spot during the summer holiday.

Conclusion

As we gear up for the long summer holiday, we want you to be well-prepared. Understand why school holidays are quieter, acknowledge the industry-wide trend, and take control of your financial stability by planning ahead. Remember, at JMB Nurses, we appreciate your dedication and consistency, so stay committed during the busy times to reap the benefits during the quieter ones. We’re here to support you, and together, we can navigate the ups and downs of the nursing profession. Stay resilient, stay prepared, and most importantly, stay safe. If you have any questions or need advice on planning your shifts, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your journey as a dedicated nurse matters to us, and we’re here to help you succeed.

 

 

Mani