Are you considering a career as a travel nurse but feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of options available? I will tell you how to navigate the process of choosing the right travel nursing company and recruiter who will prioritize your needs and interests.
As your travel nurse mentor, I will share the must-have attributes that distinguish top travel nursing companies and recruiters from others, helping ensure you have a positive and rewarding experience. Discovering these key qualities when selecting an agency and recruiter is essential to kickstart your journey as a travel nurse. They can ultimately make or break your entire experience, so this isn’t a subject to take lightly.
Mentor Pro Tip: Before diving into your search, it’s crucial to understand your needs and preferences. Assess what benefits and resources are essential to you, and use this knowledge to guide your decision-making process.
Choosing the Best Travel Nurse Agency
The Basics
When evaluating travel nursing agencies, prioritize companies that demonstrate knowledge, transparency, trustworthiness, quick communication, and personability. Ensure they offer fair compensation, comprehensive health benefits from day one, including health, dental, and vision insurance, immediate access to a 401K plan, travel reimbursement, and round-the-clock customer support. Additionally, seek out agencies that provide diverse, nationwide travel nursing job opportunities that are tailored to your specialty.
See available travel nursing jobs across the U.S.
Non-negotiables
Confirm whether the company offers essential services such as a dedicated housing department and a housing stipend. Make sure to inquire about their Joint Commission accreditation status. This certification signifies adherence to stringent industry standards and stands out above others, ensuring you work with a reputable company committed to excellence.
Mentor Pro Tip: Look for elite companies that go above and beyond, offering perks like low census protection, weekly pay, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement, and mental health resources. Additionally, prioritize companies with a strong clinical team that can provide valuable career counseling and guidance during challenging times if you should run into them during your assignment.
Referrals and Reviews
Leverage social media groups and reputable review sites like The Gypsy Nurse to gather insights from fellow travel nurses and access rankings of top agencies based on user reviews and national rankings. Conduct thorough research to empower yourself with knowledge and make an informed decision that sets you up for success in your travel nurse journey.
Are you looking for the right recruiter? Check out Brandy’s Top Qualities to Look for in a Recruiter post. Brandy also has some personal referrals she can give you.
Embark on Your Travel Nurse Journey With Confidence
Remember: selecting the right travel nursing company and recruiter is critical to achieving a fulfilling and rewarding career as a travel nurse. By prioritizing your needs and conducting thorough research, you can embark on your travel nurse journey confidently and excitedly. Happy Travels!