Here 5 things to consider when picking an agency:

Credible Agency Name

Technology is advancing the fluidity of today’s job market, there is a host of start-up companies launching to meet present day job demands. This can be a good thing because more medical staffing agencies can better search for you; but, it can also be a risk if the agency has little to any understanding of what the specific demands of an open position may require. As time continues, the agencies with the best understanding of how to fit the right person for the right position will standout. This is why it’s important to research staffing agencies. Research their providers and don’t hesitate to ask a provider what they think of the agency. Finding the right medical staffing agency, with a credible respected name, in today’s fast and expanding job market will go a long way with your own peace of mind.

Sustainable contract lengths

When interviewing a staffing agency its important to ask about their average contract length. Short-term, week to two-week contracts, would be great if we all had short-term bills associated with our daily lives! The reality is you’ve made an investment in education and training to reach the level you have professionally. The last thing you may want is to be treated like day labor living from one day to the next. There is no doubt the traveling medical industry is booming with all its perks and flexibility; however, you still need to know the contracts you take are going to be able to sustain for a period of time and help with your own needs financially. Asking the average contract length is an important issue and better allows you to plan logistically and financially for your personal needs.

Contractor vs. Employee

Maybe one of the overlooked aspects of traveling medical staff is how one is paid on the contract. Most common is the agency lists you as an “independent contract” (1099), thus making you responsible for any and all taxes you pay. Your checks are fully yours, but you also have to track receipts for expenses, licensing, fees, etc. if you plan to deduct or itemize on your taxes. This can be quite a hassle, especially if you’re filing for multiple contracts in a year in multiple states. One of the most ideal situations is to find an agency that will take you on as their employee (W-2) versus listing you as a contractor (1099). This simply reduces the hassle of tracking receipts and allows you to focus on your profession. Again, this is a simple thing to find out by just asking your potential staffing agency.

Agency-Staff Relationship

Understanding how the agency comes to know and treat you, as a staff member, is a critical item. This industry is booming and it’s a land-rush to secure contracts with health care providers today. The agencies that place their concern with simply securing contracts will treat their staff like cattle and simply pull your file and offer you a contract “take-it-or-leave-it” style. Ever take a bad contract? If so, then its probably because they agency really had little to no understanding of who their staff was and who might be the best fit for the job. Having a working – dare I say – ‘friendly’ relationship with your staffing agency doesn’t have to be a dream. Take the time to see how they want to get to know you. Having a good relationship with the agency will help ensure every contract you get is a good fit for you and your professional experience.

Job Opportunities

Lastly and most importantly, check the agency’s job listings. Research to see if it’s job lists are rotating and continually being updated with new opportunities and new providers. This will tell you a lot about how the company is viewed by the medical industry. Also it will show you what health care providers are continually using them and give you the chance to gauge their reputation too. And ultimately, the more opportunities for you to work the more chances you have to grow professionally. Search for available jobs here: http://www.travelmedusa.com/job_search.php

One of the challenges for a medical staffing agency is finding committed traveling therapists versus a ‘joe traveler’ with some therapist skills. With the numerous opportunities emerging daily, staffing firms are looking for quality staff to book for their clients. There are several things that need to be considered. I recently sat down with one staffing recruiter and discussed what makes a “quality candidate” for a health care staffing agency.

• Today’s temporary medical staffing industry is exploding, how easy it for a therapist to get into this market?

With the right skill set and qualifications, it’s very easy today. Travel medical jobs are literally available everywhere which is very exciting for the right types of therapists.

• What kind of qualifications does a therapists need to be eligible?

Besides the obvious training and qualifications for a specific position, there is a mindset that needs to be present with these positions too. First, willingness to travel and in some cases that’s regionally or nationally. The variety in this industry goes from east coast to west coast daily. A desirable candidate has a sense of adventure, wants to see the country, and have positive work experiences. Second, a sense of flexibility and positive mental attitude are a must. Solid candidates like changing locations, love meeting new people, and developing professional relationships that build their own profession resume. And lastly, knowing what the therapist wants from this line of work professionally. Whether that’s location variety or new job experiences, its key the candidate expresses this to their staffing agency. Good medical staffing agencies will work for both their contractor and the therapist to ensure both parties get satisfied.

• So this industry isn’t just about “traveling” then is it?

Well, yes and no. Yes, it is about traveling and meeting job needs as they arrive and that often requires travel; but it’s also just not about the travel. Traveling facilitates the reason why a person gets into medical field ultimately, which is to help people in a time of need and see people fully recover. For instance, an occupational therapist doesn’t get into their line of work simply because they want to travel. No, it’s about helping a person return back to their normal lives after a surgery or work related injury. This is intrinsic reward that comes with this line of work. The travel and pay are great benefits, but not the sole reason.

• When a person is ready for the traveling medical industry, what’s the first step?

Find a medical staffing agency that wants to work for them. There a literally thousands of agencies out there, but few that place importance on the therapist or nurse. Do your research and find an agency that wants to ensure you get placed in locations and jobs that suit your skills and character. Knowing you have an agency that cares about you as person both professionally and personally will make things a smoother as you launch into this exciting job market.

A government report stated that in 2005 “temporary or contract job positions accounted for 20% of the current job market.” Today, with a tumultuous job-climate and technology making it easier to access job postings experts believe these types of positions will account for nearly 40% of the available jobs by 2011. And though stats like this can be a little daunting, it really does open-up the career potential for a focused physical therapist or physical therapists assistant thinking about their own future.

Here are some myths and facts regarding medical staffing agencies for consideration:

MYTH: Medical staffing firms only offer temporary jobs.

• Fact: Although there are plenty of short-term job opportunities in today physical therapy and therapy assistant careers, many staffing firms offer permanent hire positions as well. Communicating with your medical staffing recruiter what you are looking for from a job is essential to your own planning.

MYTH: A medical staffing office wont cover my travel expenses or costs of living

• Fact: Today nearly all staffing firms cover the therapist’s travel expenses. Staffing firms cover these items in the agreement with the medical provider and come at no expense to the therapist whatsoever. Paying for your travel expenses is an industry standard today. Additionally, per Diem to cover the costs of daily living while on location is equally a common practice. If you find a firm that will not pay your travel expenses or cost of living expenses – find another agency!

MYTH: Medical staffing offices lack industry knowledge of my career field

• Fact: With all the health care and provider requirement changes going on today, medical staffing offices might just be the most up-to-date source you can access daily. A great staffing firm is in constant contact with their providers to ensure they provide them with the best-trained and prepared employee base possible. Due to the high demand and fluctuating job market, the criteria that providers are looking for is often very specific and continually changing. Medical staffing offices are prime source of industry demands and requirements.

MYTH: Medical staffing offices will limit my career portfolio

• Fact: Collaborating with a medical staffing firm might just be the best career move you can make. Not only can it provide you with consistent work, but also the continual exposure to new teams, providers, and the latest industry developments can only enhance your resume.

MYTH: Medical staffing offices will not provide me with health insurance

• Fact: Many staffing firms do offer their employees health insurance as part of an employees benefits package. However, this is contingent on how the therapist-to-staffing firm relationship is defined. If you are listed as a “contractor” (IRS Form 1099), then you will most likely be required to secure your own form of health insurance. If you are listed as an employee (W-2) of the staffing firm, then you can be offered the opportunity to be apart of the company’s health insurance plan. This is something that requires research and asking questions of the agency. There are staffing firms out there that do provide health insurance; you just have to do your homework to find them.

As you look to your own professional development in physical therapy, understanding what you expect and need from your career is critical. Medical staffing offices can play a key role in seeing meet your expectations and reap real career rewards that continue to advance you in the physical therapy and therapy assistant field.
TravelMed USA is committed to personalized, comprehensive service based on integrity, honesty, and reliability to both our therapists and our clients. Our mission is to support what you value and what your priorities are as a therapist; to create your ideal opportunity for your profession. For our clients, our mission is to integrate the ideal candidate for your needs.

Locating the right job in an unsteady economy can seem a little daunting. The good news is you’re a trained Physical Therapy Aide and the medical staffing industry is in high demand for your skills. The big question for you now has to be, how can I find the right job in today’s market?

With most clinics and hospitals posting their position opening with medical staffing agencies, the best place to start is with a staffing agency. You can try to brave the internet and find your own job, but the reality is many staffing firms have the inside track to helping you get placed right away in most situations. In addition to your search, you might be surprised to find out a lot of job posts today are for traveling PTA jobs.

Travel therapists and traveling medical staff positions are one of the fast growing areas today in the medical industry. Finding a short-term job in a variety of locations around the country is a very likely possibility. The traveling therapists jobs offer the travel therapist assistant a great opportunity to be see new locations, meet diverse staff, and broaden your professional experience. Medical staffing firms can offer you the best chance at gathering this type of experience.

One of the key things you want to look for in a medical staffing agency is to identify how they will work for you. Things to consider: Does the staffing agency have regular job postings? Would I be a contractor (1099) or employee (W-2) with the agency? Do they offer variety of work in medical staffing positions? What is the agency’s reputation? How is my travel and housing paid for with each job? These are just a few things to ask when prospecting for a traveling medical staffing agency.

The best way to address these initial questions is to compare staffing agencies. You have already made a significant investment in your physical therapy career. At this point its best to ensure you invest in a medical staffing office that wants to maximize your investment and place you in an opening that best fits your career path. Find a medical staffing resource that offers you the types of physical therapy assistant job you are interested and qualified to fill. With so many position openings in this expanding industry, you need a strong resource in an agency to partner with versus trying to figure it all out on your own. Without the aid of strong medical staffing agency working for you in job placement, you run the risk of missing the potential jobs you have been trained for.

Lastly, it’s important to pro-actively pursue a positive working relationship with your medical staffing company. Checking in with your medical recruiter weekly, surveying the jobs being posted, and simply letting them know you are ready to work can go a long way in ensuring that when the right position comes open, your name will be at the top of the staffing agency’s list. These simple tips can make the job search a lot less daunting.

TravelMed USA is committed to personalized, comprehensive service based on integrity, honesty, and reliability to both our therapists and our clients. Our mission is to support what you value and what your priorities are as a therapist; to create your ideal opportunity for your profession. For our clients, our mission is to integrate the ideal candidate for your needs.

If you are in the medical industry and looking for job postings on the internet, then you might be coming across the phrase “Nurse Staffing Agency” a little more frequently these days. One working definition is: “A nurse staffing agency is a business that provides nurses and usually health care assistants (such as Certified Nursing Assistants Therapy Assistants) to people and providers who need the services of health care professionals.”

Wouldn’t it be grand if life was as simple as the definitions provided?

Though this definition is correct, the greater question is what makes a good nurse staffing agency? Especially when so many are on the web and advertising in trade magazines. How can you ever possibly pick the right one with so many options available?

Here are some simple things to keep in mind when considering a nurse staffing agency:

1. Regular Job Postings In Your Career Field – There are plenty of jobs being posted in the travel and temporary medical staffing fields, but its important to associate yourself with an agency that actually lists jobs in your specific job discipline. Some agencies specialize in RN/LPN/CNA jobs versus physical therapy and PTA job listings. This is an important first-step when considering a medical staffing firm.

2. Know your job benefits Does the company offer you travel pay, housing, and per diem for your time while you are assigned? Each of these items has a major impact on how your pay will be affected if you take a contract. This is a critical item and one that must be asked of any prospective agency you may be considering.

3. Knowing who you work for – It’s fairly common practice for medical staffing firms to contract you out to a specific provider, thus declaring you as an IRS Form 1099 Contractor working for a specific provider. This may or may not be an ideal situation for you when it comes to filing your own personal income taxes. If it’s not, there are medical staffing agencies out there that will bring you on as a W-2 employee and can process the federal and state tax withdrawals from your paychecks. Again, this may be a matter of personal preference and the best way to find out is to ask your prospective medical recruiter.

4. License Requirements When considering taking temporary medical staffing positions in other states, there might be license criteria needed prior to filling a job. Some staffing agencies will reimburse for your license fees. Again, this is a big item as it can affect your job availability and pay. This is something that certainly needs to be discussed prior to signing on with a staffing firm or taking an available position.

5. Ask about health and life insurance This is an item that tends to be overlooked when considering an agency. Some staffing agencies leave it to you to cover your own personal insurance needs, while others offer comprehensive health and life insurance benefits to its employees. In a job industry that potentially has you traveling from location to location, asking about out these types of benefits needs to stay in the forefront of your planning.

It would be super if every nurse staffing agency provided the answers to the above points right-up front, wouldn’t it? However, the reality it is to find any good nurse staffing agency its going to take some research and asking questions on your own part to discover them. So keeping these simple points in mind will help you sort out the best agency for your own career needs.

Working as an occupational therapist or occupational therapist assistant the impact of your skills in the health care industry is tremendous. After completing years of education and preparation to get into this technical career getting a job is your chief priority. If you are looking to excel in your career, then a medical staffing agency can help you get into the job market and continue to grow professionally.

With nearly 70% of all occupational jobs now be posted online within the first 24 hours of the opening, having access to these postings all the time is a must. This can prove very difficult with trying to manage a career, personal, and family time along with all the other daily demands you face. Having a medical staffing agency working for you is a great way to stay current with job openings and help you secure the next great job waiting for you.

With technology pushing our access to more and more information rapidly, it might be tempting to try to brave job market on your own and hunt for the perfect job yourself. However, collaborating with a medical staffing agency adds an extra set of eyes to help you be placed faster in the right job that fits your skills and training. Whether you are looking for short-term traveling occupational therapy assistants job or a permanent occupational therapists position, a medical staffing agency can help spot jobs you might be missing.

Additionally, with industry demands and provider requirements sometimes changing daily, a medical staffing firm becomes an excellent source of up-to-date information. A great staffing firm is in constant contact with their providers to ensure they provide them with the best-trained and prepared employee base possible. Due to the high demand and fluctuating job market, the criteria that providers are looking for is often very specific and continually changing. Medical staffing offices can ensure you are qualified and prepared for that perfect job. The good news is there are plenty of jobs out there waiting for you, but the challenge is finding the right jobs that fit your own career goals. This is why having a knowledgeable and motivated medical recruiter working for you to find those right jobs is so vital.

Another point of consideration is a medical staffing agency is a great way to build your own career portfolio of experience. Not only can a staffing firm provide you with consistent work, but also the continual exposure to new teams, providers, and the latest industry developments can only enhance your resume. This valuable experience and exposure increases your knowledge base and improves your own market value as a therapist or therapist assistant.

As you look to your own professional development, and having a full understanding of what you expect and need from your career, it can be tempting to try to find your next job on your own. However, do not under sell the value a medical staffing office can play in seeing you meet your expectations and reap real career rewards that continue to advance you in the occupational therapy or occupational therapy assistant field.

Please visit http://www.travelmedusa.com

TravelMed USA is committed to personalized, comprehensive service based on integrity, honesty, and reliability to both our therapists and our clients. Our mission is to support what you value and what your priorities are as a therapist; to create your ideal opportunity for your profession. For our clients, our mission is to integrate the ideal candidate for your needs.

A government report recently released states in 2005, “temporary or contract job positions accounted for 20% of the current job market.” Today, the same experts believe these types of positions will account for nearly 40% of the available jobs by 2011.

This is simply a reality of the times we are facing.

Whether you are an occupational therapist, therapist assistant, traveling nurse, or physical therapist there are plenty of jobs out there waiting for you. The real challenge is finding the right jobs that fit your own career goals. This is why having a knowledgeable and motivated medical recruiter working for you to find those right jobs is essential.

Here are 3 questions to ask when considering a medical recruiter:

Does the medical recruiter work for a credible agency?

With accessibility to the internet nearly ubiquitous with our daily life there are a host of start-up companies launching to meet job placement demands. At first glance this should be a good thing, right? Not necessarily. This is why it’s important to research staffing agencies. A simple way to do this is to conduct your own background checks: Who is the agency filling jobs for? Ask for the agency’s list of provider references. Are they listed with the local Better Business Bureau? What is this agency’s reputation in this industry? Finding the right medical staffing agency, with a credible respected name, in today’s fast and expanding job market will go a long way with your own peace of mind and getting you placed fast.

Does the medical recruiter know what my job’s demands are?

As an extra set of eyes looking for you, it is vital to know the medical recruiter understands the demands of your job field, the qualifications needed to fill a specific position, has a working knowledge of how you are qualified, and if you have any special licenses or training that make you a better fit for a specific job opening. The benefit of going to a medical staffing agency versus a general employment agency is having the advantage of an agency with working knowledge of the demands it takes to fill a specific medical position. Having a well-informed medical staffing recruiter working for you can only ensure your placement in a specific job is the best fit for you and your career.

Does the medical recruiter have an interest in seeing me employed?

This might seem like a “no brainer,” but it shouldn’t be taken lightly. A medical recruiter that cares about your placement is a huge item. With so many staffing agencies popping-up, the emphasis can quickly become about the numbers and filling job positions. However, when your medical recruiter actually talks with you, discusses your qualifications, career plans, and ideal work environments it shows the agency places an emphasis on your success with each new position. A great staffing agency values having an interest in it’s placed employees. When the agency treats you like a real person versus just another contract or faceless name on a job sheet, you know you have found the right medical staffing agency for you.

Please visit http://www.travelmedusa.com

TravelMed USA is committed to personalized, comprehensive service based on integrity, honesty, and reliability to both our therapists and our clients. Our mission is to support what you value and what your priorities are as a therapist; to create your ideal opportunity for your profession. For our clients, our mission is to integrate the ideal candidate for your needs.