There are many benefits to traveling as a nurse, including a flexible work schedule, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to see the world. But before you embark on your next assignment, it’s essential to choose a travel nurse agency that is the best fit for you. Choosing the right travel nursing agency can make all the difference in your career and your overall satisfaction with the experience.
Reputation
Reputation is one of the most important things to consider when finding the right international travel nurse agency. It can help you decide which travel nursing company to work with and what benefits are available. Reputable agencies can also provide tips and advice to prepare you for your job as a travel nurse abroad. They can also help you obtain the required documents to travel and work in countries worldwide. You can learn more about reputation by reading online reviews from people who have traveled with the agencies you are considering. However, it’s important to remember that just because a thought is positive doesn’t mean that the agency is right for you. The best way to find the right agency is to ask for recommendations and speak with other nurses about their experiences. It’s also worth checking employee review sites to understand what other travel nurses say about specific agencies.
Experience
Experience, a term often used for accumulated knowledge and one-time spectacular events, is a powerful tool to help you find the right agency. Regarding international travel nursing, your connection with your customers can mean the difference between earning and losing loyalty. Choosing an experienced international travel nursing recruiter who knows the market and what it takes to place nurses in leading facilities is essential. When selecting a global travel nurse agency, look for contracts at top facilities with opportunities in your specialty. Also, ask about the benefits you’ll receive, such as paid time off, sick pay, housing stipends, and end-of-assignment bonuses.
Fees
When choosing an agency, fees are a crucial factor. These can vary wildly, and you must ensure your chosen agency meets your needs without breaking the bank. A travel nursing agency can handle most of the details of your assignment, including insurance, housing, and payroll. It can also help you meet the licensing requirements for the state where you’re traveling. The most important thing to remember is that you should work with an agency that values your needs and supports you throughout your entire assignment. A good travel nurse agency will offer you a range of benefits, such as healthcare insurance, 401(k) contributions, and licensure reimbursement. You may also receive a travel allowance, referral bonuses, and loyalty rewards. If you feel like your recruiter is only focusing on their bottom line, it’s time to find someone new.
Contracts
Finding the right international travel nurse agency can make all the difference if you want to travel abroad to experience a different culture or explore a new place. Before you choose an agency, it’s essential to find one that offers the right travel benefits, pay packages, and housing stipends for your needs. Travel nurses typically receive a base pay rate with additional non-taxable reimbursements. These stipends may include furnished housing, paid time off, medical insurance, dental and vision coverage, licensing support, end-of-assignment bonuses, and more. As with any other type of contract, reading the document is crucial to ensure you understand what you agree to. Knowing any financial details, such as signing incentives or end-of-assignment bonuses, is essential. Hiring a travel nursing recruiter who can serve as your sounding board, advocate, and partner on this journey is also critical. Look for one who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and friendly.
Job opportunities
When it comes to finding the right agency, you’ll want to be sure that the company has a variety of job opportunities available. You’ll want to know if they have contracts with leading hospitals across various specialties and geographic locations. An excellent international travel nursing job can help you build a global network of medical experts and expand your nursing knowledge. It also offers unlimited travel, adventure, and a chance to experience new cultures and people. Many international travel nurse agencies have contracts with healthcare facilities abroad, so they can often offer many temporary assignments that last one to two years. Another option is to apply for a position with the Department of Defense, which has some overseas jobs. The responsibilities of the work vary, but it typically involves a lot of guidance and support to get you started in the country you’re assigned to. Once you’ve chosen the international travel nurse agency that suits your needs, start communicating with recruiters. You’ll be speaking with them over the phone for most of the process, but it’s essential to communicate your needs clearly and politely ask for a deeper follow-up conversation if they need help understanding your goals.