The rising market demand, travel involving work, and lucrative earning opportunities are some of the perks of being a travel nurse(TN). With the potential to earn more than $100K annually, travel nursing is one of the major healthcare professions that attract thousands of aspirants.
Most TNs work with nursing agencies to facilitate nursing services across several states. Many TNs often do not indulge in due diligence and end up agreeing to terms they did not intend to agree to. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the terms and negotiate an effective travel nursing contract with the agency. If you are looking to register with an agency, here are three things to consider when registering at a travel nursing agency.
Specialty and Volume of Jobs
Most agencies have several contracts across multiple states, which means you can get more opportunities and the flexibility to choose your assignment. Before registering with an agency, verify how many job assignments they usually have. It’s also good to check which states are associated with contracts. That way, you can plan your future career moves.
Top agencies have numerous assignments in top medical facilities and clients across various specialties. You can inquire about whether the agency offers opportunities based on your specialty area. That way, if your specialty area is more obscure, you can ask for assignments that require your unique expertise.
Travel Nurse Contract Terms
If you are a trained and qualified travel nurse with a good track record and strong work ethic, you can easily get registered with some of the top agencies in the country. But that doesn’t mean you should blindly sign any contract. It’s essential to understand the terms mentioned in the travel nursing contract and know whether you agree to each of them or not. TN contracts usually range from 4 to 26 weeks, and most contracts are 13 weeks.
The contract’s duration terms are mentioned in the contract itself. Many agencies might also have an exclusive contract, meaning you may not be permitted to work for other agencies or do a solo practice at the side. Therefore, always read the term, evaluate whether the payment rates match your skills, specialty and experience, and don’t be afraid to say no if the offer doesn’t match your expectations.
Exclusive Staffing Contracts
Reputed nursing agencies have exclusive staffing contracts with some of the country’s top hospitals, healthcare institutes, and facilities. Getting an assignment in one of these facilities can help lay a substantial foundation for your nursing career. It will open up numerous doors of opportunities that will transform your career. You will meet some top surgeons, management, and accomplished individuals in the healthcare industry.
You must enquire with the agency to know whether they have any exclusive staffing contracts with hospitals and healthcare institutes that you want to work with. You are more likely to become the first choice for premium, high-ticket assignments that pay substantially more and help your career in the longer run.
Registering with a TN agency can be a great start to your nursing career. But the mistakes made at the beginning of your career might come back years later to haunt you. Therefore, always understand the contracts you are getting into to build a sustainable and thriving travel nursing career.
