I have just started talking to travel companies. Does anyone have advice on RN Network, Medsource or Onwardhealth? These are the 3 companies I have spoke with so far.
All the companies offer "top pay". It gets really confusing. I just want one I can work with.
I will be traveling with my family. SO I need one that is going to listen to my needs.
I haven't worked with any of the traveling companies you have metioned. But with personal experience I would say all traveling companies are pretty similair in benefits and whatnots that they offer. You really should look for a company that has a recruiter who wants to work with you. I've learned through experience that pay is not always the top choice for a company, really look at your recruiter. Again that's my suggestion. Currently I'm with Rn Demand and my recruiter listens and gets me what I want. So I have no complaints. Again it depends on the recruiter.
Upon visiting several websites, you will find that they ALL promise the best benefits and the best wages. The only way that you are going to find out is decide where you want to go, and then ask differenct companies what they have available in that area. Then go to homefair.com and see how it compares to your homebase.
You might also want to check out the eBook: "Choosing The Right Travel Company" at:
http://www.epsteinpublishing.com/ChoosingCompany.htmIf you are interested in working in CA, I work with a company called Emerald Health Services. They have been great and have gone out of their way to make me happy. My recruiter is Amir and he is wonderful. They only work out of CA and NV. They have good benefits and work really hard for you. Their # is **PM for number**. I've had 2 great assignments with them and as long as I stay in CA I will work for them.
It does get to be crazy though. You just have to try some and see which one is the best. I've worked for about 5 different companies in 3 years and they were all pretty good.
You have to use multiple resources . I have many on my website which includes links to other websites that have tools that are very useful. You have to ask the right questions about the assignment, housing and company benefits. Also having a responsive recruiter who listens to you and acts on your requests. They need to be organized and good communicators. So it's the Big Picture of all these pieces that need to come together on each assignment. So many people are attracted to blanket statements on how to find the best assignment or company because it is easy but that doesn't work. The truth is hidden in the details. Even then there may be problems or miscommunicaqtions on assignments and they can be smoothed out with the right recruiter and the right approach by you. It's a constant process and the more you learn the more easy Travel Nursing become.
www.TravelNurseToolbox.comI have worked with Onward healthcare and although the people were nice, there was always a problem with my paycheck and they would not call me on my home phone, so I wouldn't get the messages until late in the evening on my cell.
I was also told that they went to a certain hospital, yet when I talked to the people there they DID NOT, have a contract with them. Yet, onward continued to tell me they could get me a job there. After that I didn't really trust them anymore and went elsewhere.
I work for Cross Country and so far so good. No payroll issues, etc. My recruiter's name is Gina C. Great person.
Call Healthcare Staffing Network and speak with John or Jeff. They have the best pay I have heard of so far and they really cater to their RN's. Tell them Anna in Montana referred you. Their # is **PM for number**. Good luck!
steer clear of Health Providers Choice, the recruiter never returns your phone calls, you pay all utilities and they put you in a "nice" apartment in a "bad" neighborhood. They also house you in "corporate housing" meaning they pay so much a day and anything over and beyond is your responsibility, something I did not knw until I drove 2,000 miles to my first assignment. Many mistakes are made by this company on your behalf. You will be fine with them as long as you don't ask too many questions, then it is a whole new ballgame.
Hi
I have worked with healthcareseeker for almost 2 years. They have many assignments available,there pay rates are fantastic, they have great insurance, medical, vision, dental, life, and prescription benefits, there recruiters are great, and I have not had any problems period. There number is **PM for phone number** Ask for Christina V., she is great. Tell them Sue from South Dakota sent you. You won't be sorry.
I've worked with Premiere Healthcare Providers (PHP)since 2005 -- they facilitate overseas assignments also. I stay with them because they have integrity i.e. do not rip-off your bonus, or intentionally lie to you or omit critical information. Another reason is that everyone in the company is interconnected and communicate well.
(In the early days of Travel, many companies, often "the left hand did not know what the right hand was doing" and you could be told best-guess information, with nothing in writing -- leaving you in a fog, or with screwed-over expectation) Most Travel Companies follow a standard and are very similar in similar situations/regions. Their client-hospitals are becoming the same way, so the negotiation end of things is a shrinking prospect.
Every assignment typically has a few innocent "kinks" but nothing to get hysterical or reactionary about -- rarely are the "problems" generated by the company itself.
My advice is to form a civil (non fear-based) relationship with your company of choice. Your loyalty speaks volumes.
In choosing a company -- know that some companies are nationwide and the region and recruiter you are given can be vastly different than another regional office with the very same company. You would want:
1) Company of Integrity
2) Experienced Recruiter, and not "handed off" everytime you turn around or mid-assignment.
Disregard generalized feedback about companies.
Pay attention to feedback about regional offices.
Focus your intention/desire and develop a relationship of goodwill.
Expect and project "the best outcome."
As a novice traveler, you need to ask "what is it I need to know -- what can I expect?" And let them know you're a novice.
The thing with Travel Companies -- they are all becoming "standardized." Most of them submit to JAHCO review.
So really, in my honest opinion, it's about screening the recruiter for experience and company longevity.
All the Best,
Becky
Most companies will offer you the world, however listen to the nurses who have been with them for a while. Not just one assignment. I have found with several companies, the first assignment generally goes okay, but over time you learn what the recruiters are really made of. AVOID VOYAGE RN at all costs. They always have issues with their pay, are unreliable, and will take what they owe you and claim expenses that are not real. Aureus Medical is awesome, Cross Country as well. I've never had problems with either of those. As for the companies you've listed, I have no not used, so again, listen to the ones that have. Good Luck!!!
