Finding the perfect travel nursing agency can be a daunting task — the sheer number of travel nursing companies out there can be overwhelming.
Choosing an agency plays a huge role in your experience as a travel nurse, so it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. There are a number of factors that you need to think about before jumping at your next contract.
How to Find the Perfect Travel Nursing Agency
The first step is to read the reviews and ratings of different agencies that interest you. This will give you an idea of the quality of the services provided by each agency.
An agency does a lot more than just find you a job. A good agency can become a lifelong partner in your career, so it’s important that you see what others think about their experience.
You can also ask your friends and colleagues who have used travel nurse agencies in the past for their opinions. Ask other travel nurses about their experiences with the different agencies. Ask them about the quality of the services provided by the agencies and if they would recommend them.
Another thing to think about is the type of travel nurse jobs that the agency specializes in. Some agencies focus on short-term assignments while others prefer long-term assignments. Some agencies focus on jobs in specific regions, and others focus on certain nursing specializations.
That being said, the location of the agency doesn’t really matter much in this industry — almost every agency will have jobs available all over the country, so it’s okay if the agency is in another state.
You should also understand the cost of the agency’s services. Most agencies take a percentage of the salary you earn, and they often sign contracts with healthcare providers that make it illegal for them to tell you how much that percentage is.
What’s most important is that you understand your actual rate when everything is taken into account, including your health insurance costs, your housing stipend, and other benefits.
Make sure you understand the fee structure of the agency before you sign a contract. You should also make sure you understand all the terms of the contract. If necessary, you may want to have an attorney read over it with you the first time you sign one so that you can understand in the future how these contracts work.
Also, make sure the contract includes a clause that allows you to terminate the contract at any time. This will protect you in case the healthcare facility you’re working at is not meeting your expectations.
Factors to Consider When Looking for a Travel Nursing Agency
When looking for a travel nursing agency, there are several factors to consider. First, you should look for an agency that offers competitive salaries and benefits. Make sure the agency is aware of the current market rate for travel nurses. You’ll want to compare rates from several agencies to make sure you’re getting the compensation you deserve.
You should also make sure the agency has any licenses that the state it’s based in requires. This will ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate agency and that your rights as a travel nurse are protected. The agency should also be able to provide references from past and current clients, as should each individual recruiter that you work with.
It’s also important to look for an agency that offers support and resources for travel nurses. This could include housing assistance, travel insurance, 401(k)s, licensure reimbursement, and other benefits.
Finally, you should also look for an agency that’s hyper focused on you and your needs. This is (hopefully) the beginning of a long-term relationship. You want someone who wants to keep you happy, not someone who is just trying to shove you into the next contract as soon as possible.
If an agency is open to negotiation and is willing to come up with creative solutions to your problems, that’s a good sign of a reliable and trustworthy agency.
The best agencies offer tons of benefits and are really focused on giving you the best experience possible.
Questions to Ask When Selecting a Travel Nursing Agency
When selecting a travel nursing agency, there are several questions that you should ask.
You’ll want to find out what housing options the agency offers and how they’re paid for.
This could include help in finding an apartment or house to Airbnb or just giving you a stipend. Make sure you have a clear idea of how they help you find a place to live while you’re working.
You should also ask about the agency’s policies regarding travel expenses. Find out if the agency covers the cost of travel to and from assignments and other related expenses.
Understanding your healthcare situation is also crucial. As a travel nurse, changing agencies means changing health insurance, which can be a huge pain. Finding an agency with great healthcare benefits can be a big reason to stick with them over the long haul.
You should also ask about the agency’s policies regarding the termination of assignments. Find out if the agency provides any assistance if the assignment is terminated early.
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If you’re looking for your first travel nursing assignment — or if you’re looking for your next assignment — we’re here to help.