The market is a good market. It’s not 2015-2016, but it’s also not 2008-2009. The travel healthcare industry is in a relatively flat market, 1-4% growth, and that is ok… no need to panic. The crisis and critical rates of the booming 40% growth market of 2015-2016 are gone. Are there some high paying jobs out there? Of course, but they are more limited and competitive than before.
For example, two years ago we had 40+ ICU RN jobs paying $40/hour or more in California. This year, we have four jobs paying over $40/hour. Two years ago, you may have been the only candidate submitted to three different positions and you could hold out and wait for the best offer. Today, you may be one of 10 candidates pending for one job. Again, it’s not a bad thing, just different than what we were used to in the past.
You may be asking yourself, “Well then, how do I get to be #1 of 10 submittals?” or “How do I get the highest paying job?” Below are some travel tips to help you!
1) Be as open as possible. You may have an ideal location and looking at first, second, third, and fourth choices. Know that you may need to take your fourth choice first, then second, and so on. Don’t limit yourself. There are a lot of great jobs out there!!
2) Limit your time off requests. We know you may have weddings, graduations, etc. that are mandatory and those are easy to discuss with the manager when you interview. With that said, know that you need to limit your requested time off because a simple weekend request could take you from a top three candidate to #10.
3) Be flexible. If you prefer days but will do nights, don’t turn down a night offer. Many times you can start on nights and as your contract goes you can work into a day shift.
4) Prep for your interview. Now more than ever, multiple candidates are interviewing for one open job. You need to make an impact in your interview. Sell yourself. Have a list of questions ready to discuss.
5) Build relationships built on trust, communication, and transparency. This isn’t just with your Recruiter or Account Manager. This is also for the nurses, doctors, managers, and administration you work with every day. If you take another job communicate with your agency and let them know. Get to know your co-workers and managers because they are the references that will get you your next job.
Hope this helps! Happy traveling and thank you for all you do!
Jeff West is a Regional Manager for the Nursing division of Aureus Medical Group.
I notice you addressed Nursing pretty specifically. What about the Lab Field. My understanding is that the shortage is growing as more and more baby boomers retire. Is this holding true? I’m a traveler for Aureus already, just curious about your insight.