Whether you’ve been around the block a few times or you’re prepping for your very first healthcare travel job, there are some helpful things to know before you embark on your next adventure. So, we sat down with a couple of our rock star recruiters to find out the top three things they want you to know about healthcare travel.
- Flexibility is your friend
- Don’t be fooled by seemingly higher packages elsewhere
- Fusion Medical Staffing has your back (and front and sides)
- Frequently asked questions
Top 3 Things Your Recruiter Wants You to Know
1. Flexibility is your friend
One of the most important things your recruiter wants you to know is that flexibility is your friend, maybe even your ✨best friend. ✨ With loads of healthcare travel jobs out there, the more flexible you are with things like where you’re looking to go, shift type, and start date, the more likely you are to be placed in a new job (and faster).
“Being flexible really will open the doors for you to go see and experience different things you may not have thought about before,” said Kayla Kelley, senior nursing recruiter. “Being flexible really can surprise you. You never know where you’re going to find your next home!”
Not only will your willingness to embrace the unknown serve you well with finding a travel nurse or allied health job, but it may also enhance your professional growth, opening up exciting geographical possibilities and making the journey as enriching as the destination.
2. Don’t be fooled by seemingly higher pay packages elsewhere
When evaluating new job offers, tread with caution so you’re not swayed by seemingly higher pay packages from competitor staffing agencies. Senior radiology recruiter Becki Mousseau said she receives questions about this every day.
“Why does company ABC have a higher pay package on their website than what we have?” Becki asked. “My answer to this is: ABC Staffing can list any pay package they want but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re going to get the job. Vendors have a set bill rate and they’re going to go with a company that actually follows what they’re expecting and you’re most likely going to get that position if we’re following the standards of what the vendor is asking.”
While you may see more attractive dollar figures somewhere else, it’s critical to delve deeper and consider the entire compensation package. In addition to the vendor’s bill rate, it’s important for you to take into account other factors such as health insurance, housing accommodations, retirement plans, and continuing education reimbursement. Pro tip from your friendly neighborhood Fusion Medical Staffing recruiters: a higher pay package doesn’t always equate to a better job opportunity.
3. Fusion Medical Staffing has your back (and front and sides)
Did you know that Fusion Medical Staffing is on a mission to positively impact all the lives we touch? And your Fusion Medical Staffing recruiter plays a large part in improving not only your life, but the lives of your loved ones and patients, too.
“Our recruiters are what truly set us apart from the different travel companies,” said Kayla. “It’s nice because we do have a lot of seasoned recruiters that have been here for a while. The biggest thing is that we really do care about our travelers and their experiences, so I think having that support, especially when you are so far from home, it’s a huge thing.”
One of the best parts about traveling with us is that you’ll work with the same recruiter throughout your travel career here, which allows you to build a meaningful relationship with someone who has your best interest in mind (and at heart). As MacKenzie Pickett, therapy account manager, said, “At Fusion Medical Staffing, you’re not a number, you’re a person that we care about.”
“We all work 24/7 and we value our travelers,” said Becki. “Plus, we have really good benefits. I mean, there’s multiple reasons why you should come work with us … so, come work with us and you’ll find out!”
Choosing Fusion Medical Staffing means choosing a partner that understands your passion for healthcare and adventure, and who has your back (and front and sides) no matter what.
Frequently asked questions
How much experience do I need to become a travel nurse or allied health traveler?
The amount of experience required to become a healthcare traveler depends on your field. For example, it’s typically recommended that nurses have at least one to two years of experience in your specialty before you add “traveler” to your title. However, therapy professionals can travel right after graduation!
“Fusion Medical Staffing works with several new grad-friendly facilities in all settings that welcome new graduates with open arms,” said MacKenzie. “We also offer a mentorship program to any physical or occupational therapy new grads, as well as a new grad bonus of up to $5,000!”
Related: How Much Experience Do I Need To Apply for Allied Health Travel Jobs?
Collecting experience in your field ensures you have the skills and knowledge to hit the ground running, providing high-quality care from day one. While the exact level of experience required varies by profession and specialization, it’s never too early to reach out to us to learn more about how to get started in healthcare travel.
Can I travel with my pet or family?
It can be tough to leave your pet or family behind when you jet off to a travel nurse or allied health job. So, bring them along!
With a little planning, it’s entirely possible to share your travel experiences with those you love the most. The good news is that when you travel with Fusion Medical Staffing, we’ll help you find accommodations that are pet-friendly and spacious enough for your whole crew. Take advantage of this unique opportunity and explore different parts of the country with your pet and family, all while fulfilling your career goals!
What are the perks of healthcare travel?
Being a travel nurse or allied health traveler presents several exciting perks that you can’t find with just any profession. Aside from experiencing different cities across the U.S., allied health travel and travel nursing offers job flexibility, allowing you to choose your assignments, the length of your stays, and your preferred locations. Even better, you’ll also get to work in various clinical settings, which broadens your skill set and promotes professional growth.
Perhaps the biggest benefit to being a healthcare traveler is the chance to meet new people, experience diverse cultures, and make a positive impact on different communities.
You’re good at what you do. ✅ You have the passion to make a difference. ✅ You’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime. ✅Now, use these tips from Fusion Medical Staffing recruiters to take your travel career to the next level by being flexible, cautious of job postings that look too good to be true, and traveling with the best of the best (*cough* that’s us! *cough*).
