As travel nurses, we all know the importance of a great recruiter —they can make or break your travel experience. To get the most out of that relationship, sometimes we have to share the harder truths about our needs, limits, and goals.
Honest conversations can feel uncomfortable, but being upfront helps your recruiter truly advocate for you. Here are a few hard truths to consider sharing with your recruiter and tips to keep things real.
1. Feeling Burned Out? Let Them Know
- The Reality: Travel nursing is an amazing gig, but it can be exhausting, especially with back-to-back contracts or high-intensity units. If you’re feeling burned out, don’t just push through in silence—your recruiter should know.
- Why It Matters: If you let your recruiter know that you need a bit of a breather, they might suggest contracts with lighter workloads, shorter shifts, or even just a little more recovery time between assignments. Taking care of yourself means you can continue doing what you love without running on empty.
- How to Share: Acknowledge that travel nursing is fulfilling, but explain how continuous assignments have taken a toll. Let your recruiter see the human side—someone who’s passionate about helping others but also needs to recharge.
2. Be Transparent About Compensation Expectations
- The Reality: Money isn’t everything, but it’s a huge factor for most of us. If a role doesn’t meet your financial expectations, say so.
- Why It Matters: Being upfront with your recruiter about your pay requirements allows them to negotiate better rates or suggest roles that match your needs. This avoids the frustration of being offered contracts that don’t align with your goals.
- How to Share: Instead of just stating a number, explain why certain pay levels matter to you—whether it’s to cover certain expenses, save for a goal, or feel valued for your hard work. This helps your recruiter understand your needs more deeply.
3. Don’t Hide Personal Commitments or Family Needs
- The Reality: We all have lives outside of work. Whether it’s needing time off for family, preferring certain locations, or just having schedule limitations, let your recruiter know.
- Why It Matters: Recruiters can often adjust schedules or recommend assignments that don’t interfere with your personal commitments if they know beforehand. When your recruiter understands what’s important to you, they can be a better advocate for your work-life balance.
- How to Share: Share a little bit about why these commitments matter. Maybe it’s a promise to be there for family or needing a specific schedule for other commitments. When you humanize your needs, it’s easier for your recruiter to respect and accommodate them.
4. Be Honest About Your Skill Set and Weaknesses
- The Reality: None of us are perfect at everything. If there are areas where you’re still gaining confidence or skills you don’t prefer, let your recruiter know. Every hospital and unit has a unique vibe. If you know there are types of environments or dynamics that don’t suit you, tell your recruiter.
- Why It Matters: When your recruiter understands your current skill set, they can find placements where you’re set up for success and help ensure that you’re placed in a similar work environment that you are used to for your first assignment. Being honest about your strengths and areas for growth prevents you from getting into a contract that feels overwhelming or unsupported and can avoid putting you in a challenging or mismatched environment.
- How to Share: Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses and that you’re always learning and developing. Mention areas you’re building up so they know you’re growth-focused but want a position that aligns with your current skills and helps them find the best fit for you.
5. Be Open About Your Long-Term Goals
- The Reality: Travel nursing is a stepping stone for some and a long-term career for others. Whether you’re aiming for a leadership role, planning to specialize further, or eventually moving to permanent placement, share this with your recruiter.
- Why It Matters: When your recruiter knows your long-term goals, they can help you find assignments that support your growth. They may even be able to connect you with roles or hospitals aligned with your aspirations.
- How to Share: Explain how each assignment is a step toward your goals, whether it’s to gain specific experience, work with certain patient populations, or explore new specialties. This helps your recruiter feel like part of your career journey.
6. Be Clear About Working With Multiple Agencies
- The Reality: As a travel nurse, it’s common to work with more than one agency to explore different opportunities —but it’s important to let your recruiter know if you’re working with other agencies.
- Why It Matters: Being upfront about working with multiple agencies avoids confusion and lets your recruiter focus on finding unique opportunities for you. They’ll know they need to be proactive to secure your interest, which helps them respect your agency options.
- How to Share: Mention that working with multiple agencies allows you to compare options and find the best contracts for your goals. This transparency shows you’re serious about finding the right fit, not just taking the first offer that comes along.
7. Know Your Flexibility Limits
- The Reality: Flexibility is often expected, but every travel nurse has their boundaries. If you’re firm about specific locations, schedules, or contract lengths, let your recruiter know.
- Why It Matters: If you’re clear about your flexibility, your recruiter can find placements that respect those boundaries. This prevents misalignment and unnecessary frustrations.
- How to Share: Let them know your reasoning, whether it’s due to family, health, or personal preferences. Explaining your flexibility limits makes it easier for your recruiter to respect and find assignments that fit.
8. Sometimes, You Just Don’t Mesh with Your Recruiter
- The Reality: As much as we want a great recruiter relationship, it doesn’t always click. If you feel unsupported or the dynamic just isn’t working, it might be time to move on.
- Why It Matters: You’re not going to mesh with every recruiter, and if you don’t feel comfortable or supported, it’s okay to look elsewhere. Recruiters are there to be your advocate, and if that relationship doesn’t feel beneficial, it’s better to seek a recruiter who aligns with your needs.
- How to Handle It: If you’re not comfortable discussing this directly, you can call the agency’s main number and ask to speak with a director of recruitment. Let them know you’re looking for a better recruiter match without burning bridges or leaving in frustration. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your well-being and find someone who’s a better fit.
Fostering a Real, Supportive Partnership
Sharing these hard truths with your recruiter isn’t just about getting the best assignments—it’s about building a trusting, transparent partnership that makes every step of your travel nursing journey smoother. When your recruiter understands who you are, your goals, and your limitations, they can become a true ally who has your back. By humanizing these discussions, you give your recruiter the full picture, allowing them to find contracts that are genuinely the right fit for you.
So, take the leap and be honest with your recruiter. By sharing these truths, you’re giving them a chance to support you not just as a nurse but as a person with a unique career journey. Happy Travels!