Hult M, Gevaert J, Rekola L, Honkanen-Korhonen R, Ylikahri K. 'I'm a bit of an invisible worker' - Health care and social sector students' experiences of casual and temporary agency work.
J Health Serv Res Policy 2024;
29:182-190. [PMID:
38232130 DOI:
10.1177/13558196231224362]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES
In the wake of national and global personnel shortages, it is becoming increasingly common for students to undertake casual and temporary agency work in the health care and social sectors. This phenomenon can have both advantages and disadvantages for these workers. The objective of this study was to describe health care and social sector students' experiences of such work.
METHODS
Students currently undertaking casual work in the health care and social sector in Finland were recruited (n = 28). Qualitative semi-structured interviews of these students were conducted in March to May 2021. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis.
RESULTS
Respondents reported some positive aspects of casual work. In particular, they liked the freedom to choose the workplace and working times that suited them. However, respondents' experiences were mostly negative. They perceived the induction into work as being insufficient, felt they had too few opportunities to give and receive feedback and believed they were not accepted into the working community.
CONCLUSIONS
Students who have bad experiences while undertaking causal work in the health care and social sectors may develop an aversion towards working in those sectors after graduating. In order to ensure the sectors are attractive to graduates, casual student workers' induction and experience of the workplace must be improved.
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