Choosing a Travel Nursing Job – If you’re considering a travel nursing job, the first step is to talk to a recruiter. They can answer all of your questions and assist you find the perfect position for you. But before you pack your favorite scrubs and sign up with just any recruiter, there are some questions you absolutely must ask. Keep reading to learn more about why travel nursing is excellent and five must-ask questions for any recruiter you decide to work with.
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More About Travel Nursing
Travel nursing is a popular option for many nurses looking for a more flexible lifestyle and new experiences. Unlike traditional nursing jobs, which typically involve working in one hospital for an extended period, travel nursing allows nurses to work at various hospitals across the country for shorter assignments. This flexibility can be especially appealing to folks who want to explore different parts of the country or who have families that they need to be able to move around with.
Travel nursing can also be a good option for nurses looking for a way to earn more money or gain experience in various areas. Because travel nurses typically receive a higher salary, expense reimbursements, and even bonuses, they can pull a senior salary than they would in a traditional nursing job. Additionally, travel nurses often get to work in multiple hospitals with different types of patients. This enables them to improve their skills and knowledge base.
If you’re considering travel nursing, you should keep a few things in mind. First, travel nursing is not for everyone. If you’re the type who likes stability and routine, then travel nursing might not be the right fit for you. Second, it’s essential to do your investigate and ask lots of questions before you accept a travel nursing assignment. This leads us to our top five questions to ask recruiters before choosing a travel nursing job.
Five Questions You MUST Ask Your Travel Nurse Recruiter
Whether you lead with these questions out of the gate or save them for the “do you have any questions for me” portion of your interview, ensure you get answers before committing to a travel nursing job.
You can consider each of these an umbrella question, with more targeted questions falling beneath each one. However, in general, these are the sorts of questions you should ask to have a clear picture of what to anticipate from your travel nursing employment.
1) Can you Tell me more about your Agency?
This is important to ask, so you know who you’ll be working with and whether or not they’re reputable. Ask how long the agency has been around, their specialty areas and whether they’re JCAHO accredited. You should also ask about the agency’s size and how many travel nurses they have placed. This will provide a solid indication as to whether or not they can offer the level of assistance you require.
Last, you can take the opportunity to ask targeted questions to the recruiter you’re working with, like “What do you like best about operational for this agency?” or “How long have you been working here, and how many travel nurses have you helped place?”
2) What Kind of Positions do you have Available?
This is probably one of the most important questions to ask because it will determine whether or not the agency can actually help you find a job that’s a good fit for you. Be sure to ask about the types of positions they have available as well as the locations. If you’re looking for a specific type of position, like an ER job in California. Then you’ll want to make sure they have something available before you waste your time talking to them further. Also, some recruiters may specialize in certain positions or locations, so it’s always good to ask about this upfront.
3) How will the Agency Support me Before, During, and After my Assignment?
This question is crucial because it will give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of support from the agency. For example, find out whether or not they offer orientations, what kind of resources they have, and how often you can imagine hearing from your recruiter.
You should also ask about what types of things the agency will do to help you transition into your new job and what kind of support you can expect after your assignment. This is also where you can enquire about travel expenses being covered. If housing include in the assignment and if they will help you obtain additional licensure if necessary.
4) What are the Pay and Benefits Like?
Let’s be honest. We all desire to know how much cash we’ll be making. Given that traveling nursing positions can range in pay from just over $3000 to more than $7000 per week, depending on location and qualifications, it’s definitely something you’ll want to ask about. But it’s also essential to ask about the other benefits of the job. You need to find out whether or not the agency offers health insurance, what the 401k options are, and if there is paid time off. You should also ask about any bonuses or stipends available and how often you can expect to get paid.
It’s also a good thought to choose if the agency offers any perks like free travel or discounts on hotels and rental cars. Funding the ideal scrub pants for women or snagging a few extra men’s scrub jackets for yourself will be much easier if you have some extra cash in your pocket.
5) Ask Literally Anything Else on your Mind
This list is a solid, primary starting point, but feel free to add any other questions specific to your situation. For example, if you’re a new graduate, ask how the agency can help you transition into your first job. If you have a family, ask about childcare options or whether or not the agency offers health insurance. And suppose you’re looking for a long-term assignment. In that case, you might want to ask about the possibility of extending your contract.
The bottom line is that you should sense free to ask any and all questions on your mind. The nastiest that can happen is that the recruiter will say they don’t know the answer. But they should be able to point you in the right direction.
A Big Decision Made Easier
Choosing a travel nursing job is a big decision, but it can be made easier by asking the right questions. That’s why you want to ensure you’re working with an agency that can meet your needs. These are just a few of the belongings you should ask recruiters about before coming to a decision. By asking these questions, you’ll get a better sense of what the agency can offer you and whether or not they’re a good fit for you.
