Travel nursing is an incredible opportunity to gain valuable career experience while exploring different parts of the United States. However, not all travel nursing assignments are created equal. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or about to embark on your first assignment, it is essential to ask the right questions to ensure you find the best travel nurse recruiter.
Learn About the Agency
The first step is to gather some basic facts about the agency. This will give you an idea of their credibility and whether they can provide high-quality travel jobs in desirable facilities and locations. By asking these questions, you demonstrate your ability to differentiate between a great opportunity and a run-of-the-mill job:
- What is the history of this nursing agency?
- How long have you been working as a recruiter with this agency?
- How many office locations does the agency have? Are there opportunities across the U.S.?
- Which specialties are most in demand?
- In which cities and states are you currently hiring the most?
- Why should I choose this agency for travel nurse jobs?
- As a travel nurse recruiter, what do you like about working for this company or agency?
Explore Travel Opportunities
It is crucial to find out if the agency can provide opportunities that align with your career goals. Some travel assignments are filling temporary gaps, while others exist because facilities cannot retain permanent staff. Asking the following questions can help you determine if an agency's jobs are fulfilling and rewarding:
- What types of facilities do you provide opportunities for?
- Why are these facilities seeking travel nurses instead of permanent staff?
- What are the most popular destinations or assignments for your travel nurses, and why?
- Do you have any testimonials from previous travelers?
Discover Nursing Shifts and Position Types
Understanding the quality and variety of positions offered by a travel nursing agency is equally important. While most agencies offer 13-week assignments with conditions similar to permanent employment, it's essential to clarify any doubts and explore other available job types:
- What is the typical length of assignment that you offer?
- Do your opportunities involve standard shifts, or should I expect to work irregular hours?
- What is your floating policy?
- Do travel nursing jobs typically have the possibility of extension?
- Based on my specialty and level of experience, are there any assignments you would recommend for me?
Support for Travelers
Finding out how you will be supported as a traveler and the kind of relationship you can expect with the travel nurse recruiter is vital. Address these questions to ensure a smooth experience during your assignment:
- Will you be my recruiter throughout my entire assignment?
- Will I have constant access to you or another recruiter while I'm on the job?
- Do you offer travel transition assistance?
- Is there any training provided before the assignment begins?
- Will you help me obtain any additional licensing or credentialing required for this assignment? How does that work?
- Do you cover my travel expenses, such as the cost of flying to the assignment or reimbursement for a rental car?
Compensation and Benefits
While questions about compensation and benefits are important, it is recommended to inquire about them towards the end of the conversation. Asking too early may give the impression that pay is your primary motivation. Here are some questions to consider:
- How does the compensation compare to permanent employment?
- Are the hours guaranteed?
- What type of benefits do you offer travelers? Is medical insurance included?
- Is overtime pay included, if applicable?
- Do you offer completion bonuses?
- Do you offer referral bonuses?
- Do you offer direct deposit for payments?
Explore Travel Scenarios
To assess the trustworthiness of a recruiter and the agency they represent, it's helpful to discuss hypothetical travel scenarios. Pay close attention to the responses to these questions:
- What happens if I get sick, have a family emergency, or am unable to finish my assignment for a similar reason?
- What is your procedure for dealing with problems that may arise with travel arrangements?
- Who should I contact if there are any issues (such as safety or clinical concerns) with the assignment?
- If this assignment leads to other opportunities, how will you work to support my overall goals and career success?
Though it may not be feasible to ask all of these questions during a conversation with a travel nurse recruiter, familiarizing yourself with this list will give you a sense of what you need to know before accepting a travel assignment. This knowledge will increase your chances of finding the best possible career opportunity.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At CareerStaff, we not only offer helpful information on landing great career opportunities but also provide travel nursing jobs in facilities across the nation. With a team of dedicated recruiters, coast-to-coast opportunities, and unwavering support for our travelers, we are the preferred source of jobs for thousands in every corner of the U.S.A.
If you're looking for a new career opportunity or interested in exploring different horizons, we invite you to learn more about our best-in-class nursing jobs by submitting a quick apply form. Alternatively, browse our list of travel nursing jobs and find your dream assignment today!
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