Travel nursing promises professional fulfillment, financial security, and many exciting experiences. What stands between you and this life-changing adventure? The right travel nurse agency. While there are more companies to choose from than ever before due to the growing popularity of the field, travel nurse agencies are far from “one size fits all.” Here are five things to consider when making your choice.
1. The Perfect Package
While travel nurse salaries are typically higher than full-time nursing salaries, this is only part of the compensation equation. Benefits packages vary widely, and knowing what to expect can help you position yourself for success.
Health insurance is one of the most important benefits to consider. Before signing with an agency, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of health insurance coverage, including the following questions. When will your coverage start? Is there a deductible?
Some travel nursing companies offer dedicated benefits specialists who will work with you to make sure you’re taking full advantage of your benefits. They’re also available to answer rising questions about enrollment and eligibility.
But benefits aren’t limited to health insurance, and can include anything from referral bonuses to travel reimbursement to retirement plans. Comparing the benefits offered by each potential travel nurse assignment alongside your personal and professional priorities can help you make the most informed decision.
2. Services and Support
As a nurse, you are accustomed to caring for others. However, when it comes to the best travel nurse companies, travelers are the customer. Companies which offer dedicated customer support teams are dedicated to ensuring that travelers have everything they need on the road.
Around-the-clock trained clinical liaisons are also a valuable part of helping you thrive on the job.
Some companies will also offer assistance to help you quickly and easily meet all credentialing and licensure requirements.
3. Housing Matters
Whether you plan to stick with the convenience of agency housing or accept the stipend to find housing of your own, an in-house housing department can ensure successful travel nursing assignments. Setting up utilities, arranging for furniture, and factoring in other special housing issues can be frustrating and time-consuming. Housing specialists offer essential knowledge, expertise and contacts for streamlining the process. They should also be readily available to answer housing-related questions as they arise.
4. The Role of the Recruiter
Your relationship with your recruiter is of great importance. He/she will be a valuable lifeline throughout your entire travel nursing experience. Their ultimate goal? To listen to your needs and work with you to bring them to reality. The best recruiters don’t just push paper; they are advocates every step of the way. Understanding how you will work with your recruiter at each prospective agency can ensure that you’ll be positioned to make the most out of this resource.
5. Size Matters
Travel nurse agencies come in a full range of sizes, each with their own strengths and weakness. Smaller assignments may have less overhead with higher pay potential as well as a greater promise of personalization. Larger agencies are not only likely to have more resources, but may also have a greater range of possible assignments and destinations. However, the specifics depend on the company, so do your research.
Ultimately, there’s no “right” or “wrong:” when it comes to choosing a travel nurse agency. However, information is the key to choosing the one that will best meet your needs and position you for travel nurse success. Was it “love at first sight” with your travel nursing agency, or did one particular factor tip the scales? Let us know in the Comments section below!
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