If you’re running a healthcare facility, you know how important it is to have the right staff in place. Maybe you are in need of highly skilled temporary staff? Travel healthcare staffing agencies are the bridge between these goals. They connect passionate professionals with rewarding assignments and ensure facilities remain fully staffed during peak demands.
But finding the right agency isn’t always easy. With so many options, you might wonder which agency offers the best benefits, most flexibility, and reliable support. Don’t worry—you’re not alone in this journey!
Here’s a simple guide to help travel managers find the best healthcare staffing agency for your needs.
Steps to Finding the Best Travel Healthcare Staffing Agencies
1. Understand Your Needs
Before diving into your search, take a moment to identify what your facility needs. This step ensures you’re clear on your priorities and can communicate them effectively to potential agencies.
What roles do you need to fill?
Determine if you’re looking for specific positions like registered nurses, radiology technicians, or physical therapists. Identifying these roles will help you target agencies that specialize in those areas.
How long will you need temporary staff?
Consider the duration of your staffing requirements. Are you covering a short-term leave, addressing seasonal patient influxes, or managing long-term vacancies?
What qualifications are essential?
Ensure you know the certifications, skills, and experience levels required for each role. For instance, if you need ICU nurses, they should have critical care experience and relevant certifications like ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support).
2. Look for Agencies With Experience in Your Specialty
Not all travel healthcare staffing agencies are the same. Their expertise can vary based on the types of professionals they place. Choosing an agency with experience in your specific area ensures they understand the nuances of your travel healthcare staffing needs.
For example, if you manage a neonatal unit, partnering with an agency specializing in neonatal nurses ensures that candidates are well-prepared for the unique challenges of the role. Similarly, for allied health professionals like occupational or speech therapists, look for agencies that have a strong track record in allied health staffing.
3. Check Their Screening and Credentialing Process
The quality of temporary staff depends heavily on the agency’s screening process. A thorough process ensures you’re hiring professionals who meet your standards and comply with industry regulations.
How does the agency verify credentials?
Travel managers that the agency verifies licenses, certifications, and previous employment history.
Do they conduct background checks?
Ensure that criminal background checks and drug screenings are part of their process.
Are licenses and certifications kept up to date?
Ask how often the agency re-verifies this information for their workers.
Is there ongoing training or skill development?
Some agencies provide continuing education or skill enhancement programs, which can be a valuable indicator of quality.
4. Assess Their Network of Professionals
The size and diversity of an agency’s candidate pool can directly impact their ability to meet your needs. A larger network increases the chances of finding a perfect match quickly.
- The size of their candidate database: Larger databases mean more options to choose from.
- The diversity of their healthcare professionals: Ensure they cover multiple specialties and sub-specialties to match your facility’s requirements.
- Their ability to fill urgent or last-minute openings: Ask about their track record for quick placements, especially in emergencies.
5. Consider Their Customer Support
Strong customer support can make your experience with a staffing agency significantly smoother. Responsive and reliable support ensures travel managers get help when you need it most.
- Offer 24/7 assistance: Emergencies don’t follow a schedule, and neither should customer support.
- Dedicated account managers: Having a single point of contact simplifies communication and ensures consistency.
- Clear communication: Agencies that keep you informed throughout the process build trust and reduce stress.
6. Evaluate Their Placement Speed
Time is of the essence when filling travel healthcare staffing gaps. An agency’s ability to provide qualified candidates quickly can minimize disruptions to your operations.
- How quickly can they fill roles? Ask for specific metrics or average placement times.
- Do they have professionals ready to deploy? Some agencies maintain a pool of pre-screened candidates who can start immediately.
- What’s their process for urgent placements? Understanding how they handle last-minute needs will give you confidence in their reliability.
7. Review Their Compliance and Legal Practices
Travel healthcare staffing is regulated, and working with an agency that prioritizes compliance ensures your facility stays protected.
- Adherence to labor laws: The agency should comply with state and federal labor regulations.
- Joint Commission standards: If your facility follows Joint Commission standards, confirm that the agency’s processes align with these requirements.
- Licensing requirements: Ensure they’re up-to-date with role-specific licensing regulations for each state.
8. Compare Costs and Contracts
While cost is an important factor, it’s equally crucial to understand the value you’re getting. Transparent contracts and pricing structures prevent unpleasant surprises for travel managers.
- What’s included in their fees? Ask if travel, housing, and worker benefits are covered in their rates.
- Cancellation policies: Understand any penalties for canceling or modifying contracts.
- Competitive pricing: Compare rates across multiple agencies, but prioritize quality and service over low costs.
9. Read Reviews and Ask for References
Hearing from other clients can provide valuable insights into an agency’s reliability and performance.
- Online reviews: Look for feedback on websites like Glassdoor, Google Reviews, or the agency’s own site.
- Client references: Request contact information for facilities similar to yours and ask about their experiences.
- Recurring feedback: Pay attention to common themes in reviews, both positive and negative.
10. Look for Value-Added Services
Some travel healthcare staffing agencies go beyond simply filling positions. Value-added services can make your partnership even more beneficial.
- Workforce planning: Agencies that help forecast your staffing needs can prevent future shortages.
- Onboarding support: Assistance with training and orientation ensures new hires hit the ground running.
- Retention programs: Programs designed to keep temporary staff engaged can improve consistency and reduce turnover.
11. Check for a Trial Period
Trial periods allow you to test the agency’s services without committing to a long-term contract. This is a great way to minimize risk while evaluating their performance.
- Evaluate worker quality: Assess whether the professionals meet your standards.
- Test responsiveness: See how well the agency handles your questions and concerns.
- Assess overall fit: Determine if the agency aligns with your facility’s values and needs.
12. Stay Open to Feedback
Once you start working with an agency, encourage feedback from your team and the temporary staff. This helps refine the relationship and improve future experiences.
- Internal feedback: Ask your team about their experience working with agency-provided staff.
- Agency communication: Share any concerns or suggestions with the agency for continuous improvement.
- Staff insights: Temporary workers often provide valuable perspectives on your facility’s processes.
Use These Steps to Find the Agency You Need
Finding the right travel healthcare staffing agency doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding your needs, evaluating agencies thoroughly, and focusing on quality and support, you can build a reliable partnership that keeps your facility running smoothly.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to fill positions—it’s to bring in skilled professionals who deliver excellent patient care. With the right agency by your side, you’ll have the staffing solutions you need, when you need them.
Start exploring your options today and find an agency that’s committed to helping your facility thrive!