5 Tips Nurse Travel Agency

Introduction to Nurse Travel Agencies

The demand for skilled nurses has led to the rise of nurse travel agencies, which connect healthcare facilities with traveling nurses. These agencies play a crucial role in addressing staffing shortages in hospitals and other healthcare settings. If you’re considering a career as a traveling nurse, it’s essential to understand how nurse travel agencies work and how to choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we’ll explore five tips for working with a nurse travel agency, including how to research agencies, understand pay and benefits, and navigate the assignment process.

Tip 1: Research Nurse Travel Agencies

With so many nurse travel agencies to choose from, it’s essential to do your research before selecting an agency to work with. Here are a few factors to consider when researching nurse travel agencies: * Reputation: Look for agencies with a strong reputation in the industry, as well as positive reviews from other nurses. * Licensure: Ensure the agency is licensed and accredited by the relevant state and national authorities. * Services: Consider the types of services the agency offers, including job placement, housing assistance, and benefits. * Specialties: If you have a specific specialty, such as pediatrics or critical care, look for agencies that specialize in those areas.

Some popular nurse travel agencies include Medical Staffing Network, AMN Healthcare, and Cross Country Healthcare. Be sure to research each agency thoroughly and read reviews from other nurses to get a sense of their strengths and weaknesses.

Tip 2: Understand Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are essential considerations when working with a nurse travel agency. Here are a few things to keep in mind: * Salary: Traveling nurses are typically paid an hourly wage, which can vary depending on the agency, location, and specialty. * Benefits: Many agencies offer benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. * Housing: Some agencies provide housing assistance, which can be a significant perk for traveling nurses. * Bonuses: Some agencies offer bonuses for completing assignments or referring friends to the agency.

It’s essential to understand the pay and benefits package offered by each agency and to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything. Here is a sample table of pay and benefits for traveling nurses:

Agency	Hourly Wage	Benefits	Housing
Medical Staffing Network	50-70	Health insurance, retirement plan	Housing assistance
AMN Healthcare	55-75	Health insurance, paid time off	No housing assistance
Cross Country Healthcare	60-80	Health insurance, retirement plan, bonuses	Housing assistance

Tip 3: Navigate the Assignment Process

Once you’ve chosen a nurse travel agency, it’s time to navigate the assignment process. Here are a few things to keep in mind: * Application: You’ll typically need to submit an application, which may include a resume, licensure information, and certification documents. * Interview: You may be required to participate in a phone or video interview with the agency or the healthcare facility. * Assignment: Once you’ve been selected for an assignment, you’ll need to review and sign a contract, which will outline the terms of your employment, including pay, benefits, and housing. * Orientation: Before starting your assignment, you’ll typically need to complete an orientation, which may include a tour of the facility, introductions to staff, and review of policies and procedures.

It’s essential to carefully review your contract and ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.

📝 Note: Be sure to keep a copy of your contract and any other important documents for your records.

Tip 4: Prepare for Your Assignment

Before starting your assignment, it’s essential to prepare yourself and your family for the experience. Here are a few things to consider: * Licensure: Ensure you have the necessary licensure and certification for the state and facility where you’ll be working. * Housing: If you’re not using the agency’s housing assistance, you’ll need to find your own housing, which can be a challenge in unfamiliar areas. * Family: If you have a family, you’ll need to consider their needs, including childcare, schooling, and healthcare. * Finances: Traveling nurses often experience fluctuations in income, so it’s essential to have a financial plan in place.

It’s also a good idea to research the area where you’ll be working, including the cost of living, transportation options, and local amenities.

Tip 5: Stay Organized and Flexible

As a traveling nurse, you’ll need to be organized and flexible to succeed. Here are a few tips for staying on top of things: * Calendar: Keep a calendar to track your assignments, deadlines, and important dates. * Checklist: Create a checklist to ensure you have all the necessary documents and equipment for each assignment. * Communication: Stay in touch with your agency and the healthcare facility to ensure you’re aware of any changes or updates. * Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt to new environments, policies, and procedures, and be open to learning and growing as a professional.

By following these tips, you can succeed as a traveling nurse and enjoy the many benefits this career path has to offer.

To summarize, working with a nurse travel agency requires research, understanding of pay and benefits, navigation of the assignment process, preparation for your assignment, and staying organized and flexible. By considering these factors and tips, you can have a successful and rewarding experience as a traveling nurse.