Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our FAQ section for answers to common questions, providing valuable insights and guidance on our nurse staffing and other healthcare services.
For Clinicians:
Travel nurses are hired to bridge staffing shortages, which can occur due to various reasons:
- A lack of qualified nurses in a specific area
- Seasonal increases in patient population
- Natural disasters or pandemics
- Staff nurses taking expected leaves of absence, such as maternity leave or vacations
- To enhance the quality of care and patient satisfaction by reducing nurse burnout, turnover, and fatigue
- To offer nurses and allied health professionals the opportunity to explore new places, gain diverse experiences, learn new skills, and earn competitive pay and benefits.
Most travel nursing assignments are 13 weeks, although there can be shorter or longer assignments.
- Registered nurses (RNs) with appropriate licensure and a minimum of 1 year's experience can become travel nurses. Some Health Systems may require a minimum of 2 years experience.
- Travel nursing is ideal for those who value flexibility and variety in their careers.
While ER, OR, ICU, med surg, telemetry, and labor and delivery tend to have the most jobs available consistently, needs fluctuate.
Travel nurses often earn competitive pay, which can vary based on location, specialty, and experience.
Our nurses and allied staff can work in various healthcare facilities across the country depending on licenses and certificates.
- Yes, you can choose assignments near your home if available. Anything less than 50 miles, unless otherwise noted, would be considered a local contract.
- Health Specialists offers both Travel and Local contracts.
Yes, benefits are offered during your assignment. Be sure to speak to your recruiter about the details.
Health Specialists offers stipends for lodging and meals and incidentals.
Yes, travel nurses can often bring family members or pets.
Yes, you can coordinate assignments with another traveler, however, not all health systems will accommodate travel pairs and schedules.
Yes, it provides valuable experience, opens opportunities and skill development.
- Demand fluctuates; Health Specialists has been around since 1987, and we see the need just as desirable and relevant today.
- With labor costs representing the biggest line item for facilities, the utilization of supplemental staffing ensures patient’s needs are met while controlling costs
Health Specialists pays weekly by direct deposit.
For Clients:
At Health Specialists, we provide a variety of nurses and allied professionals in nearly every specialty you can imagine. If we do not have someone on staff, we can seek out and credential those individuals that may be a good fit.
Health Specialists ensures the quality of candidates through a rigorous process that combines expertise, evaluation, and thorough assessment. Here are some key steps we take:
- Credential Verification: Health Specialists verify the credentials of candidates, including their education, certifications, and licenses. This ensures that candidates meet the necessary qualifications for their roles.
- Background Checks: Comprehensive background checks are conducted to assess a candidate’s criminal history, professional conduct, and any potential red flags.
- Experience Assessment: Candidates’ relevant work experience is evaluated. This includes reviewing their past roles, responsibilities, and achievements in the healthcare field.
- Interviews: Health Specialists conduct in-depth interviews with candidates. These interviews assess not only technical knowledge but also communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.
- Reference Checks: References from previous employers or colleagues are contacted to gain insights into a candidate’s work ethic, teamwork, and overall performance.
- Skills Testing: Depending on the role, candidates may undergo skills assessments or practical tests. For example, a nurse might demonstrate clinical skills, while an administrator might be tested on organizational abilities.
- Continuous Monitoring: Health Specialists continuously monitor the performance of hired candidates. Regular evaluations ensure ongoing quality and identify areas for improvement.
Remember that Health Specialists prioritize not only technical competence but also qualities like empathy, professionalism, and commitment to patient care. By combining these measures, we aim to provide the best possible healthcare professionals to meet diverse needs.
Most travel and permanent positions can be filled in 2 weeks to 30 days, depending on client specific factors, credentialing, and licensing. We do take urgency into account, we know the needs of our clients and will move as quickly as possible.
Certainly! When working with Health Specialists, you can absolutely request specific qualifications for the healthcare professionals you need. Whether you’re seeking nurses, therapists, or other specialists, you can specify criteria such as:
- Education: Specify the level of education required. You can request candidates with specific degrees or certifications.
- Specialty: Define the medical specialty or area of expertise you need.
- Experience: Request a minimum number of years of experience. Whether you need seasoned professionals or recent graduates, this helps narrow down the pool.
- Licensing and Certifications: Specify any necessary licenses (state-specific or national) and certifications (e.g., ACLS, BLS, PALS).
- Language Skills: If you serve a diverse community, you can request professionals fluent in specific languages. We also prioritize cultural competency, ensuring professionals understand and respect cultural nuances for more effective care.
- Technical Skills: Depending on the role, you might need expertise in specific procedures, technologies, or equipment.
Health Specialists can match you with qualified professionals who meet your needs. Clear communication ensures successful placements!
Yes, Health Specialists offers staffing services nationwide. Whether you’re in bustling cities or remote towns, we have healthcare professionals across the country. From urban hospitals to rural clinics, we strive to meet staffing needs wherever healthcare is required.
