How to Have a Memorable, Rewarding Assignment Anywhere!


Hope Nisler, Senior Recruiter
HEALTHCAREseeker.com

Landing your dream Travel assignment is not that easy in the year 2009 because of the economic climate. The economic downturn has caused hospitals to cut back on the use of Travelers. But, is it impossible? Absolutely not. There are easy steps to follow to have a rewarding travel experience, but my advice to a Travel Nurse is to just have patience.

First things first, make sure you are serious and ready to travel before you invest the time of signing up with agencies and working with a dozen recruiters. Ask yourself; are you ready to leave your hometown, friends and your current job? Are you the type of person that can adapt to any situation and conditions? I am not just talking about the hospital, but a new town, apartment, community and new friends? This will be a big move for you. When developing new relationships with recruiters, they are usually under the assumption you are READY for this new venture. Do you know what that means? We will call you all the time! So, again, do yourself the favor, make sure you are serious and ready to start this part of the process, this is only the beginning.

Now you know you want to travel, but what agency should you work with and what is the right company for you? This is where we get personal. As a recruiter, I want to make sure I meet your expectations and present the right assignment for you. This requires me to set REAL expectations for you. What do I mean by REAL expectations and the right assignment? Maybe you are a nurse who has bronchial conditions; well I would not send you to high-elevated areas like Arizona. Or maybe you get bored easily, and then I would not send you to a hospital that has only 12 births a month. I need to learn as much as possible about you and your needs, so our conversation will be a lengthy one. So don’t rush it, be in an area where your cell phone works and give your recruiter undivided attention. Some nurses get annoyed spending a lot of time on the phone or they feel that the recruiter is asking too many personal questions. Please don’t feel this way, these personal questions help us get you what you want. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to say the things you refuse live with or tolerate...always tell us. I once had a nurse that said, I will live anywhere. Well, I took that literally. It turned out she hated living in the second floor garden apartments and only liked end units. She also complained that she was too far from the local Blockbuster. But, I needed to know that beforehand. I do not like making nurses unhappy.

It’s important to work with a few agencies too. You will not offend a recruiter if you talk to other agencies. We know you need to work and we want you to work. If one recruiter doesn’t have a job and the other does, don’t lose out. But don’t burn bridges. 13 weeks goes by fast. If we don’t work with each other now, we may during the year. So, consider this a new friendship, keep in touch, call every now and then, email us or even become our friend on MySpace or Facebook. We may have what you need one day or hey, we may need you for an assignment too.

Nurses, go with your gut. If you have a good rapport with a recruiter, go with it! If you have a choice between a recruiter that rubs you the wrong way, but is paying you $1.50 more an hour, who should you go with? Again, I know getting a travel assignment is a little more difficult than a year ago or even six months ago, but nurses, just remember how fortunate you are to have made this career choice. Other job seekers have to dress up (they may even have to buy a new suit), go in person (that means taking time off from their current job), to interview three times and with three different managers. It can take a month before they even respond after the interview. A travel nurse can have a 15-minute conversation with a nurse manager in need and an offer could come verbally within minutes. You also have a choice of 50 states to work in. An average job seeker has a 30 mile radius of where they can work.

Nurses, don’t get frustrated, get creative and stay positive. Make yourself stand out to your recruiter and on your next hospital interview. Your skills are important, but your attitude, persistence, patience, disposition and personality will win you the dream assignment you want. Remember dreams and goals don’t come easy, they take work. Anything is possible.