Select a Travel Agency that you feel comfortable with

As a Traveler, one of the most important things you can do to make sure you are more comfortable on your assignments is to work with an agency whom you feel “covers all the bases” with you before you go. (More details will be discussed at the next lecture). That is why it is important to interview several agencies and to select at least three as your preferred agent. Read industry publications such as Healthcare Traveler (HT) magazine and speak with your peers for suggestions on agencies. Your selection should have a lot to do about the chemistry that you feel for that agency and the recruiter.

No surprises: Ask detailed questions before accepting

For peace of mind before you travel, do not sign a contract with an agency until you fully understand its stipulations and language. Questions you should ask your recruiter should include:

• How long is my commitment for the assignment?
• Do I have guaranteed hours?
• How will the agency assist me in getting my license?
• What kind of support can I expect during my assignment?
• What happens if I do not like my assignment?
• What type of housing, benefits, etc. will I be provided with?

Furthermore, feel free to break these types of questions down even further, particularly regarding housing and benefits. For example, is the housing free, private, if I elect to find my own place, do you then provide a stipend?

The hospital interview: You can ask them questions too!

Just because a Hospital is interviewing you it does not mean that you can’t interview them. Ask questions such as:

• How long is their orientation?
• Will you have a Preceptor?
• Will you be expected to float to other units?
• Will there be overtime involved?
• Will I have a competency test prior to starting the assignment?
• How many sick/personal days am I entitled to?

Getting ready to “hit the road”

There are a lot of “little things” that just make your life fun and easier while you are on the road. For example:

• Bring your laptop or handheld computer so that you can check your e-mail
• Have your cell phone switched to a regional company
• Make arrangements to have someone “at home” check your mail or make arrangements with your local post office to have it forwarded
• Pack a few personal items that you particularly attached to so that you can make your new place feel like home

Talk to your Recruiter about housing!

Everyone has different expectations for housing and it really is important. The important thing is to make sure you have accurate expectations so ask questions. Imagine my surprise when I went on my first assignment and discovered that I had a roommate! My new roomie and I became good friends, but this could have been an uncomfortable situation. To avoid these types of potential pitfalls, ask your recruiter questions like:

• What is the apartment like?
• What will be its furnishings?
• Do I need to bring a TV, VCR, coffee pot, etc.?
• What are some of the things I am responsible for?
• How far is the hospital from the apartment?
• Will I have a roommate?

These are just a few examples of the topics that we will be covering during our next free seminar. To hear more, just click here to register!