5 Qualities of a Great Travel Nurse Recruiter
In the world of travel nursing, there are few things more important than a strong recruiter–traveler relationship. Recruiters are the guiding light of any travel journey, whether it’s your first contract or your 50th. But how do you distinguish a top-tier travel nurse recruiter from all the rest? How can you be sure you are working with someone who has your best interests at heart? As it turns out, there are several qualities that set the best recruiters apart. Here are five characteristics to look for in a travel nurse recruiter.
1. Stellar Communication Skills
You travel nurse recruiter will be your first point of contact as you start your contract nursing journey and someone you will stay in close contact with throughout your traveling career. It can be an overwhelming experience deciding what city to move to and choosing your new place of work, which is why your recruiter should always be available to answer any and all of your questions.
Travel nurses will tell you that the importance of a recruiter’s communication skills cannot be stressed enough. Katie F., an RN who traveled with Premier, noted the importance of communication with her recruiter Sarah: “Sarah spent a considerable amount of time on the phone with me answering all of questions/concerns I had prior to taking the leap into travel nursing.” Not only is it essential for your travel nurse recruiter to be in touch and communicative during the submission, interviewing, and onboarding processes, but you should also expect them to stay in touch during your contract. RN Tatonesha remarks of her Premier recruiter Rebecca, “she always follows through and stays in contact with a weekly hello or ‘how is everything going’ which lets me know that she and the company care about their clients.” Continued, long-term communication is key when working with a recruiter, as they can help you work toward your goals as a travel nurse and walk you through changing or extending your contract.
2. Honesty
A good recruiter tells it like it is. Whether you are trying to decide if a travel nursing position might work for you or dealing with a situation while you are already on assignment, you want to work with someone who will relay the facts and portray all information as accurately as possible.
But that type of honesty should be two-way street. To build a successful working relationship, you as the nurse candidate should be open in communicating your wants and needs. Recruiters are not mind readers, and it is essential that you are upfront and honest about your expectations from the very beginning.
3. Personal Attention
A travel nurse recruiter should always make you feel like a priority. Individualized attention is key to a great recruiter-nurse relationship and will put you at ease while transitioning into a new contract. “Although I’m not new to travel nursing, I consistently feel on edge when trying to decide on my next assignment,” says Premier RN Richelle, “I can always count on my recruiter Nicole to find the right fit for me. Her one-on-one personal attention makes the whole process flawless.”
4. Well-Researched
One attribute that separates good travel nurse recruiters from great ones is that they will do their homework and research a wide variety of contract opportunities that will fit your needs. “She goes the extra mile by figuring out what my true needs and wants are,” says RN Katie of her Premier recruiter Lauren H. Top-notch travel nurse recruiters will always keep your preferences in mind while also presenting you with multiple options, some you may not have considered before. A travel nurse recruiter who digs deeper to present you with the most contract options is one that definitely wants to see you succeed.
Meet Premier’s team of travel nurse recruiters here!
5. Patience
Patience truly is a virtue, and in the fast-paced world of nursing, it is more important than ever. A patient recruiter takes the time to listen, answer questions and provide reassurance. Your travel nurse recruiter should never make you feel like a burden and should always be available for your needs. A good travel nurse recruiter will never rush you through any process and will meet you where you are.
Want to travel with Premier? Get matched with one of our experienced recruiters: