Travel Nurse Staffing: Can I Start My own Agency?

With the tremendous nursing shortage in the United States there would seem to be a lot of money to be made in travel nurse staffing. Although this may be true, starting a travel nurse staffing company may not be as easy as one might think.
The biggest challenge in starting a travel nurse staffing company most people face is a lack of capital. The issue is that nurses want to be paid for their work very quickly but hospitals won't normally agree to pay the agencies as quick. If you were to start a travel nurse staffing company, you would need money to run your business while you are waiting to get paid by the hospitals.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the travel nurse staffing industry is highly competitive. You will need a constant source of nurse leads who are seeking jobs. These leads can be very expensive and may cost you thousands of dollars per month. Due to the high demand for qualified nursing professionals, and strong incentives offered by competitors, some nurses change their minds about taking an assignment when they get better offers from other companies. This is just another possible pitfall to keep in mind when starting a travel nurse staffing agency.
Another challenge in starting a travel nurse staffing company is you will have quite a bit of internal overhead. There are many pieces to the puzzle that will make it very difficult for only a few people to start. The key components are housing and nurse payroll departments, account management, and of course experienced nurse recruiters which may be difficult to find.
One additional factor to keep in mind is the potential liability in the nursing industry. You will need to make sure you carry a fair amount of liability insurance and that you keep good records of your nurses' credentials. Collecting paperwork can be pain, but failure to keep good records could lead to big trouble and major headaches down the road.
In closing, this article is not meant to discourage you from starting a travel nurse staffing company, but to make you aware of some potential pitfalls that you will need to keep in mind. If you remember some of the key points mentioned above, there is a good chance you will have a successful, profitable, travel nurse staffing agency.
Steve Arnold writes for Jobs in Nursing . Check out some other Jobs in Nursing Articles here.






Profile of a Travel Nurse

Travel nurses are nurses who travel to different locations for short-term working assignments. Travel nurses often work for hospitals, doctors offices, and in the medical administration field. Travel nurses are usually hired to fill temporary work shortages such as peak work times, maternity leave, and long term illnesses of permanent workers. Medical facilities will pay a high salary to fill short term periods. Assignment can be a few days or several months. An assignment usually runs for about 13 weeks.

To obtain a career in travel nursing, you must first have the appropriate credentials. The usual requirements for becoming a travel nurse are a minimum of one year of clinical experience and a state employment license granted by the state’s nursing board. You should have a nursing degree from a recognized nursing school and have all the skills needed to fill a particular position. Not all hospitals recognize one year vocational diploma programs. Medical facilities expect travel nurses to know what they are doing on the first day of the assignment. That is one reason why they pay top dollar for a travel nurse. They expect the travel nurse to have the knowledge and skills to adapt quickly and efficiently.

There are a number steps to achieving a career as a travel nurse. First, one should apply to a travel nurse agency. These agencies are actively involved with hospitals across the country and with many International hospitals. They have the knowledge of open travel nurse positions and they match the travel nurse with the staffing needs of the medical facility.

Once a person is accepted into the travel nurse agency, the recruiter will match that person with the assignment. The recruiter will help the travel nurse with the interview process, obtain essential state licenses, assist with housing and travel, and arrange for the appropriate benefits and pay. The recruiter receives a fee, but the travel nurse receives their knowledge and experience.

Although each state has its own nurse licensing requirements, they do provide temporary licenses. Some temporary licenses can last up to a year. Registered nurses have the advantage because their national board exam covers state requirements. Having a nursing agency recruiter can be helpful as they will assist you in securing your temporary license.

Because of the travel arrangements that need to be made for each assignment, travel nurses tend to prefer recruiting agencies. These agencies are experienced and can make travel arrangements quickly and efficiently. If traveling out of the country, one needs to secure a visa and have proof that they are a graduate of a reputable institution. It is important to maintain a current resume with valid supporting documents.

The life of a travel nurse requires maintaining a constant travel schedule that includes:

Maintaining a Check List: A week before you depart, have a list of all the necessities you need and check them off as you pack. This includes documents, clothing, books, etc.

Research Work Location: Prepare for cultural differences, personal safety issues, and proximity to stores, restaurants, and supermarkets. This will minimize unexpected stressful events.

Move In Early: Moving in a day or two early will allow you to become familiar with you’re your work location and the surrounding community.

Most nurses enter the field of travel nursing so they can travel, experience different work environments, make a good living, and maintain a flexible work schedule. Travel nursing is also an excellent way for recent graduates to find out where they would like long-term employment. The Professional Association of Nurse Travelers, a non-profit national organization representing nurse travelers in the US, is a great organization to consult with regarding a career in travel nursing.There are also many traveler nurse blogs and forums where one can gain more insight into the pros and cons of travel nursing.



Looking for travel nursing jobs, physician jobs or speech pathologist jobs? Leading provider of healthcare staffing can help place you in your dream job with hospitals or healthcare providers.


The Profile of a Travel Nurse

Travel nurses are nurses who travel to different locations for short-term working assignments. Travel nurses often work for hospitals, doctors offices, and in the medical administration field. Travel nurses are usually hired to fill temporary work shortages such as peak work times, maternity leave, and long term illnesses of permanent workers. Medical facilities will pay a high salary to fill short term periods. Assignment can be a few days or several months. An assignment usually runs for about 13 weeks.

To obtain a career in travel nursing, you must first have the appropriate credentials. The usual requirements for becoming a travel nurse are a minimum of one year of clinical experience and a state employment license granted by the state's nursing board. You should have a nursing degree from a recognized nursing school and have all the skills needed to fill a particular position. Not all hospitals recognize one year vocational diploma programs. Medical facilities expect travel nurses to know what they are doing on the first day of the assignment. That is one reason why they pay top dollar for a travel nurse. They expect the travel nurse to have the knowledge and skills to adapt quickly and efficiently.

There are a number steps to achieving a career as a travel nurse. First, one should apply to a travel nurse agency. These agencies are actively involved with hospitals across the country and with many International hospitals. They have the knowledge of open travel nurse positions and they match the travel nurse with the staffing needs of the medical facility.

Once a person is accepted into the travel nurse agency, the recruiter will match that person with the assignment. The recruiter will help the travel nurse with the interview process, obtain essential state licenses, assist with housing and travel, and arrange for the appropriate benefits and pay. The recruiter receives a fee, but the travel nurse receives their knowledge and experience.

Although each state has its own nurse licensing requirements, they do provide temporary licenses. Some temporary licenses can last up to a year. Registered nurses have the advantage because their national board exam covers state requirements. Having a nursing agency recruiter can be helpful as they will assist you in securing your temporary license.

Because of the travel arrangements that need to be made for each assignment, travel nurses tend to prefer recruiting agencies. These agencies are experienced and can make travel arrangements quickly and efficiently. If traveling out of the country, one needs to secure a visa and have proof that they are a graduate of a reputable institution. It is important to maintain a current resume with valid supporting documents.

The life of a travel nurse requires maintaining a constant travel schedule that includes:

Maintaining a Check List: A week before you depart, have a list of all the necessities you need and check them off as you pack. This includes documents, clothing, books, etc.

Research Work Location: Prepare for cultural differences, personal safety issues, and proximity to stores, restaurants, and supermarkets. This will minimize unexpected stressful events.

Move In Early: Moving in a day or two early will allow you to become familiar with you're your work location and the surrounding community.

Most nurses enter the field of travel nursing so they can travel, experience different work environments, make a good living, and maintain a flexible work schedule. Travel nursing is also an excellent way for recent graduates to find out where they would like long-term employment. The Professional Association of Nurse Travelers, a non-profit national organization representing nurse travelers in the US, is a great organization to consult with regarding a career in travel nursing.There are also many traveler nurse blogs and forums where one can gain more insight into the pros and cons of travel nursing.





Leading healthcare staffing company connects hospitals and healthcare providers with highly qualified, full- or part-time healthcare professionals with travel nursing jobs, physician jobs and speech pathologist jobs.




A Career As A Travel Nurse

Travel nurses are healthcare professionals such as registered nurses or therapists who travel to various locations to work for certain portions of the year. They usually work up to four travel jobs per year. A travel nurse can work in any region in the United States and many International regions. Most nurses secure a travel nursing career through a reputable travel staffing agency.

A career as a travel nurse can be personally and financially rewarding. Most people who have experienced life as a travel nurse say it is an exciting profession and a great way to earn a living. A travel nurse will enjoy living in new and exciting locations, reside in wonderful accommodations, and work in excellent hospitals. Other benefits include:

Travel Assistance: Most reputable travel nurse agencies will arrange such travel details as directions and maps. They should also have a 24-hour emergency hotline.

Great Pay: While on assignment, travel nurses are offered comprehensive packages consisting of excellent pay with many benefits and bonuses. Annual earnings for an RN travel nursing jobs can be as high as $110,000.

Your Facility Choice: Most travel nurse agencies have available jobs in all 50 states and at the highest ranking hospitals.

Free Private Housing: Housing accommodations are selected by travel nurse agencies for their excellent services and amenities that may include spas, swimming pools, and fitness centers.

Flexible Work Schedule: Many nurses choose a career as a travel nurse because the stress of a traditional hospital can be the result of long hours and increased physical demands. Travel nurses have more flexible work schedules. It is often much easier for a travel nurse to plan for special engagements and vacations

Free Health and Dental Insurance: Travel nursing agencies offer many free comprehensive health plans to meet all their clientÂ’s needs. Dependents can also be covered at a nominal cost. Travel nurses can also receive supplemental insurance that provides income if they are unable to work as a result of a non-work-related illness. As well, professional liability insurance should be offered at no extra cost.

Work Protection Plan: A work protection program should be offered by a reputable travel nursing agency because it ensures that if a shift is cancelled, you will still be paid.

Travel Expenses Reimbursement: Most travel nursing agencies will provide travel allowance to nurses. Travel allowance may be given before you depart or as a reimbursement after you arrive.

Tax Advantage Plans: Tax laws allow full-time travel nurses to receive non-taxable credit for meals.

Licensure Reimbursement: Travel nurse agencies will reimburse nurses for their State Nursing Licensure fees for every travel assignment. They will also help travel nurses acquire a State Nursing License.

Auto Club Membership: Many travel nurse agencies offer a discount or free membership to an auto club. Travel nurses will have access to roadside assistance, hotel discounts, rental cars, free trip routing with detailed directions and maps, emergency check cashing, and no fee travelers checks.

401(k) Plan: Travel nurses can enroll in a retirement 401(k) plan where a portion of their earnings will go into a retirement savings plan.

Free Course Upgrades: Many travel nursing agencies will provide free education courses so nurses can keep up with new technology and education.

Referral Bonuses: Travel nursing agencies will give bonuses to travel nurses who recruit other health professionals into their travel nurse program.

While the pay and bonuses of a career in travel nursing are very rewarding, travel nursing positions are highly sought after. It is important that you keep up with modern education and experience. There are hundreds of agencies that specialize in placing travel nurses. Registering with several agencies will increase your assignment choices. With the right planning and knowledge, you will discover great joy with a career as a travel nurse.



Healthcare staffing company that connects hospitals and healthcare providers in a variety of specialized disciplines, including: Travel Nursing jobs, Speech Pathologist and Physician jobs.


Tips On How To Start A Career In International Travel Nursing

If you are a nurse who enjoys traveling, you may want to consider a travel nursing position. Many travel nurse placement agencies offer positions that range anywhere from four to thirteen weeks depending on the case. This type of position offers the opportunity to expand your horizons while obtaining more experience in your chosen field.
In terms of compensation, the traveling nurses tends to make anywhere between 10-15% more than the staff nurse with incentives and bonuses added to the package. For many nurses, being a travel nurse opens the opportunity to see parts of the country they would not ordinarily see in the course of normal employment. If you aren't able to travel because of children or financial obligations, you can still experience the thrill of being a travel nurse by accepting assignments closer to home. Of course, when you are able to do so, you can ask for assignments in other cities or states. That is one of the benefits of being a travel nurse with a placement agency: it leaves you in control of which assignments you accept. Unlike a staff position, you are not required to report to work every day as per a set schedule unless you are on an assignment. When you are in between assignments, the choice is yours to accept or decline, and often times with a travel nurse, bonuses are paid to those who complete assignments.
Are the assignments always in hospitals or nursing homes? That depends on the assignment, but the potential is also there for private duty. Some nurses prefer private duty cases, and in many cases, the pay is higher than it is in a facility-based assignment. Let the placement agency know if you prefer a particular kind of environment because they will try to accommodate you whenever possible. The key role is to meet the needs of both the patient or facility and the nurse. The more comfortable the nurse is with the position to which she has been assigned, the easier it will be for her to perform her job.
Travel nursing opens up many opportunities in the field, and for the nurse who is good at what she does, and not adverse to relocation, opportunities in other states as a staff nurse may be a thought to consider. This is a good way to feel the waters and see if you like different scenery before making the permanent decision to move to an unfamiliar place. This type of position is not for everyone, but if you like to travel and try different things, this is the kind of position you will love. Not only will you see other parts of the country, you will experience a completely different world of individuality in the new people you will meet.
Sandy Sizemore writes on many consumer related topics including health care. You can find travel nursing companies and info on international travel nursing and more by visiting our health care website.






How To Get An Exciting Career In International Travel Nursing

If the excitement of international travel appeals to you, then you might want to think of being an international travel nurse. Of course, finding a placement agency is going to be the first key to doing that, and in a detailed search, only agencies placing nurses from overseas into the United States came into play. However, if the program works the same way, the placement agency or employer will make all arrangements for your travel and the obtaining of your visa and green card to allow you perform your assignment internationally. You will also need a work permit, which will be obtained for you as well.
International travel nursing can provide a worldwide wealth of knowledge, especially if you are interested in working in some of the poorer countries instead of those with a wealth of riches to offer. The challenges of working in a country that speaks a different language, has a different culture, and has different medical needs can be crucial to the expansion of your nursing knowledge. The development of worldwide knowledge that you are able to take home with you can make the experience one that will allow you to greater utilize the skills that you have learned.
Becoming an international travel nurse can also provide you with a scope of knowledge in the travel field, allowing you to travel while at the same time, performing the job that you love. Perhaps you have something to offer the country where you are placed, and can bring back some of their knowledge as well. The combination of the two knowledge bases can ultimately be beneficial to patients on both sides of the global community. The sharing of knowledge in the medical field is the key to the entire world knowing how to treat the diseases that plague our people, and the utilization of international travel nurses, both into other countries, and from other countries into the United States, will make that happen. Each has knowledge to share, and a skill that is unique, so the working together of the two cultures can only improve what each country is already practicing.
International travel nursing can be a rewarding experience for both the nurse and the people she is sent to serve both culturally and medically. The placement agency knows how important this is and will strive to make certain that each nurse is placed where the needs can best be met within the scope of her desires. If nursing in another country appeals to you, be sure to contact one of the companies that places nurses internationally and be on your way to an unforgettable cultural experience while expanding the scope of your medical knowledge.
Sandy Sizemore writes on many consumer related topics including health care. You can find travel nursing companies and info on international travel nursing and more by visiting our health care website.






Cirrus Medical Staffing's Travel Nurses

I’m looking for some skilled case managers who are willing to go on Travel Nurse Jobs assignments to Florida and California. Does anyone know a good site to find and attract these people? Travel assignments would last a minimum of 13 weeks, with the option of extending for additional 8-13 week assignments.Because they’re difficult to find, I would love to hear from some CMs about what would entice them to travel.More about Cirrus Medical StaffingPick a place. Any place. From the Carolina beaches to the Colorado Rockies to the California coast. From scenic Alaska to sunny Hawaii. From the bustle of Manhattan to the quiet charm of a small New England village. All across the country, hospitals are faced with critical staffing shortages, ranging from allied health professionals to critical nursing units. And hospitals want to attract traveling medical professionals to work on a contractual basis. Cirrus Medical Staffing is a Travel Nursing Agency and, an A. Soriano Corporation (ANSCOR) company, specializes in the placement of healthcare professionals. Cirrus Medical Staffing provides Travel Nurses, Travel Allied Health Professionals and Permanent Placement services throughout the entire United States. In addition, Cirrus is pleased to provide international staffing augmentation to our client facilities through our sister company, Medtivia. If you're a Nurse or Allied Health professional looking for a Nurse Staffing Agency and ready to earn top dollar while you leverage your skills and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime, this is where your journey begins. If you're a Travel Nurse, you've come to the right place.