Locum Nursing in Ireland: How It Works and Why Nurses Choose It
Locum and agency nursing has become one of the most popular ways to work as a nurse in Ireland and it is easy to understand why. The flexibility to choose your shifts, the ability to work across different settings and locations, and competitive pay rates make it an attractive option for nurses at every stage of their career. If you are considering locum nursing in Ireland for the first time, or thinking about making the switch from permanent employment, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What is Locum Nursing?
Locum nursing, sometimes called agency nursing or temp nursing refers to working on a shift-by-shift or short-term contract basis through a recruitment agency rather than being directly employed by a single healthcare organisation. As a locum nurse, you are placed into hospitals, community settings, or other healthcare facilities to cover short-term staffing needs, planned leave, or service gaps.
In Ireland, the terms locum nurse, agency nurse, and temp nurse are largely interchangeable and all refer to the same model of flexible, agency-based nursing work. The key distinction from permanent nursing is that you are not tied to one employer or one location. You choose when you work and, within your registered specialism, where you work.
How Does Locum Nursing Work in Ireland?
The process is straightforward. You register with a nursing agency like TTM complete the required compliance checks, and once cleared you are available to accept shifts. Your agency will contact you with available shifts that match your qualifications, location preferences, and availability. You accept the shifts that suit you and decline those that don't.
Shifts can range from single days to block bookings of several weeks, depending on the client's needs and your preference. Payment is processed through your agency, for TTM this is on a weekly basis, based on the hours you have worked.
What Are the Benefits of Locum Nursing?
Flexibility and control
The most significant advantage of locum nursing is control over your own schedule. You decide which days you work, how many hours you take on, and which locations you travel to. This makes locum nursing particularly well suited to nurses who need to fit work around family commitments, other responsibilities, or who simply want a better work-life balance than a fixed permanent role allows.
Competitive pay rates
Locum and agency nurses in Ireland typically earn higher hourly rates than their permanently employed counterparts. This reflects the flexible nature of the work and the value placed on availability.
Variety of settings and experience
Working as a locum nurse exposes you to a wide range of healthcare environments; acute hospitals, community settings, residential care, mental health services, and more. For nurses looking to broaden their clinical experience, build their CV, or explore a new specialism before committing to a permanent role, this variety is a significant advantage.
A stepping stone or a long-term choice
Some nurses use locum work as a bridge between permanent roles, after returning from travel, or while considering their next career move. Others make it their long-term way of working. TTM supports nurses at both ends of that spectrum, and our consultants will work with you to make sure the shifts you take align with where you want to go in your career.
Who Is Locum Nursing Suited To?
Locum nursing suits a wide range of nurses, including:
- Experienced nurses looking for greater flexibility and work-life balance
- Newly qualified nurses who want to build broad clinical experience quickly
- Nurses returning to practice after a career break
- Nurses who have recently moved to Ireland and are exploring their options before committing to a permanent role
- Nurses who are studying or pursuing further qualifications and need to fit work around their schedule
- Nurses approaching or in retirement who want to reduce their hours without leaving the profession entirely
What Do You Need to Work as a Locum Nurse in Ireland?
To work as a locum nurse in Ireland through TTM, you will need:
1. Current NMBI registration: all nurses must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland to practise. If you are not yet registered, read our full NMBI registration guide here. From 2026, TTM reimburses the NMBI registration fee for our agency nurses — terms and conditions apply.
2. Up-to-date mandatory training
3. Garda vetting clearance
4. Valid identification and right to work in Ireland
5. References from recent employers or clinical supervisors
6. Plus additional role specific requirements
When you register with TTM, our Quality & Standards team will guide you through every requirement and make sure you are fully cleared before you begin taking shifts. The process is straightforward and our team will support you throughout.
TTM nurses have access to a range of available agency shifts across all settings — acute hospitals, community units, psychiatric services, intellectual disability services, and more.
Locum Nursing Pay — What to Expect
Locum nursing rates in Ireland vary depending on your grade, specialism, and the setting you are working in. HSE shifts are paid at agreed national HSE rates, while private and voluntary sector rates may vary by organisation. TTM pays competitively across all settings and all nursing grades.
For a detailed conversation about pay rates relevant to your specialism and experience, speak directly with one of our nursing consultants.
How to Get Started with TTM as a Locum Nurse
Getting started is simple. Register online with TTM, and one of our nursing team will be in touch to discuss your experience, preferences, and availability. We will guide you through the compliance process, answer any questions you have, and start matching you with suitable shifts as soon as you are cleared.
We work with nurses across all specialisms; general, mental health, intellectual disability, paediatric, ICU, theatre, community, and more, and across every county in Ireland. Whether you want a handful of shifts a month or a full-time locum schedule, we can make it work.
