By Medical Edge Recruitment

October 28, 2024

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The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nursing Agencies: What Every Nurse Needs to Know

Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

Written By: Taylor Dupont, Marketing Specialist, Medical Edge Recruitment

Travel nursing has emerged as a dynamic and rewarding career path for many healthcare professionals. With the growing demand for nurses in various locations across the country, travel nursing agencies play a pivotal role in connecting nurses with temporary job opportunities. In this guide, we will explore what travel nursing agencies are, their functions, and the numerous benefits they provide to nurses.

travel nursing agencies

What Are Travel Nursing Agencies?

Travel nursing agencies are specialized recruitment firms that help healthcare facilities find qualified nurses, typically for short-term assignments. These assignments usually last anywhere from 8 to 26 weeks but can be as long as 1-3 years, allowing nurses to work in diverse environments while exploring new places. Agencies serve as the bridge between hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers needing staffing assistance and nurses seeking flexible employment.

The Role of Travel Nursing Agencies

Travel nursing agencies perform several critical functions, including:

1. Job Placement: Agencies actively seek job opportunities for travel nurses in various healthcare settings, from hospitals to clinics to long-term care facilities. They match nurses with positions that fit their skills, experience, and preferences.

2. Licensing and Credentialing Support: Each state has its licensing requirements, and travel nursing agencies assist nurses in navigating these complexities. They help ensure that all necessary credentials are up to date, allowing nurses to focus on their work without worrying about administrative hurdles.

3. Negotiating Contracts: Travel nursing agencies often negotiate contracts on behalf of nurses, ensuring they receive competitive pay and benefits. This includes discussing salary, housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and other perks that can significantly enhance a nurse’s compensation package. It’s important to note that negotiations typically occur before the facility and agency finalize their partnership for contract positions. As a result, by the time a nurse is offered a position, the pay is usually fixed and may not be negotiable any further.

4. Support Services: Agencies provide ongoing support to travel nurses throughout their assignments. This includes 24/7 assistance, guidance on adapting to new work environments, and resources for personal and professional development.

5. Community Building: Many agencies foster a sense of community among travel nurses by organizing events, networking opportunities, and online forums. This support system helps nurses connect with peers, share experiences, and build friendships.

Benefits of Using a Travel Nursing Agency

1. Flexibility and Variety

One of the most appealing aspects of travel nursing is the flexibility it offers. Nurses can choose assignments based on their interests, desired locations, and career goals. This allows for a change of scenery and the chance to experience different healthcare systems and cultures.

2. Competitive Compensation

Travel nursing often comes with higher pay rates compared to staff nursing positions. Agencies typically offer competitive salaries, along with additional benefits like housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and bonuses. Nurses can significantly boost their earnings while enjoying the perks of travel.

travel nursing agencies

3. Personal and Professional Growth

Working in various healthcare settings allows nurses to expand their skills and knowledge. Exposure to different practices, technologies, and patient populations enhances clinical competencies and fosters adaptability. This diversity is invaluable for career advancement and personal development.

4. Reduced Administrative Burden

Travel nursing agencies take care of many administrative tasks, such as contract negotiations, licensing, and credentialing. This allows nurses to focus on patient care and their own well-being without being bogged down by paperwork and bureaucracy.

5. Adventure and Exploration

Travel nursing is a unique opportunity to explore new cities and regions while working. Nurses can take advantage of their free time to visit local attractions, experience different cultures, and meet new people. This sense of adventure can lead to personal fulfillment and lifelong memories.

6. Health Benefits

Many travel nursing agencies offer comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. This is a significant advantage, as it ensures that nurses have access to necessary healthcare services while on assignment.

How to Choose the Right Travel Nursing Agency

Selecting the right travel nursing agency is crucial for a successful experience. Here are some tips to help you make an informed choice:

1. Research Multiple Agencies: Don’t settle for the first agency you come across. Research several options to compare their offerings, reputation, and benefits.

2. Check Reviews and Testimonials: Look for feedback from other travel nurses. Online forums, social media groups, and review websites can provide insights into the experiences of fellow nurses.

3. Evaluate Support Services: Consider the level of support the agency provides. Are they available 24/7? Do they offer guidance during assignments? Strong support can make a significant difference in your travel nursing experience.

4. Understand Contract Terms: Carefully review the contract terms, including pay rates, benefits, and any stipulations. Ensure you fully understand what you are signing up for.

5. Assess Opportunities for Advancement: Some agencies offer additional training, certifications, or opportunities for career advancement. Consider agencies that align with your long-term career goals.

Travel nursing agencies serve as essential partners for nurses seeking flexibility, adventure, and professional growth. By connecting nurses with job opportunities and providing invaluable support, these agencies help facilitate a rewarding travel nursing experience. As the demand for nurses continues to rise, travel nursing offers an exciting avenue for healthcare professionals to explore new horizons while making a meaningful impact in the lives of patients across the country. If you’re ready for your next adventure, consider partnering with a travel nursing agency to take the first step toward an exciting and fulfilling career in travel nursing!

Searching for an agency that will support you?

Medical Edge Recruitment is a premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits. Let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel healthcare gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities. We have opportunities for all travel healthcare professionals.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel healthcare assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By ONESTAFF MEDICAL

September 14, 2022

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How to Know It’s Time to Switch Travel Nursing Staffing Agencies

Onestaff Medical provided this article.

As a travel nurse, having a good relationship with your staffing agency is a key part of your success. Not only will your agency help you get the travel nursing assignment you’re looking for, but they’ll also be your best advocate as you move from hospital to hospital.

Sometimes, however, this relationship can turn sour and may no longer be helping you work toward your goals. Not every staffing agency will be a good fit for you, and you might need to switch agencies if you find this to be the case. If you’re unsure what red flags you should look out for, here is how to know it’s time to switch travel nursing agencies.

How to Know It’s Time to Switch Travel Nursing Staffing Agencies

When Is It Time to Switch Travel Nursing Agencies?

There can be many indicators that your relationship with your travel nursing agency isn’t working out. In general, if you aren’t happy with your current agency and feel that your needs are not being met or heard, it’s time to begin the process of moving on.

You Aren’t Presented Many Options for Assignments

It’s likely time to look for a new travel nursing agency if the one you’re currently working with doesn’t have any job options that align with your goals. Many travel nurses have specific career goals in mind, such as expanding their areas of expertise, trying different nursing specialties, and even traveling to new places for work.

Whatever your career goals are, your agency should have enough opportunities and assignment options available for you to explore. That way, you are more likely to find an assignment you’re excited about.

The Recruiters are Pushy or Rude

Dealing with someone that is pushy or rude is never a good situation. Unfortunately, this can happen with recruiters from time to time, as well. Feeling pushed into taking on a new contract or location that you are not comfortable with will likely lead to a bad experience.

If you feel that your travel nursing recruiter is pushing you to do things you are not comfortable with, they may not be looking out for your best interests. Your relationship with your recruiter is a two-way street, so if your needs and wants are not being heard, this is a sign that your agency may not be the right one for you.

You Can Never Get Ahold of Someone

To be successful, you need to be able to reach your recruiter and get a response in a timely manner. If communication is lacking from your staffing agency, this is likely a sign of a larger organizational problem. You deserve a certain level of service from your recruiter and agency. If you aren’t getting the communication you need, it might be time to consider another agency.

Many recruiters make a habit of checking in on their nurses a few times throughout the course of their contracts. The most critical times to speak with your recruiter are near the very beginning and the end of your contract. During these communications, your recruiter will make sure that things are going well in the new role and help set you up for success as you discuss potential upcoming assignments.

Outside of those two crucial time periods, you may hear from your recruiter a few times. However, if you are unhappy with the level of correspondence, you can always discuss your concerns with your recruiter. Your recruiter is here to support you on your travel nursing journey. Proper communication is necessary to ensure that problems can be resolved in a timely manner and that you are happy throughout your travels.

Documents or Paperwork Are Missing or Late

Just like lack of communication, missing or delayed paperwork can be a sign of a larger organization issue. Getting documents to the hospital you signed a contract with is a vital step to making the contract successful. Late documents can delay the start of your contract, causing you to miss out on shifts and money. Missing paperwork is an even bigger problem and contracts may be canceled entirely for this mistake, leaving you without a job.

Compliance can be a long process for both you and the agency. Hospitals have different requirements and expectations for this process. Because of this, most staffing agencies are aggressive about collecting the documents needed for compliance from you at the early stages of planning new contracts.

If your agency is not asking for your credentials and any required documents they don’t already have, reach out to them and ask about the next steps so your contract is not affected or canceled.

Your Recruiter Doesn’t Put Your Best Interests First

Finally, one of the most important red flags you should look out for to know when it’s time to switch travel nursing agencies is if your recruiter doesn’t put your interests before there’s. Some recruiters are just looking to complete a sale; getting you to say yes to an assignment means more money in their pocket, which can be a primary motivation for some.

If you find yourself in a situation where your recruiter is pushing you to say yes, it’s likely time to ask yourself if they are really meeting your needs or helping you to achieve your goals. If the answer is no, it’s probably best to start looking for another agency that will make you a top priority.

3 Tips on How to Leave a Staffing Agency

Leaving a travel nursing staffing agency can cause a lot of anxiety for some people. It’s never an easy thing to do, especially if you need to tell your recruiter that you are unhappy with their performance. To ensure success, consider these tips to help you quit your travel nursing agency.

1.      Be Polite

You owe it to the recruiter and the agency you are working with to be polite. Even if they have not been kind to you, it’s important to be the bigger person. No matter what has happened, the agency has been a stepping stone to get you where you are. Respecting them as people is the best way to leave the situation with your reputation still intact. The last thing you want to do is burn bridges that may affect you later in your career.

2.      Be Honest

Anything less than honesty helps no one in difficult situations. If there are problems with the agency you are working with, document them and discuss them with your recruiter. It’s best to give the agency your detailed reasons for leaving, since giving feedback can potentially spur positive change for that agency now or in the future. Also, remember to stick to the facts when leaving, and try to keep your emotions at bay.

3.      Be Realistic

If you know it’s time to switch travel nursing agencies, be realistic about the things you want to be different when negotiating a contract with your next agency. While a lack of communication is a fair reason to move on, expecting the new agency to be in constant contact with you about positions is not necessarily realistic. Balance what you want with what you can reasonably expect to get.

Changing travel nursing agencies is not something that should be taken lightly. Consider your wants and needs, what your family needs, as well as your own career goals when making the right decision.

Our recruiters at OneStaff Medical are to help if you’re looking for your next travel nursing agency. Contact us today at 877-783-1483 to learn more!

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

Sources:

By Brandy Pinkerton

June 28, 2022

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Basics to Choosing the Right Travel Nurse Company

Your travel nurse company and recruiter can make or break your experience, so this question should not be taken lightly. When you’re starting your travel nurse journey, one of the first steps you need to take is finding a travel nurse company and recruiter. This process might feel overwhelming because there are so many options out there. How do you know if you’ve found a good travel nurse company and a recruiter who has your best interests at heart? I’ve learned there are several qualities that set good companies apart from the others. Keep reading for the non-negotiable attributes you want in your travel nurse company.

Mentor Pro Tip:

When looking for the best travel nursing company to suit your needs, you first have to know what your needs are, so make sure to have a clear understanding of what you need from a company too. Ask yourself what benefits you need.

Basics

When looking into travel nurse agencies, you should first make sure that they provide the basics. The short answer to this is you need to pick a travel nurse company that is knowledgeable, transparent, trustworthy, and personable. This company needs to pay you fairly and have good resources and benefits for you. 

When looking into travel nurse agencies, you should first make sure that they have these non-negotiables:

  1. A dedicated housing department of experts to help you find housing or do they give you a stipend to find your own housing
  2.  Day 1 health, dental and vision insurance, and premium cost
  3. 401K that you can start contributing to immediately,
  4.  Travel reimbursement
  5. 24-hour customer support
  6.  Have a variety and abundance of travel nursing jobs all over the country for your specialty. 
  7. Make sure to ask if they are Joint Commission credentialed. Agencies that obtain this certification must complete a strict qualification process, and it helps ensure that the company is upheld to the highest standards in the industry. 

Mentor Pro Tip:

There are a few elite companies that even stand out more than others because they offer low census protection, weekly pay, paid time off,  and tuition reimbursement. The “diamond in the roughs” will also have mental health resources for you as well as a strong clinical team of nurses or can give you advice and help. Trust me on this one: Your recruiter is not usually a nurse, and a great one will be able to refer you to a team of clinicians available to you for career counseling and guidance in times of crisis. This individual needs to be someone with a diverse and authoritative background so that you can trust their advice. So make sure to ask!

From there, the absolute best way is to get referrals from other travel nurses (you can even do this in social media groups) and search for travel nurse agency reviews. When researching travel nurse companies, it is imperative to use a longstanding and reputable site for reviews. One of my personal favorites is right here on The Gypsy Nurse, which lists the Top Agencies based on their national ranking, user reviews, and features. Do your due diligence and research, research, research. Knowledge is power! 

Mentor Pro Tip: Make sure to check out my other recent blog post about Top Qualities To Look For in a Travel Nurse Recruiter – TRAVEL NURSE 101

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. If housing is an issue, we have you covered with our housing page. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Medical Edge Recruitment

June 15, 2022

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Why Work with a Travel Nurse Agency?

Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

Written by: Emily Fernandes, Recruitment Consultant, Medical Edge Recruitment

You spent years at school, have just graduated, and now you are a nurse. Congratulations! You are ready to get to work, and you can’t wait to live your life’s passion of being a caretaker. You are eager for the best opportunities, and you want to be a Travel Nurse, but where do you start?! There are so many states, contracts, and specialties – it’s confusing and overwhelming.

You are searching job boards, but you’re stuck because you can’t seem to find anything that you like. The jobs are all in very different environments and specialties. The hotel charges and rates don’t seem to make sense. You didn’t expect this and to be honest, even as a seasoned pro in the game, you may have issues finding the best contract. Then, you talk to other nurses and are surprised at how different your offers are. Finding a good job is a daunting task! What do the other travel nurses have that you don’t? Their secret is a great Travel Nurse Agency! 

One of the greatest benefits of being a travel nurse is that there are so many options to choose from. Not just with specialties or facilities but also with the types of employment you want or how many shifts you want to work. You can work full time, on a contract basis, or as needed (PRN) in a variety of healthcare facilities nationwide. Additionally, you can work with an agency that allows you to choose your shifts or do short-term contracts that best suit your schedule and job needs. Even if you are working full-time, you can pick up shifts through an agency on the side to broaden your skills or make more money!

There are many benefits to working with a Travel Nurse agency: 

1. Better pay

As a nurse with an agency, you are given a much better pay rate. Your hourly increases as much as 50% and could be double if you are prepared to take shifts like weekends and nights or work overtime.

2. Better Control of Your Schedule

Need a day off? No problem. You have control over the shifts you want to work. Working PRN allows you to choose the best days and shifts that suit your lifestyle. Per diem nursing makes it possible and easy to balance work and home life effectively. You pick your schedule and control your family time.

Need a change of scenery? Not just a new facility, but maybe a new state? Most nursing agencies work with a variety of facilities throughout the US. You can also stay in-state but travel to different facilities and expand your skillset.

3. Less Stress

Take workplace politics off your radar. You show up, save the day, do your work, and clock out. 

Interpersonal relationships that develop at work with coworkers, patients, or families can become catalysts of stress for many nurses. By working as a per diem nurse, you’ll be able to remain in neutral territory, and if there’s a particular facility that you don’t quite vibe with, then you don’t have to go back.

Working as a full-time nurse can leave you feeling stretched thin and lead to burnout. As a travel nurse, you get to do actual nursing. Isn’t that what you got into the profession for? Not handling complaints, emailing the director, or doing stocktaking.

4.      Variety and Adaptability 

Most agencies are already contracted with multiple facilities, so you get diversity and always have a guaranteed contract. If you are working in Colorado and decide you want to go to Idaho in the next two weeks, it’s 100% possible because agencies always have openings and always bargain the best packages and rates for their providers. So, if you just got off a 13-week assignment and are ready to jump on a 9-week, don’t worry! An agency makes it possible in a flash.

Burnout is a real threat for nurses. Per diem shifts allow nurses to minimize the risk of emotional and physical exhaustion while also developing new skills and offering their minds a change of pace.   You learn to adjust to new locations and demographics quickly. You learn to connect, communicate, and care for individuals quickly and without difficulty. Another perk to working with an agency is the inside scoop you get on each facility. Not just from their clients but from other travelers who are able to help you be prepared for the culture and workload!

5.      More Support and Better Relationships

We often see platforms advertising about reimagining healthcare. Their plans often focus on the patients and equipment but rarely on our #1 asset – our nurses! To reimagine healthcare, we must reimagine a healthcare provider’s experience! Nurses are the beating hearts of the medical system and need 100% support. 

Through an agency, you get to work with a recruiter who doesn’t just find you jobs but also provides 24/7 support. They become your friend and defender. They battle on your behalf to make sure you are always comfortable, always employed, and generally much happier. They take the stress of dealing with the backend stuff, so you don’t have to! 

An agency is the first step to having the support you need and the peace of mind you deserve after dealing with difficult patients. Recruiters learn your history, your strengths, your interests, and other important information about you that can help find the absolute best job fit. This creates a space where you can ask questions, voice concerns, and gain advice when needed. Working with a travel nurse staffing agency gives you a support system you can contact day or night. You get help with housing options and always stay in the loop to have the best assignments! As Lexi Saige said, “A nurse is compassion in scrubs,” and a nurse deserves that same compassion in return!

Medical Edge Recruitment is the premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits; let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!

We hope you found this article on why you should work with a travel nurse agency helpful. Please share any experiences you have had working with travel nurse agencies below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By The Gypsy Nurse

September 26, 2021

13344 Views

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Interviewing Your Travel Nurse Recruiter

Finding a great recruiter and agency can be crucial to your travel nurse experience.

It’s important to interview your travel nurse recruiter to make sure that they are a good fit.

We’ve talked about things that make a great travel nurse recruiter and how to work with your travel nurse recruiter. Now we have 20 Questions to ask your travel nurse recruiter when you interview them. Yes! You should interview your travel nurse recruiter!

Yes!

You should interview your

travel nurse recruiter!

– Candy Treft, Founder The Gypsy Nurse

20 Questions:  Interview your travel nurse recruiter

  1. How many years of experience do you have in the field?
  2. What attracted you to doing travel nurse recruiting?
  3. What were you doing before going into travel nurse recruiting?
  4. What’s the highest degree you earned?
  5. If I talk to your manager what would he/she say about you?
  6. What are your strongest assets?
  7. What are the areas of weakness and need improving?
  8. How are you available to me and other candidates?
  9. How do you present a pay package to me?
  10. Do you provide prep before an interview?
  11. Do you debrief me after an interview?
  12. Present me with a hypothetical offer right now?
  13. Show me a resume that you have prepared to present to your clients!
  14. Show me a pay package that you prepared to a candidate and how did you tailor that pay package to their needs and wants
  15. How do you keep in touch with your PLACED candidates?
  16. How do you keep on sharpening your skills?
  17. Why should I work with you than anyone else
  18. If I find a pay package that’s higher than yours by 100 dollars, are you willing to match and allow for negotiation in the pay package?
  19. Do you pay an extra shift bonus and an OT after 12 hr shift?
  20. Anything else you would like to add to make me want to work with you?

Are you looking for a great travel Nurse Company?

By The Gypsy Nurse

July 24, 2021

6922 Views

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Characteristics of a Great Travel Nurse Recruiter

Recently, there was a conversation on our Gypsy Nurse Network group about the characteristics of a great travel nurse recruiter. Our group members had very similar comments.

Here are the TOP responses and characteristics of a great travel nurse recruiter.

  • Someone who listens to my wants and needs, and ONLY presents me with pay packages that fit those needs and wants.
  • Notify me immediately if my ideal jobs come up, push the envelope with negotiation (in my favor).
  •  Prompt replies to emails with legit questions and work related requests.
  • Don’t be text / call constantly. Be aware of each travelers work/sleep hours and respond accordingly.
  • Don’t take travel nurses decisions personally. I’m making choices for MY betterment, not yours.
  • Be a straight shooter, NO CAR SALESMAN.
  • Honesty, transparency, availability
  • Loyalty, a sense of humor, and the drive to go get the money for BOTH of us

What Characteristics do you look for in a travel healthcare recruiter? Post your thoughts in the comments.


Looking for a Great

Travel Nurse Staffing Agency?


In addition to characteristics that make a great travel nurse recruiter, here are some articles you might find helpful when working with travel nurse recruiters:

By The Gypsy Nurse

July 20, 2017

7042 Views

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Ask A Travel Nurse: Choosing a Travel Nurse Company?

Gypsy,
What travel companies have you had the most success with … and the least? Any recommendations?

Thank you, CardiacRN



CardiacRN,

Thank you for reading GypsyNurse and contacting me.  Choosing a travel nurse company can be so frustrating. However, when you find the company(s) that you love, the search will be worth it!

I have worked for a variety of companies from the large nationally known ones to the smaller family/nurse owned ones.  I will not give a specific company recommendation on this site.

Choosing a travel nurse company (and recruiter) is a very personal thing. A lot of the success between traveler and recruiter/agency relies on common ground. Does the agency provide the benefits that are important to you? Are they available? Do they have contracts where you want to go? These are all questions that are specific to each individual travel nurse.

My general preference has been for a smaller company.  I like the personal attention, the fact that I only deal with one person for everything and I get to develop a more deep relationship with the recruiter.

If your struggling with finding a company, you might want to read Step #7  (Research Travel Nurse Companies) in my Travel Nurse Guide. Additionally, once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you can ask for feedback on our Travel Nurse Network group on Facebook.

Additional Resources


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