Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The purpose of this study was to establish the general characteristics and attitudes of agency nurses to their work and to the National Health Service.

Main Topics:

Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions Reasons for undertaking agency work (at first and at present), starting date, whether agency nursing was sole employment, type of work, hours worked per week. Comparison of work as an NHS nurse with agency nursing in work standards, nature of duties, use made of training facilities. Membership of nursing organisations/unions. Other work respondent would take if agency work unavailable. Background Variables Age, sex, marital status, place of birth, length of employment, place of work, qualifications.

Simple random sample

Postal survey