Whether you’re a new or seasoned Cath, IR, EP nurse, or tech needing change, choosing the right healthcare staffing agency is a BIG deal. While there are a ton of healthcare staffing agencies to choose from, not all are created equal. Choosing the right healthcare staffing agency that understands your needs and career goals can set you on the right career path. Conversely, choosing an agency that lacks these qualities can create stress and a big headache for you as you navigate the travel staffing landscape.
At SpringBoard Healthcare our goal is to be a long-term career partner that seeks to find you career opportunities tailored to your specific goals and needs. While we would love for you to partner with us, we want you to make the right decision based on your situation. That’s why we’ve created this list of important things you should consider when selecting the right healthcare staffing agency for you.
1. Research
Before selecting a healthcare staffing agency, you’ll want to research its reputation. To do so, you should look at their social media accounts and website. You may also want to research if there are any recent news articles written about the company. Additionally, you may want to ask your fellow healthcare professional friends whether or not they’ve heard of a specific staffing agency. This will offer insight into the company so that you can decide whether or not you want to work with them. Also, check out if they are active on social media in forums like Facebook Groups and join to see what others have to say about the company.
2. Compare Benefits
The benefits offered to you by your healthcare staffing agency should be one of the first things you take a look at. Are the medical, dental, vision, and 401k benefits up to industry standards? Do they offer FREE CEs (Continuing Education Units) —as SpringBoard Healthcare does through its education program, called EP Academy—or do they offer CE reimbursement? Also, do they offer Per Diems and travel allowances? If so, you’ll want to be certain that the company you chose is compliant with all the Federal and State tax laws, especially as it relates to these expenses and allowances. Keeping you in good standing with IRS should be a given. These are just some of the many benefits you should inquire about.
3. Ask About the Recruitment Process
Many healthcare staffing agencies have a rigorous screening process and may even require a certain amount of years of experience. This is because they want to fulfill the needs of the healthcare organizations that they work on behalf of in addition to yours. Nonetheless, it’s important to know these processes and requirements in advance of beginning the onboarding process to ensure you meet all their requirements.
4. Gauge the Helpfulness of the Employees
Any good healthcare staffing agency consists of good employees and recruiters. With as much contact as you will likely have with your staffing agency – notably your recruiter – making sure that you’re working with people who “have your back” is especially important. One way to test this is to send them a short email asking about their recruiting process. If they send a friendly, prompt, and helpful response back, that’s a great sign of how they’ll be to work with on an ongoing basis.
5. Learn What Resources and Opportunities They Offer
Take a look at their company’s website. Look for details about what positions they’re hiring for, where these positions are located, and see how much experience they have hired for those positions. If they only hire for the specific position you’re looking for once a year, then they likely won’t have as many opportunities available for you. If you are seeking a niche area such as Cath, IR, and EP – which is what SpringBoard Healthcare specializes in – then the chances they will have lots of opportunities nationwide in your niche will be high.