A travel nursing agency is a company that specializes in placing registered nurses (RNs) in temporary assignments at healthcare facilities around the country. These agencies typically contract with hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations to provide them with temporary staff to fill short-term vacancies or help with seasonal increases in patient volume.
In exchange for their services, travel nursing agencies charge a fee to the healthcare facility and pay the nurses a competitive salary and benefits package. Travel nursing assignments can last anywhere from 8 weeks to 13 weeks, and sometimes even longer.
These assignments offer RNs the opportunity to gain new experiences, see different parts of the country, and earn a good salary. Travel nursing agencies typically provide support to their nurses throughout the assignment, including things like helping with housing, providing orientation and training, and being available to answer any questions.
Travel nursing agencies are a great option for RNs who are looking for a change of pace, want to gain new experiences, or are simply looking for a way to earn good pay while traveling. The agencies are also a great solution for healthcare facilities that need to fill short-term vacancies with qualified nurses.
However, with so many travel nursing agencies to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one to go with. In this blog post, we will discuss some important factors to consider when choosing a travel nursing agency.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Travel Nursing Agency
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The Reputation of the Travel Nursing Agency
One of the first things to consider when choosing a travel nursing agency is its reputation. Check online reviews and ratings to see what other nurses have said about their experience with the agency. Also, check to see if the agency is a member of the National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations (NATHO) or the Joint Commission, as these organizations have strict standards for their members.
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Pay and Benefits
Another important factor to consider is pay and benefits. When choosing a travel nursing agency, make sure to ask about pay rates, taxes, and any benefits that may be included, such as health insurance and retirement plans. Also, make sure to ask about reimbursement for travel expenses, such as flights and housing.
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The Support You Can Get from the Agency
Travel nursing can be a challenging experience, so it is important to choose a travel nursing agency that provides good support. This includes things like helping you find housing, providing orientation and training, and being available to answer any questions you may have.
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The Opportunities You Stand to Gain from the Agency
Consider the agency’s opportunities for travel nursing. Some agencies may have a wide range of opportunities, while others may only have a few. Also, consider the location of the assignments. Some agencies may have more assignments in urban areas, while others may have more rural assignments.
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Length of Assignment
Some travel nursing assignments are as short as 8 weeks and others as long as 13 weeks. It is important to consider the length of assignments you are comfortable with. Some travel nurses prefer longer assignments, while others prefer shorter ones.
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The specialty of the Nursing Agency
Consider your specialty and the agency’s specialties. If you are looking for a specific type of assignment, such as pediatrics or oncology, you will want to make sure the agency has a good track record of placing nurses in those specialties.
7. Communication
Communication is key when it comes to travel nursing. You will want to choose an agency that is responsive and easy to communicate with. This includes things like returning phone calls and emails in a timely manner and providing clear and accurate information.
In conclusion,
When choosing a travel nursing agency, it is important to consider things like reputation, pay and benefits, support, opportunities, length of the assignment, specialty, and communication. By taking the time to research different agencies and ask the right questions, you can be sure to choose an agency that is a good fit for your needs.