Healthcare traveling agencies are looking for all of you traveling nuts out there. I mean we have to be nuts to live this life style right? The constant crazy hours, working overtime whenever the facility needs it, and catering to the facility itself because there is an incredible need for you to walk in and start working solo. Is that too much pressure? Not for some of us. So your travel agency is a big part of how you handle your assignment. We already know the assignment is going to be super unorganized and will need you to be on your A game. If we have travel agencies just as unorganized, it can be quite the headache. Choose wisely my fellow travelers.
Large or small agency?
Choosing to go with a large company like Cross Country healthcare or a small company like med travelers is a personal choice. Some people like to get straight to the jobs with the large companies and others like that personal relationship with a smaller company. Most large companies have first tier contracts with hospitals directly. Then you have the subsidiary or small companies that go through the larger company to get the contracts. For instance Cross country healthcare or Aya healthcare may have multiple subsidiary companies that recruit under them. The smaller companies will have to go through the larger company to get your job for you. Some companies will utilize each other to gets a particular candidate to a contract they want. So it is as easy as telling your recruiter what you want and they can try to get it for you if that particular job isn’t available with your agency. It never hurts to ask.
Is your pay package affected by large or small agency?
to that is a hypothetical yes. When a subsidiary company uses a larger company contract to get your job for you, then the larger company gets a little piece of the pie. This is why you see multiple different pay packages for the same job. You have looked at Vivian right? Multiple pay packages for the same job indicates multiple tier companies. Whether large or small or what umbrella they are under, I don’t know. But check it out.
Negotiated pay package or an upfront pay package amount?
I love knowing what my upfront pay package is. In fact, I know exactly how much money I will be making to see if that assignment will suit my needs. Knowing where I will be working and what that facility expects of me is indeed a plus. I personally do not like surprises. Aya Healthcare and TNAA are two that give you the pay package up front. If you are like some, that like to negotiate your pay package, a lot of the companies offer that. Springboard healthcare and Aureus are just two that offer that style.
Can you still negotiate a pay package when it is up front?
So to clarify this, every pay package is negotiated to suit your personal needs. You may have the up front gross pay package but you can negotiate how that gross amount is divided up. The government only allows so much Per Diem allowance for lodging, food, relocation, and travel expense that is non-taxable. How you want that money so you may travel to that job is what you will be negotiating. Some jobs I will use the Per Diem travel allowance and some I don’t. It is a personal preference and solely depends on what I have to arrange to go to that job.
Reflect on this…
So imagine you live in Georgia and you will travel to Washington state for a 13-week assignment. What will be required of you? That is completely across the country. Before you negotiate that pay package, you need to know what you will have to do to get there. Plane tickets, transportation when you arrive, where will you live, groceries or fast food. All of these are things to consider when negotiating your pay package. Each healthcare travel agency offers something different. It is up to you to choose what you like best. Me personally, I use Aya Healthcare. My recruiter there gives me the confidence and security to make sure I am stress free on the job and I am completely organized doing so. Your agency and your relationship with your recruiter is paramount in having a great experience on your next travel assignment.
Happy Traveling!
As someone who’s always been interested in exploring the world, the concept of combining my love for travel with my profession in healthcare has always intrigued me. However, I never knew where to start until I came across your post. Your detailed explanation of what healthcare traveling agencies are and how they work was extremely helpful, especially since I had never heard of them before.
I also appreciated your insight into the benefits and drawbacks of working with a healthcare traveling agency, as well as your tips on what to look for when choosing one. It’s evident that you have a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area, and I’m grateful that you took the time to share it with your readers.
Thanks again for the valuable information, and keep up the great work!
Thank you Jennyse. I have been in healthcare for 18 years. It has always been exciting, rewarding, and challenging. If you find a good fit with a recruiter and a travel agency, I would say give it a try. You can always go back to the normal job. You are most welcome! Cheers! ☺️
I have never heard of a healthcare travel agency until I read your article. I travel quite a bit now recreationally. As well, I am on MediCare with a supplemental plan. I wonder if I still need to consider this as I make all the various arrangements for time I am traveling. Quite a bit of my travel is out of the country. Do this make a difference? I am going to do some research into this. Thanks for presenting the subject.
Jim
Hi Jim. Healthcare travel agencies are for healthcare professionals. If you are one of those you would have to speak with one of the agencies to find out about global travel positions. Medicare and the supplemental plan has really nothing to do with the companies. That is your personal insurance. Now if you needed another supplemental plan abroad, I would recommend SafetyWing. I hope this helps. Cheers!
“Great article on healthcare traveling agencies! One of the things I appreciate most about these agencies is the opportunity to gain experience in different healthcare settings. As a nurse, I’ve had the chance to work in hospitals across the country, and I’ve learned so much from each experience. I also agree that it’s important to do your research and choose an agency that aligns with your values and goals. Thanks for sharing your insights!”
You are so welcome. I am glad you enjoyed it. It is super important to find a good match.
Thank you for this insightful journey into negotiating one’s pay package. I love travelling and get excited when seeing other nations. I have always gotten it wrong at the point of negotiation. You are right. It is not only about seeing the world, but my pay package should be able to care for my expenses. And I musts still have something left.
That is right. Your pay package is your lively hood for that 13 weeks and beyond to the next assignment. If you don’t negotiate it right, you may have some trouble later with finances.