Your Recruiter and You: The Most Important Relationship in Your Travel Career

The one-to-one relationship between a travel nurse or allied health traveler and their recruiter is vital to the success of any assignment.  

Whether you're a veteran traveler or considering traveling, a strong working relationship with a recruiter makes your life easier, the process smoother, and your assignments more predictable. We asked our S1NGLEPOINT Recruiters what makes a good traveler/recruiter relationship, and below are some of the reoccurring themes.  

You should expect transparency and honesty from your recruiter. Every assignment and facility are different, so when evaluating an offer, it's not the time to be shy. Ask plenty of questions and ensure to read the contract thoroughly to avoid being caught by surprise mid-assignment.  

There are numerous key details to consider, including (but not limited to):  

• Guaranteed hours and call-off policy 
• Available benefits, including how and when you qualify 
• Completion or retention bonuses 
• Pay packages 
• The fine print, including the cancellation policy, non-compete clause, adjustments or penalties for missed shifts, etc. 

A good recruiter will cover all these points and will be able to answer your questions. Remember that your relationship with your recruiter is a two-way street, so you must be open and honest with them. In conversations with your recruiter, be clear about your expectations, communication preferences, and when you need clarification. A good recruiter will ensure that you feel heard. 

Successful healthcare travelers are willing to go with the flow. That said, if you experience challenges during an assignment, you can lean on your S1NGLEPOINT Recruiter to help resolve them before they become unmanageable.

Traveling can create interesting dynamics, from confusion about hospital policies to issues with other staff. Learn to adapt to new ways of doing things, but if you’re struggling, remember that you’re not alone; your recruiter can facilitate a favorable outcome by helping you determine when to elevate an issue and when to let it go. Sometimes it may be challenging to know the best way to resolve a problem, but your recruiter will guide you to making the right decision.  

When necessary, your recruiter can also connect you with our Clinical Service Team, which is responsible for ensuring our travelers have the necessary support, resources, and education to provide the best possible care for their patients. 

Keep in mind that the policies of facilities and staffing agencies must be applied fairly. If something doesn't go your way, try not to take it personally. Instead, consider the big picture regarding what you are trying to achieve and the most professional options for accomplishing your goals.  

If you are considering a travel assignment to stave off burnout, you should consider evaluating why you feel burned out before committing to a contract. Burnout can impact your job performance and may give the impression that you are a laggard or are unwilling to solve challenges.  

Here are a few ways to avoid burnout and ensure you can consistently be a peak performer:   

• Prioritize self-care - You will be better equipped to provide excellent patient care by practicing stress management and maintaining healthy boundaries. Check out our 7 Self-Care Tips for Healthcare Travelers for some helpful advice!
• Create a professional support network - Having others you can confide in, relate to, and support will improve your travel experience immensely. Ensure your recruiter is part of that network and include other travelers or staff nurses.  
• Keep the lines of communication open - Never assume anything about a coworker or policy. If you need help understanding something, use your resources and seek answers. In turn, make sure you are open to feedback and acknowledge the expertise of others. Looking for some guidance? Our VP of Clinical Services provided her top Communication Tips for Healthcare Travelers.
• Manage your perspective - When problems arise, consider them opportunities to grow and find solutions rather than something happening to you.  
• Be resilient - Try to remain unbothered and use any adversity or challenging feedback as an opportunity to grow your skills as a healthcare professional.  

FlexCare recruiters are, by their very nature, hard-working and dedicated to problem-solving. They educate themselves about the industry, facilities, geography, and your preferences so that they can be a valuable resource for you. As your single point of contact, they are your primary advocates and will work diligently to ensure you have the details you need to make informed decisions about your career.