- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Supplemental nurse
Supplemental nurse
A supplemental or agency nurse works independently as freelancer, providing extra nursing help to hospitals and other healthcare facilities when their staffing is low.
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Required education
ADN or BSN
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Independent
Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.
What is the role of a supplemental nurse?
You’ll have the option to work in almost any specialty and be your own boss, choosing when and where you’d like to work.
What you’ll do as a supplemental nurse
Treatment
You’ll provide the care specific to your specialty.
Where you’ll work as a supplemental nurse
Supplemental nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Patients’ homes
How to become a supplemental nurse
Get an Associate’s Degrees in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.
The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.
Work as a Registered Nurse, gaining experience before joining a staffing agency.
You’re ready to work as a supplemental nurse!
Related nursing specialties
Transcultural nurse
A transcultural nurse provides culturally sensitive care to patients from different ethnicities and backgrounds around the globe.
Rural nurse
A rural nurse helps patients living in geographically and culturally isolated areas, who may have limited access to healthcare.