As COVID cases continue to decrease, some travel nurse pay rates will also decline, as many nurses were receiving crisis rates over the past 24 months. As things continue to trend downward, it’s more important than ever to find a recruiter that has your back. While we recognize that pay is important, we also want to emphasize that developing a trusted relationship with an experienced healthcare recruiter can provide beneficial in multiple ways.
A great recruiter will serve as your advocate. Their job is to keep your best interest in mind, and that includes searching for contracts that align with your preferences, such as shift, location, and desired pay range (including stipends). They should be mindful of your safety and success at all times.
You need someone who is timely, patient, has excellent interpersonal skills, and demonstrates transparent communication. But with thousands of recruiters working for hundreds of travel nurse staffing firms, how do you sift through them all to find the cream of the crop? How do you know who is legitimate?
Quick tips on finding a trustworthy recruiter
- Ask about their experience in travel nurse recruiting
- Check the staffing agency’s ratings on social media or Glassdoor
- Visit a travel nursing Facebook group and search for the agency name to see what others have to say about their experience.
- Ask your recruiter for their name on social media (for example, sometimes they’ll use their first name and company name to create a username, like “Julie at LeaderStat.” Once you find them, skim their posts and see how they interact with other potential candidates. Trust us, the comment sections can be very
A legitimate recruiter will never ask for sensitive information via social media. Your social security number and driver’s license may be required to run a background check. Make sure you are sending that information through a secure application system like Relias or Checkr.
It's important to know that when you choose a recruiter, you’re also choosing to work for that particular staffing firm. And what company your name (and license) is associated with really matters. Make sure to consider the staffing firms’ reputation before agreeing to a contract. To choose a top staffing firm, be sure to ask critical questions about longevity, industry experience, and how they plan to address any after-hours concerns that may pop up before or during an assignment.
When it comes down to it, you want to find a recruiter that you trust and enjoy working with. The recruiter should take the time to understand your needs, walk through contract details with you, and find answers to your questions. You should never feel rushed or pressured into signing a contract.
A glimpse into the future
Establishing a solid relationship with your recruiter will not only help you achieve your short-term career goals of accepting a travel contract; it will also set you up for success in the future. If you show up to your assignments and provide excellent care, your recruiter will be more likely to keep you top-of-mind for future travel opportunities.
At LeaderStat, our recruiters work with you every step of the way, in an effort to find the best fit for you. Whether you’re a CNA, LPN, RN, or interim leader, our goal remains the same: to serve as your trusted partner and work alongside you to provide support while you pursue an array of interim career opportunities.
But don’t just take our word for it – check out these recent social media testimonials from our travel nurses, Alexia (LPN) and Nichol (RN)!
We also snagged a testimonial from our Travel Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Melissa!
If you’re considering a short-term contract in a hospital setting or long-term care setting, please take a moment to send us your resume to we can connect you with our experienced recruiting team: https://www.leaderstat.com/apply-now/.