A Nursing Agency (also known as Nurses Agency or Nurses Registry) is a business that provies nurses and usually health care assistants (such as Certified Nursing Assistants) to people who need the services of healthcare professionals. Nurses are normally engaged by the agency on temporary contracts and make themselves available for hire by hospitals, care homes and other providers of care for help during busy periods or to cover for staff absences. Some nurses may be seconded to private clients who choose to receive their nursing care within their own homes. English nursing agencies are regulated by the Commission for Social Care Inspection.