How to Choose a Recruiter

Finding the right travel nursing recruiter can be a bit like trying to catch a firefly in the dark – you’re not quite sure where to start, but you know you want that special glow.  Choosing the right recruiter for you is crucial for a successful travel nursing career.  My approach to choosing a recruiter might not be the way that most people do it, but it worked for me, so I’ll share my process.

In my pursuit of a travel nursing agency and recruiter, I took off on a thorough research journey, initially focused on the top-rated travel companies and initiating contact with them.  Concurrently, I meticulously crafted an extensive list of pertinent questions to guide my selection process.  Among the options I explored, Medical Solutions stood out due to its appealing insurance benefits, even though it isn’t renowned for offering the highest pay rates.  However, it was my interaction with Davis Edwards, a recruiter from Medical Solutions, that solidified my decision.  Davis proved to be a treasure in the field, reaching out with a phone call that exceeded my expectations.  Throughout our engaging 90-minute conversation (I learned this is not typical), Davis demonstrated not only his pleasant demeanor but also his unwavering commitment to addressing all my queries, even those considered “newbie” in nature.  While a few other recruiters did make contact via text or phone, none exhibited the genuine interest and dedication to assisting me that Davis did.  Ultimately, my decision became evident: I favored Medical Solutions for its comprehensive benefits package, coupled with the invaluable support and personalized care Davis extended, setting him apart from recruiters solely focused on transactional business interactions.  This choice aligned more closely with the type of recruiter relationship I sought, one driven by a genuine concern for my well-being rather than mere transactional objectives. If you’re interested in potentially working with Davis as your recruiter as well, you can text or call him at 904-694-4134. Tell him I sent you ;).

As my experience in the world of travel nursing has grown, my need for personal support has diminished; however, I still highly value and prioritize maintaining a close and supportive relationship with my recruiter.  In pursuit of this balance, I have chosen to work with two distinct agencies, alternating between them based on my needs at the time and location: Medical Solutions and Hudson Staffing.

I began working with Hudson Staffing when Medical Solutions was not able to accommodate my desired assignment location.  Hudson Staffing, as a smaller agency, offers a more personalized experienced, akin to the exceptional service I received from Davis.  When you reach out to Hudson, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with one of three remarkable individuals, each of whom brings their unique strengths to the table.  Notably, Hudson Staffing is distinguished by its ownership and operation by registered nurses (RNs), with every member of the team having firsthand experience as a travel nurse.   This shared background enhances their ability to empathize with and cater to the unique needs of fellow traveling healthcare professionals.

The primary distinguishing factor between these two companies lies in their employment structures – Medical Solutions operates as a W2 company, whereas Hudson Staffing functions as a 1099 entity.  This fundamental difference has significant implications for taxation and benefits.  Medical Solutions, being a W2 employer, deducts taxes from your paycheck and reports them annually to the IRS.  In return, you gain access to an array of benefits, including medical and dental insurance, along with a 401K plan.  Additionally, W2 employment offers stipends for housing and per diem expenses.  In contrast, 1099 employment with Hudson Staffing provides a higher hourly wage but lacks the tax deductions and benefits offered by W2 employment.  Under the 1099 structure, you are responsible for managing your own taxes, which includes the full 12.4% Social Security tax, as opposed to the 6.2% you contribute under W2 employment.  An essential advantage of 1099 employment, particularly for those planning to work extensive overtime, is the potential for a significantly higher hourly wage, possibly outweighing the benefits of lower stipend W2 arrangements.

Here are some tips to help you make an informed choice.

1. Research multiple agencies: Start by researching and identifying several reputable travel nursing agencies.  You can find these agencies through online searches, recommendations from fellow travel nurses, or nursing forums.  Facebook also has loads of groups devoted specifically to travel nursing.  These are great sources of information, but you have to be able to sift through the posts and identify which are worthwhile.
2. Evaluate Agency Specialties: Some agencies specialize in certain nursing specialties or locations.  Consider your nursing specialty and preferred destinations when choosing an agency.
3. Assess pay and benefits: Compare the pay packages, benefits, and perks offered by different agencies. This includes hourly rates, stipends, loyalty and referral bonuses, housing arrangements, health insurance, and retirement contribution options.  For many agencies, this information is readily available online; for others, you may need to speak with someone to get the info.
4. Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask recruiters questions about their agency, the facilities they work with, and the specific assignments available.  Inquire about the agency’s track record in placing nurses in your desired locations.
5. Consider Traveler Reviews: Look for online reviews and testimonials from other travel nurses who have worked with the agency.  This can give you a sense of their reputation.  However, remember that each individual’s experience is different, and as long as the majority of the reviews are positive, you are more likely to have a positive experience as well.
6. Evaluate communication: Pay attention to how responsive and supportive the recruiter is during your initial interactions.  Good communication and a strong working relationship with your recruiter are essential whether you want the close connection to your recruiter that I value or not.
7. Trust your gut: Ultimately, choose an agency and recruiter that you feel comfortable with and trust.  Your recruiter will play a significant role in your travel nursing journey, so having a good rapport is important.

Remember that travel nursing is a personal experience, and what works best for one nurse may not be the same for another.  Take your time, do thorough research, and trust your instincts when selecting a travel nursing recruiter and agency that aligns with your career goals and preferences.