Productivity Hacks from Premier Recruiters

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Emily Burton

In order to be a successful recruiter, time management is a must-have skill. Many of us struggle with productivity in our daily lives, so I asked our Premier staff what their secrets are when it comes to living and working efficiently. I don’t know about you, but I’ll definitely be implementing some of these productivity hacks to tackle my personal goals!

Lists are Friends, Not Foes

Keeping an organized to-do list is one of the easiest productivity hacks that will help you prioritize your tasks and get them done on time. Premier VP of Operations, Cherise, says, “I plan for my next day, every day. I make ‘to do’ lists for the week and weekend to keep me motivated to spend more time doing hobbies and staying active.” Recruiter Allie adds, “I start my day with the things I NEED to complete and then prioritize my to-dos based on most important tasks, and when it’s a busy day, I’ll reward myself with a break.” If you’re like me and procrastinate that one task or chore that I really don’t want to do, Director of Recruitment, Russ, has some sage advice: “There was a book I read years ago, Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy. It talked about not putting off the big task that you’re dreading doing (such as eating a yucky frog) as it will suck up so much of your energy. It also creates so much anxiety and it’s best to knock that big thing off the task list so you’re that much better at all the other tasks you need to do.”

Keep an Updated Calendar

In addition to keeping a detailed and prioritized to-do list, one of the most popular productivity hacks with our recruiters is keeping an updated calendar. Putting tasks on scheduled deadlines in your calendar will help you maximize your time each day. Recruiter Leigh notes, “I try to update my calendar and keep track of it. I will look at it a week ahead of time and schedule time on Monday mornings to regroup on what to focus on this week.” Recruiter Sarah adds, “if I do not complete a task I have on my calendar, I mark it in bright red, so I know I need to complete it ASAP. I use my calendar like a to-do list!” Putting goals on a workable timeline in your calendar will significantly boost your chances of achieving them. “For personal goals, I try to again break larger goals down into weekly/daily chunks,” says Recruiter Tara. “I will set a 12-week goal and create verb action items I plan to do to accomplish them, and the amount of time needed each day to be successful.”

Multitasking is a Myth

It’s super important to understand that productivity does not mean doing everything at once. In fact, you can be more productive by doing one thing at a time. Director of Recruitment, Russ, advises, “Be present in the moment. Multitasking is a myth. It is always better to focus on one thing and do it well before moving forward onto something else. Rapidly switching from task to task means that nothing ever gets the true commitment needed to make it awesome!” Staggering your tasks so that you are spending adequate time on each thing is one of the most underrated productivity hacks. On a different side of that same coin, making sure you are not spending too much time on one task is important as well. Recruiter Sarah uses a timer system to help her stay on track: “If there is something I need to get done right now, I will set a 15-minute or 30-minute timer to focus just on that task. I do not answer emails or messages during that time and do not take calls because I need to prioritize that task.”

Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself

The key to being a productive person is to make sure your personal needs are met throughout the day. This means keeping your mental and physical health in check by taking intermittent breaks. Recruiter Mia says, “I use different kinds of fidget toys to help when my mind needs a break. I learned to solve a Rubik’s cube, so I solve that once or twice and feel accomplished from that to then start back up on the day.” Make sure to budget time in your day for self-care and physical activity. Mia’s strategy is: “Flexing my work hours to be able to go to the gym while it isn’t busy, to get some energy!”

A busy day full of tasks can also quickly lead to exhaustion. Don’t ignore your body when it needs a little rest. Compliance Specialist Samantha is a big proponent of the “power nap.” She says: “In college, I was able to master a 15-minute power nap! Whenever I’m dog-tired and can feel my eyes getting heavy but have way too much to do, I set a timer on my phone for 15 minutes and take a nap on the couch. It’s just long enough to reset my battery, and I wake up energized! Sometimes I need a little bit longer, so I set it for another 15 minutes, but napping in 15-minute intervals is super good for you!” You may think that taking breaks and napping are counterproductive, but in fact, breaks are proven to increase focus and performance, as well as relieve stress.

Make Your Environment Reflect Your Daily Goals

Your surroundings can have a big effect on your productivity. If your space is cluttered, noisy, or stressful, it’s going to make accomplishing tasks a lot harder. Recruiter Allie emphasizes this by saying: “I am all about the mindset as well as how my environment is. I make sure my office space is clean and distraction free, chill music and dogs by my feet.” Make sure you are in a good headspace and are feeling comfortable before diving into your work or tasks. Recruiter Lauren H. says, “some of my at-home favorites are a soft blanket – good music in the AirPods, a cup of coffee, and water bottle next to the desk as well! Sunshining and ready to grind!”

Ready to get connected with one of our amazing recruiters? Fill out the form below!

How to Beat First Day Anxiety at a New Travel Nursing Job

Posted on September 8, 2023 by Emily Burton

Whether you are new to travel nursing or a seasoned contract warrior, it is extremely normal to be nervous about your first day on the job at a new facility. There are new co-workers to get acquainted with, new routines to adjust to, and a new set of patients to care for. When you’re feeling overwhelmed with everything that’s unfamiliar, just remember, you were hired for this travel nursing job because you are a qualified and skilled nurse. (Plus, if you work for Premier, your recruiter has your back.)

Follow these tips to help you overcome first-day jitters and have the best possible start to each new travel nursing job.

Tips for the Week Before

The week before every new travel nursing job, you and your recruiter should chat about the necessary details to prepare you for day one at the new role. These will include what time to arrive, where to park, where to sign in, who you will report to, and include a basic overview of the facility.

If you’re feeling a little nervous about arriving on time, do a trial run of your commute the week before you start so you know exactly what to expect on your first day. Take the time to drive the route during your normal commuting time, or get familiar with the local public transportation, so you can have a sense the amount of time it will take you to get to work to ensure you will be punctual when your actual start date comes around.

First Day Fit Check

Be sure that you know about the job’s uniform requirements before you start. If you need to purchase a new color of scrubs to match the rest of your unit, make sure you do so at least a few weeks beforehand so you can have them ready to go for your first day. When starting a new travel nursing job, it is important to have a working badge holder and a reliable pair of nursing shoes ready to go as well. The night before your first day, pack your lunch, lay out your clothing, and set out your first-day paperwork. This way, you won’t be rushed trying to get everything together when you’re heading out the door!

Make Self Care a Priority

When dealing with anxiety ahead of a new travel nursing job, a few self-care exercises can go a long way in easing the nerves. Take some time to name your specific fears: knowing what is actually making you nervous will empower you to tackle those first-day jitters head-on. For example: maybe you’re nervous about meeting your new supervisor and coworkers, or maybe you’re worried about the volume of patients at your new facility. Knowing exactly what is troubling you before your new contract will help you create specific action steps to confront those fears and ease your mind. In addition, do what you can to get adequate sleep before your first day on the job. Wake up in time to eat a healthy meal and have time for meditation, yoga, or another practice that will help you get centered before you start the day.

Be Ready to Learn & Ask Questions

At any new travel nursing job, your first week will mainly consist of new hire orientation and getting familiar with the new facility and its daily operations. Being open-minded and ready to learn will help you gain confidence in your new role. During these initial days on the job, you will complete paperwork, get your new badge, and be shown around your unit. Be intentional about soaking in all the information like a sponge, and if you feel the need to take notes, don’t be afraid to do so. While it is likely that you have experienced different ways of doing things in your previous positions, your first day on the job is not the time to critique this hospital’s systems, but to learn how to be an effective team member in this new environment.

One of the most common mistakes travelers make during their first week is feeling like they can’t ask questions. New hire orientation is the perfect time to get all your burning questions answered, so don’t hold back! Whether it’s your recruiter, nurse manager, or orienting nurse, you should ask any and all questions you have about your new role so you can move through onboarding with confidence.

Confidence is the Name of the Game

No matter what your nerves are telling you, remember that you know how to be a good clinician. Take the time to think about specific skills you are confident in and how you landed this contract in the first place. And most of all, come back to work the second day with a smile on your face. The best is yet to come!

Ready to dive into your next travel nursing assignment? Fill out the form below!

What Recruiters Wish You Knew About Applying for Contract Nursing Jobs

Posted on August 27, 2023 by Emily Burton

Applying for contract nursing jobs can sometimes be a challenge to those who have never been through the process before. Working with a recruiter is key to landing your ideal travel nursing assignment, but there are certain things you can do to make their jobs easier. Here are some things our Premier recruiters wish you knew about applying for contract nursing jobs.

The Importance of Being Prepared

This may go without saying, but coming to your recruiter properly prepared will help fast-track your application. “Clinicians that have all of their docs and certs ready to go often get submitted faster,” says Premier recruiter Cailey. “My suggestion is to save your updated resume, skills checklist, BLS/certs, vaccine information, and any other important items in a folder so you can be ready to send them to your recruiter. We need these items up front in order to submit anyone.” In addition to having your ducks in a row in terms of documents, make sure you have already contacted your references and confirmed that they are ready to provide you with a good recommendation as soon as your recruiter gives them a call. Recruiter Nicole suggests, “have 2-3 supervisors handy for references.”

The Process Goes Very Quickly

Most applicants for contract nursing positions have no idea how fast the process goes. Premier recruiter Sarah M. notes, “the timeline is very quick! The clinician should know that the jobs open and close in a matter of hours in some cases and that time is of the essence.” Applying for contract nursing jobs is not the same as the application process for most other roles. In fact, there is a higher sense of urgency to fill contracts. “I wish more applicants knew more about urgency and how important it is to get things done in a timely manner,” says recruiter Lauren K.

To keep up with the pace of jobs opening and closing, it is important to work with one recruiter instead of juggling multiple agencies and contacts. Recruiter Tara suggests, “work exclusively with your recruiter. All recruiters have access to the same jobs, and if you only work with your Premier recruiter, you will not have to worry about being double-applied to the same job and rejected. You only have to complete paperwork once, and it gives you both the confidence to submit to new openings as soon as they are posted.”

Competition is High

Applying for contract nursing jobs is often stressful due to the enormous competition in the field, especially at the current moment. “Applicants should know the competition is high and that some hospitals only accept a small number of applicants per job,” says Sarah M. Nicole adds, “by the time jobs are posted, recruiting firms already have a pool of candidates waiting to submit; 80% of jobs are filled within minutes of the opening.” Keeping in mind that piece of information, it is crucial to make sure that your resume stands out and is completely up to date. For tips on how to update your travel nurse resume ahead of your next application, check out our blog post here.

Travel Job Boards are Not Always Reliable Sources of Information

Travel nurse job boards…we love them, but they are not reliably fact-checked. To gain the most accurate information about rates and job details, it is best to rely on your recruiter. Premier recruiter Hannah puts it this way: “See your dream job on Vivian? Cool! Vivian is a great tool, but it is a tool – the information on there is gathered from our internal system. Please do not get mad at your recruiter that the pay you saw on Vivian is different than what they quoted you (it is all based on a formula and cannot take into account the nuisances of fees, etc. that vary from facility to facility) And sometimes there are errors – i.e. it might say the wrong specialty or not say that it’s a Charge RN position, etc.”

Rates are Always Subject to Change

One of the biggest complaints about applying for contact nursing jobs is that pay rates are not always standard across the board, and they do change quite a bit. Recruiter Jessie notes, “not all rates listed on job boards are universal. There are contingent factors which include: Are you considered local to the facility? Does that rate include the stipend amounts, and if so, do you qualify for stipends? Does that rate include overtime pay?” Rates also fluctuate depending on what is going on in the market at any given time. Lauren K. explains, “I wish applicants knew more about the changing market and what realistic rates look like now that COVID is over.” During the pandemic, crisis nursing rates were higher due to demand, but now that the COVID cases have fallen, contract nursing pay rates have reflected that.

We Actually Appreciate Your Questions

Asking questions is a crucial part of communicating with your recruiter, especially if you are new to the contract nursing process. “Interview the recruiter just as much as they interview you,” suggests Nicole, “this way you can give them parameters on jobs to apply for and get submitted within minutes of jobs opening once you have a completed profile established.” Getting to know more about your recruiter and their role is key to being successful in applying for contract nursing jobs.

Your Recruiter is Doing Their Best to Find You a Job! (Please be patient and kind.)

It is easy to get frustrated during the application process, but please remember that there is so much going on behind the scenes of getting you your dream contract, and those things tend to take some time. “There are often a lot of ‘middle people’ involved in the process,” explains Cailey, “the clinician communicates with the recruiter who communicates with the client manager who communicates with the client who communicates with the facility, and so on. Try not to get discouraged if it’s taking a while to get answers – there are a lot of people working behind the scenes to help you out! At Premier, there are many people advocating for you throughout the entire process – your recruiter, the client manager, the compliance team, marketing, and more!” Further, it is not fair to direct your irritation about the process at your recruiter. Hannah urges, “recruiters are humans – be kind.”

Ready to get connected with a Premier recruiter? Fill out the form below!

How to Maintain Professional Boundaries in Nursing

Posted on August 15, 2023 by Emily Burton

It’s no secret that the nurse-patient dynamic is a unique one. Part of being a great nurse is having the ability to demonstrate empathy and compassion with patients without crossing the line of professionalism. To provide the best care, clinicians must protect the caregiver-to-patient relationship by establishing and maintaining strong professional boundaries in nursing. Here is a quick guide of these boundaries and how to respect them while interacting with patients.

Why Have Professional Boundaries in Nursing?

Professional boundaries in nursing exist in nursing for the safety of patients. While building rapport with a patient, it is very important to keep professional boundaries in mind so that both parties feel comfortable within the caregiver-patient dynamic. Healthcare workers are required to perform their duties according to the best interest of the patient at all times, and since patients meet nurses while they are in extremely vulnerable states, boundaries exist to protect them. To ensure patients’ safety, nurses are responsible for creating and upholding these professional boundaries during every encounter.

What are Professional Boundaries in Nursing?

According to the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCSBN), “Professional boundaries are the spaces between the nurse’s power and the patient’s vulnerability.” When nurses cross professional boundaries — whether intentional or unintentional — it puts the nurses’ needs above those of the patient. Examples of crossing professional boundaries in nursing may include:

Sharing personal or intimate information.
Flirting or inappropriate touching.
Keeping secrets with or for patients.
Acting as if you are the only one who can care for or understand the patient, positioning yourself as the “super nurse.”
Showing favoritism by spending more time with a patient than necessary, taking sides in disagreements among family members, or performing personal favors outside of your scope of work.
Complaining, joking, or speaking negatively about your employer or colleagues to patients or family.
Meeting with patients outside of work in areas where direct patient care is not being offered.
Posting about a patient encounter on social media.
Partaking in an act of omission or commission, which refers to any instance where the nurse fails to act in a manner that benefits the patient or threatens their well-being.

Violating Professional Boundaries in Nursing

Crossing the lines of professional boundaries can create severe consequences for the patient. A patient’s outlook on their care team can change dramatically after professional boundaries are crossed. Whether the boundary crossed was physical, mental, or emotional, a patient’s care and progress can be inhibited by the actions of their nurse. They may start to view their nurse as someone beyond the scope of the nurse’s duties, such as a therapist, confidante, friend, or even lover. While many nurses have big hearts, the sentimental bonds formed with patients should not extend beyond the purview of the healthcare facility. Inappropriate patient relationships can alter the patient’s view on sentimental bonds, emotional distances, moral obligations, or personal responsibilities. These altered expectations, which are not authentic and cannot be sustained, typically result in both mental and physical stress for the patient and can interfere with their current health condition.

In addition, inappropriate nurse-patient interactions can cause potential lasting trauma to the patient. When a vulnerable patient is subjected to unlawful actions by nurses including: inappropriate touch, battery, or HIPAA violations, it can cause or exacerbate medical trauma. Medical trauma is defined as a “set of psychological and physiological responses to pain, injury, serious illness, medical procedures and frightening treatment experiences.” Many patients who experience medical trauma avoid hospitals or resist receiving care due to their past negative experiences.

The consequences of crossing professional boundaries are also serious for nurses. According to the NCSBN, “Crossing professional boundaries and violating the nurse practice act can be the cause of professional discipline and termination of employment.” Further, more severe violations of crossing professional boundaries can result in loss of licensure, criminal charges, fines, and even jail time. The repercussions for violating professional boundaries can also go beyond professional chastisement and lead to nurse burnout and turnover, compassion fatigue, and negative mental health outcomes.

How to Uphold Professional Boundaries in Nursing

To keep professional boundaries securely intact, consider the following:

Treat all patients with dignity and respect and consistently put their needs first.
Dress, speak, and behave in a professional manner to reinforce that the nursing profession consists of specialized knowledge that is carried out within a specific scope of practice.
Keep all patient and family information confidential, speaking to colleagues about patients only when necessary and seeking patient information on a “need to know” basis. Additionally, steer clear from sharing even veiled references of patients or clinical care on social media.
Nurses who work with less supervision should take extra precautions to maintain professional boundaries, stepping back and evaluating personal behaviors more often if necessary.

Professional boundaries are supported by the values, principles, and standards of the codes of ethics for nurses. Examples of the national codes of ethics for nurses come from the American Nurses Association (ANA). Reviewing these codes can help you gain more clarity around your professional position and help you in maintaining professional boundaries in nursing.

How to Choose Your Next Travel Nursing Destination

Posted on July 27, 2023 by Emily Burton

Whether you’ve been traveling for years or are about to take your first assignment, choosing a travel nursing destination is always a tough decision. There are many factors to consider when selecting a location to not only work, but live in, for a travel nurse contract. Before you make your big move, here are the top four items to think about when choosing your next travel nursing destination.

Determine the Factors that Matter Most to You

While some travel nurses may be motivated solely by location, others might be more focused on the pay, benefits, or a certain facility. It is important that you know what factors matter the most to you before you choose your travel nursing destination. Some travel nurses place lots of value on ease of commute, cost of living, or safety of the location. Some travel nurses like to choose locations close to family and friends. Once you know the top factors that could influence your decision, you can start working with your recruiter to find placements that best match your needs.

Find Out What Places You are Drawn To

Take some time to envision your ideal travel nursing destination. Are you in a big, bustling city? Are you near a body of water? Are you in the mountains? The environment that surrounds you can have a big impact on your experience as a travel nurse, which is why writing down geographic areas that appeal to you can help you narrow down your next travel nursing destination. You should also take into consideration aspects of certain locations that don’t appeal to you. Does the idea of living in the suburbs make you cringe? Do you absolutely hate hot weather? Thinking about potential dealbreakers for a travel nursing destination can be equally helpful as thinking about what you do want from your next assignment location.

Consider Your Housing Options

Housing can be another major factor in determining your next travel nursing destination. Travel nurse housing options include: extended-stay hotels, short-term condo or apartment rentals, home rentals, or even RVs. Make sure you have an idea of what housing situations you would prefer so you and your recruiter can make an informed decision together. You will also want to consider where you want to live in relation to where you will be working. For example, if you would like to use public transportation for your commute, you may want to choose housing close to bus or train stops.

Look at Compensation and Benefits

To many RNs, compensation is often a big factor they consider when choosing their next travel nursing destination. Between salary and other benefits, you want to make sure that you are making enough money to make the experience worth it for you. Think honestly about your lifestyle and spending habits in relation to the cost of living in each location you are considering. For example, a travel nurse on assignment in New York City will spend more money on daily needs than one in the rural Midwest. You should also look at any benefits that are offered by your staffing agency and facility. Are you going to make more when you work overtime? Do you get any extra time off? What are your medical and dental insurance plan options? All of these things are benefits that don’t always translate into money but might draw you to taking one position over another.

Ready to take on your next travel nursing assignment? Apply today with Premier!

Premier is a Future 50 Company

Posted on July 18, 2023 by Emily Burton

Premier Medical Staffing Services, LLC has been named a 2023 Future 50 company by BizTimes Media, in partnership with the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC). The Future 50 program recognizes the fastest-growing privately-owned companies in the Milwaukee region. The honored companies have been in business for at least three years and have demonstrated significant revenue and employment growth. Those with the highest levels of growth in recent years are the ones that make the list.

“Premier is honored to be a Future 50 awardee. We are proud to offer medical professionals the opportunity to gain diverse experiences to better their careers,” says owner Mark Hanoski. “We are a team of passionate professionals that work, learn, and celebrate together. We strive every day to make a positive difference in those we serve.”

The Premier team is thrilled to be recognized for the organization’s continuous growth and is motivated to continue on an upward trajectory in the years to come.

The Future 50 companies will be honored at an awards luncheon on Friday, Sept. 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee. The luncheon will be hosted by BizTimes Media. To register to attend, visit www.biztimes.com/future50.

Switching Specialties in Nursing

Posted on July 14, 2023 by Emily Burton

One great thing about a career in nursing is that you do not have to be stuck in the same role. Many RNs with long careers in nursing have changed their specialties at least once. Switching specialties in nursing sounds complicated and depending on the type of change you plan on making, it might not be simple. However, the important part of your journey is that you are able to move to a position where you feel the most fulfilled. If you’re feeling ready for a change, look no further. Here is our comprehensive guide to switching specialties in nursing.

How to Know You Should Switch Specialties

It can be difficult to know when to change your specialty. Some reasons you might be unhappy with your current position may have nothing to do with the specialty and everything to do with the facility or company culture where you currently work. Therefore, it is important to think long and hard about your motivation to switch specialties. Ask yourself whether you are unhappy due to scheduling, colleagues, work climate, or other issues. If your dissatisfaction has nothing to do with patients and the type of care you provide, you might not want to switch specialties, but rather consider a career change.

Here are a few common reasons RNs cite for switching specialties in nursing:

No Longer Feeling Challenged

If you have been in the field for a while and you do not feel like you are being challenged, you may want to explore a different specialty. Switching specialties in nursing gives you the opportunity to educate yourself in a new area, take on new responsibilities, and care for a different pool of patients. A change in specialty may be just what you need to stay satisfied in your nursing career.

Work Feels Monotonous

If you’re happy with your current role, each day should bring you excitement on some level. If you are feeling bored, uninterested, or like every day is the same, switching your specialty may be something you should consider. A new work environment could bring you a renewed passion for the patients you serve and the job you do.

Dreading Going to Work

Anyone who dreads going into work should consider a career change on some level. If you have already ruled out that the staff or organization are not the source of your unhappiness, you might consider a specialty change. Some specialties are just not a good fit for every nurse, and that is totally ok! In addition, working with the same types of trauma or cases over an extended period of time can take its toll, which is why switching specialties is a good option for nurses feeling burnt out in their role.

Tips for Switching Specialties in Nursing

Any career-related transition can seem daunting. If you’ve been in your specialty for a long time, it might be difficult to think about moving to a completely new field. Here are some tips to help you transition smoothly and to make sure that you choose the best fit for your new career path.

Network

Networking with other nurses in your new specialty can be exceptionally helpful. They can give you information on the type of work they do, what they like about their position, and some of the things they find challenging. Networking is a great way to find new positions, but it can also be a great way to build a professional support system.

Research Specialty Options & Find a Good Match

Research is key before switching specialties in nursing. Depending on what specialties interest you, you may need to read up on what your new responsibilities will be, what kind of specialized knowledge is required, and what additional training you will need to complete. Thorough research will help you prepare before taking the leap into a new career trajectory.

When transitioning from one specialty to another, you want to look for a good match for your passions, lifestyle, and schedule. These are all things to consider when you are switching specialties in nursing. Once you have your top specialties narrowed down, you will want to make sure that the available facilities are right for your needs as well.

Additional Education

Medicine is an ever-evolving field, which is why continued education is very important for nurses, especially those who are in a new specialty. Additional education and training can help you pivot seamlessly to a dream role or help you prepare for a specialty change. Consider researching advanced nursing education as a way to explore possible future positions.

Ready to start your next nursing role? Apply with Premier!

Joint Commission Recertification 2023

Posted on July 11, 2023 by Emily Burton

We are proud to announce that Premier has once again earned the recertification of The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Health Care Staffing Services in May of 2023. This accreditation demonstrates Premier’s continued commitment to employing qualified healthcare professionals in the field.

Joint Commission experts evaluated Premier’s compliance with national standards that assess how healthcare staffing firms determine the competency of clinicians, placement of staff, and how they monitor performance. We are proud to have earned a perfect score, like we have each time the on-site audit takes place. “Our continued accreditation is something we can be proud of, as it speaks to our core values as a company and to our teamwork,” says Interim Compliance Lead, Tim Schulz.

Thank you for your dedication, Joint Commission, and congratulations to the Premier Team!

Tips for Communicating with a Travel Nurse Recruiter

Posted on June 29, 2023 by Emily Burton

Whether you are new to the contract nursing world or a veteran travel RN, communicating with recruiters is an inevitable part of the journey. Sometimes, it can seem tricky to keep in touch with a recruiter while working tough shifts as a nurse, but it doesn’t have to be a barrier between you and your dream contract. We asked our Premier team, and they delivered some top tips for communicating with a travel nurse recruiter.

Employ Smart and Effective Communication Strategies That Work for Both Parties

When communicating with a travel nurse recruiter, it is important to establish your contact preferences right off the bat. It’s super important that you and your recruiter are on the same page when it comes to getting in touch with one another. Recruiter Brianna advises, “let the recruiter know how you like to be communicated with, if you prefer texts or calls, tell them. We want to know the fastest way to get a hold of you.” Recruiter Lauren P. adds, “give a heads up on the current shift you’re working so we know when to expect to hear back from you and we can respect your sleep schedule.” Getting things done quickly is a top priority for recruiters at staffing agencies– they want to get you employed as soon as possible! Keep your phone handy when you’re in contact with your recruiter, and don’t leave them hanging. “Respond promptly – I try to get back to my clinicians as soon as I can and appreciate prompt communication in return,” says recruiter Hannah, “it makes it so much easier on my end – having to continuously follow up takes a lot of time away from other tasks, like searching for their next great position!” Another pro tip comes from recruiter Cailey: “Save our number – we know you get bombarded by many recruiters. Help us both by saving our name and number so you can easily pick out our messages.”

Be Upfront & Transparent

Another top tip for communicating with a travel nurse recruiter is to not leave them in the dark about your goals and preferences for your assignment. Director of Recruitment, Russ, says, “in any partnership it’s important to be straightforward. Don’t assume that your recruiter knows what you want in your next role, whether it is location, setting, shift or hours. Be direct so that wrong assumptions are avoided.” Honesty is the best policy when working with a travel nurse recruiter. Brianna advises, “be honest if you’re working with other recruiters or already submitted places. We know it’s not personal and you’re looking for the best position, we just want to be kept in the loop.” When in doubt, overcommunicate. “We need to understand your wants and needs! We can’t read minds,” says recruiter Cailey.

Ask All the Questions

There is no such thing as asking too many questions when it comes to communicating with a travel nurse recruiter! “Ask what regions are the focus/most successful for their company so you know what jobs you would be seeing the most from that recruiter specifically,” advises recruiter Nicole. It is also a great idea to ask your recruiter about trends in rates and job availability, so you know what to expect going into the process, especially if it is your first time using a staffing agency. Personal attention is one of the top qualities of any great recruiter, so answering your questions is a priority for them. Brianna says, “if you are unsure about anything in the process or the job, let us know. Our job is to make sure you are fully prepared to take the offer and that it’s a good fit.”

Be Understanding

In order for your relationship with your recruiter to be the most successful, it is important to be understanding, open-minded, and patient. Director of Recruitment, Russ, says:

“The market is always changing- be it pay rates, volume of openings, hard-to-fill openings, demanding clients, etc. They are people too and they want understanding from those that they partner with to find mutual wins. This includes both the clients/facilities they work with but also and, more importantly, their candidates. Recruiters are not job vending machines. It takes a lot of work to find, match, and onboard new staff. Be patient and understanding that we are all in it together to get the best possible care to those who need it most.”

Knowing that your recruiter cannot change the volume of job openings or pay rates, it is important to be receptive to what is going on in the market at any given moment. You and your recruiter are riding the wave together, and ultimately, you are a team- both working toward a great outcome.

Ready to start *communicating with travel nurse recruiter? Get in touch here!***

Benefits of Taking Time Off Between Travel Nursing Contracts

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Emily Burton

Nursing is an inherently stressful profession, and for travel nurses, changing scenery every 13 weeks can compound stress. Travel nursing comes with so many amazing benefits, but it is not without its challenges. Even if you’re a self-described “rolling stone” and have no trouble moving from location to location, there are mental and physical tolls that come along with constant relocation. Many nurses find themselves compartmentalizing the stress of work and moving, and it eventually weighs on them, resulting in burnout. Taking a break between assignments isn’t a sign of weakness or admission of failure. It’s an opportunity to recharge and indulge in self-care, so you can approach your next assignment fresh and ready to succeed. If you are considering taking time off between travel nursing contracts, here are some of the benefits that come along with it.

Stress Relief & Self Care

One of the many benefits of taking time off between travel nursing contracts is, unsurprisingly, stress relief. A well-deserved break when you feel like pressure is building can interrupt the cycle of stress that causes burnout. When you break this cycle of stress, you can recuperate and get yourself to a healthier place both physically and mentally. Often, nurses use time off between contracts as a way to reconnect with self-care practices and simply rest and recharge. Some ways to decompress between travel nursing contracts are:

Reading some of those books on your TBR list
Splurging on a spa day
Hiking, biking, boating, or simply reconnecting with nature
Journaling about your nursing experiences and setting career goals
Enjoying the arts: going to the museum, the theatre, or listening to live music

Travel

When taking time off between travel nursing contracts, you may consider indulging in a much-needed vacation. Whether you’ve been wanting to explore that national park on your list, go out in the big city, or relax on the beach, you can use your time off between contracts as an escape from the ordinary. Many travel nurses use budgeting strategies to save up for a vacation and use some time off between contracts to get away. This is a fantastic way to spend some time before jumping into your next assignment.

Reconnect with Family and Friends

One of the side-effects of travel nursing is being away from your circle of family and friends. When considering taking time off between travel nursing contracts, you may want to use the opportunity to spend some quality time with your loved ones.

Refocus on Goals

One of the best ways to refocus on your career and personal goals is taking time off between travel nursing contracts. Feeling like you need a mental and physical reset to outline your next move? Take a couple weeks before your next contract to focus on what you’re looking to accomplish in the next year. Chronic stress can lead to decreased creativity and memory problems, which is why a break from nursing is a great way to clear your mind and focus on what your goals are.

Indulge in Passion Projects

Do you have a personal endeavor you’ve been dying to start but work keeps getting in the way? Take a break between travel nursing contracts and start making headway on that passion project! Whether you want to start a side-hustle, master a cooking technique, plant your dream garden, or learn how to crochet, taking some time off between travel nursing contracts will afford you the time to do so.