Travel nursing offers an exciting opportunity for healthcare professionals to explore new locations, expand their skills, and enjoy a flexible lifestyle. As a travel nurse, choosing the right agency is crucial for a successful and fulfilling experience. However, there may come a time when you feel the need to switch travel nursing agencies. Whether you’re seeking better assignments, improved benefits, or a new recruiter, this blog will guide you through the process of switching travel nursing agencies.
Assess Your Situation
Before making any decisions, take some time to evaluate your current agency. Maybe you’re dissatisfied with your current recruiter, you feel as if your agency doesn’t have enough jobs that suit your parameters, or your benefits are lacking. Identifying what you’re happy with and what needs improvement will help you set your priorities when searching for a new agency. With countless travel nursing agencies available, it’s essential to research and compare different options. Before signing up with a new agency, check out their online job boards to see if they have jobs that suit you. Read online reviews and talk to fellow travel nurses about their experiences. Pay attention to factors like reputation, assignment opportunities, benefits packages, housing arrangements, and the level of support provided to their nurses.
Seek Advice From Other Travel Nurses
Before you switch agencies, reach out to other travel nurses and ask about their agency recommendations. Your peers can more accurately speak to their experiences and give you solid advice on which agency could be the best fit for you. Better yet, they are more likely to refer you to a trusted recruiter. Having a recruiter with a proven track record of successfully placing clinicians will give you the chance for the best agency experience possible. Also, consider reaching out to travel nursing groups on social media. There are several out there that specialize in travel nursing advice, tips and tricks.
Contact Multiple Travel Nursing Agencies
It’s no secret that as a travel nurse it’s important to have multiple agencies at your disposal. Before you make the switch, reach out to multiple agencies that align with your preferences and discuss your needs and expectations. Be upfront about your desire to switch agencies and inquire about their available assignments, pay rates, benefits, and any other relevant information. Take note of how responsive and supportive they are during your initial conversations, as this can indicate the level of support you’ll receive as one of their travelers. If you don’t feel like you’re connecting to the recruiter you’re speaking with, keep searching. You are bound to find a recruiter who you feel comfortable with!
Switching Travel Nursing Agencies
After you have found your perfect fit, it’s time to make the switch. Keep in mind, if you are already on a travel nursing assignment with your previous agency, it’s best to give proper notice if you decide to leave early. It’s best practice to finish your assignment with your current recruiter first to prevent any professional repercussions. Once you complete your assignment, it’s time to get ready to start your next adventure with your new agency! In order to have the best experience possible, keep open and honest communication with your new recruiter and agency.
Switching travel nursing agencies can seem like a daunting task. As a travel nurse, you have to advocate for yourself and keep your priorities at the forefront of your career. If the agency you’re with isn’t meeting your expectations, it might be time to make the switch. If you’re looking for an agency who will treat you like family, SQUAD Medical Staffing is here to help you. With over 30 years of healthcare staffing experience, we’re here to provide unwavering support and service to all of our clinicians. If you’re looking for your next travel gig, check out our job board and apply today!
