Leah Perez
VP of Hire Up Healthcare
March 27, 2023
Do you want to get in on the RN and Allied health travel contract action but unsure where to start?
Or are you a current travel contract professional interested in exploring other options?
Follow along for information sure to help you!
There are five top questions to ask your Healthcare Recruiter to be sure you are being offered the best in terms of a professional contract and recruiter relationship. These questions will help you to initiate important conversations with a prospective recruiter. Be sure to ask:
1. “What are my Contract Conditions?” The fine print of a contract may stipulate things not shared with you by a recruiter. Other than the more obvious details like pay and scheduling, it is important to know about employment policies that could impact you, including cancellation, call-off, on call, floating, requested time off, extension, early contract termination and accompanying financial penalties, if applicable.
You may also want to ask about the hospital’s Nurse to Patient ratio, as these mandates vary by state and often tie to the overall job satisfaction among healthcare professionals.
2. “What are my Benefits?” Be sure you are clear on what is included in your benefits package. Look for/ask about the maximum stipend offered, guaranteed hours, housing reimbursement, education reimbursement, medical/dental/vision costs and effective start dates, direct deposit, travel reimbursement, uniform reimbursement, any other work-related reimbursable costs, and overtime pay. Not all agencies offer the same benefits, so it is important to make no assumptions when it comes to compensation, benefits, and other unique perks.
In addition to learning the benefits of the contract, look beyond the work and research the area in which you would be working. What about the area might pique your interest most? Check for local hiking, parks, concerts, shopping, nightlife, museums, or anything else that could provide you an exciting outlet for exploring during your time off of work.
3. “What does the Onboarding Process entail?” Ask about their Onboarding, Compliance, and Orientation Processes. Is there any facility-specific testing needed of you? When do these events begin, what is included, and how long are they? Each hospital has their own onboarding process, so it is good to know what will be expected of you to complete before starting your actual work.
Also key: What documentation do I need to bring with me?
4. “What kind of support and resources are available to me throughout this contracted time?” Does the agency assist you with initiating your credentialing compliance and document management? Will you have the same recruiter throughout the contract? What times/days is your recruiter available to you?
Who is your best contact to request specific days off, as needed for important preplanned events? What happens if you get sick or have a personal/family emergency? How are issues with internal facility staff handled by the agency?
5. “Why should I choose YOU? What makes you and your Agency different than the rest?” Ask themwhat you can expect from them in terms of keeping in touch. Do they have a Referral Program? What have past contracted healthcare professionals said that they enjoy most about working with them?
The Healthcare Recruiting business for contracted professionals is a competitive market. As someone who is open and interested in travel contract work, it is important to ask the right questions to be sure you are getting the most of your contract and partnering with the best agency and recruiter. A top quality recruiter will serve as your advocate and share the above information before you even have to ask.
Unsure if you are getting the most out of your current Healthcare Recruiter relationship? Give us a call. Our team of experienced Healthcare Recruiters have a proven track record for building long lasting professional relationships– far beyond the length of any contract. We build connections for life.
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Leah Perez, VP of Healthcare
As the Vice President of Hire Up Healthcare Leah focuses on the national level clients. Leah has over 16 years of recruiting experience in various industries from medical/clinical to administrative/accounting, all of which has launched her to being one of the most well-respected staffing leaders in California. Clients and candidates would describe her as urgent, ethical, and most importantly she takes the time to understand her clients needs so she can properly assist them. Leah would love to speak with you so she can help your business reach new heights.
