Travel Nursing: Finding a Recruiter

Travel Nursing: Finding a Recruiter

In my first post in our travel nursing series, I discussed some basic questions you should ask yourself to find out if travel nursing is a good fit for you. If you answered “yes” to the questions in that post and you are more excited than ever to pursue a travel nursing career, your next step should be scouting and researching recruiters.

There are many travel nursing recruiting agencies across the country and there are a number of factors to consider when deciding which recruiter is right for you. Some basic questions to answer when researching a recruiting agency include:

  1. What are the benefits available to travel nurses? You’ll want to explore travel benefits, housing benefits, salary, insurance and retirement.
  2. What is the application and interview process?
  3. Do I meet the agency’s minimum qualifications? (e.g. If an agency requires at least two years of nursing experience to apply and you only have one year of experience, don’t waste your time applying.)
  4. Can the agency connect you with other travel nurses that they’ve placed to get their recommendations and experiences with the agency?
  5. Does the agency seem to have your best interest at heart?

Some of these questions can only be answered by contacting the agency directly to ask questions. You will need to do thorough research on the recruiting agencies that you are thinking about working with so that you fully understand the application and placement process. For instance, does the recruiter arrange and pay for your utilities in your new city? Will your recruiter pay your travel/moving expenses every time you take a new placement? These are the kinds of important details that you’ll want to answer before you pack your bags. One agency may sound great, but another may offer more assistance in travel/housing expenses which makes them the better pick. Ask lots of questions. Don’t get so caught up in the excitement of travel that you forget the practical details of moving your life (even temporarily) to a new city.

Here are four travel nursing recruiting agencies to begin your search. Jot down a few notes on each agency and compare/contrast their benefits packages.

Rise Medical Staffing

Advantage RN

PPR Travel Nursing

RTG Medical

Don’t stop here! Ask around for recommendations and network with other travel nurses to get their insights on the best recruiters. 

Be sure to check back for more in this travel nursing blog series. 

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