How long should it take me to find a travel nursing assignment that's right for me?

How travel nursing agencies work

Travel nursing agencies have established relationships with many healthcare systems throughout the United States. They partner with these facilities to recruit for open travel nursing positions to meet staffing shortages and demands.

Most healthcare systems use a vendor management system or VMS to manage open positions. Travel nursing agencies then post and recruit for the open positions listed on the VMS, finding the best nursing talent.

A vendor management system can eliminate some of the direct partnerships that travel nurse agencies have with healthcare systems. What that means for you is higher competition for positions and less feedback on positions you're submitted for.

Keep your profile up to date

Travel nurse agencies look to align work history and experience with the details for the positions posted by facilities. It's important to keep your work history and qualifications up to date with companies so your profile pulls into searches when opportunities come available. Most agencies have a web platform or application that will allow you to update this information or your associated recruiter can update work history for you if you keep them informed.

Get submitted quickly

The competition in the travel nursing world can be fierce, especially for those in high demand. You don’t want to miss out on your dream job opportunity, so it’s important to get your application submitted quickly. A great recruiter will submit you to open jobs as quickly as possible. So, you’ll want to have your resume and skills checklist as current as possible. Ask your recruiter if they have any Direct Jobs available.

Value of Direct Jobs

Direct jobs are when a healthcare facility has a direct relationship with a travel nursing agency. This means that they know about new positions before they are ever posted to a VMS.

It can take about one to five weeks to find a travel assignment. It all depends on your specialty, current demand, and agency. If you’re short on time or want a new contract quickly, working with a travel nursing agency that offers direct jobs is invaluable.

Sometimes hospitals offer jobs through one, exclusive travel nurse agency. This essentially eliminates a VMS, making it a travel nurse friendly option.

Direct jobs are invaluable, especially if you’re in a time crunch and need a new contract quickly. Some direct jobs generate auto interviews or offers. So, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll land the assignment. You’ll also most likely receive a better pay rate and compensation package. Why? Because of your agency’s relationship with the healthcare system. They can negotiate better rates, because they can almost guarantee positions will get quickly filled.