At Magnet Medical Staffing, we’ve worked with countless travel healthcare professionals and recruiters to identify what makes a great assignment. Through years of experience matching talented professionals with outstanding opportunities, we’ve gathered valuable insights into what makes an assignment truly successful. Here’s what we’ve learned.
1. Define Your Priorities and Goals
One consistent piece of feedback we hear from successful travelers is the importance of clearly defined priorities. Our most satisfied healthcare professionals are those who took the time to establish their goals before starting their travel journey. Whether it’s maximizing earning potential, gaining experience in specific specialties, or exploring new locations, understanding your priorities helps make better decisions.
We’ve seen travelers chase high-paying positions only to realize the location or schedule didn’t align with their lifestyle needs. Others have passed on seemingly perfect opportunities because they didn’t fit their long-term career goals. The key is knowing what matters most to you. Consider creating a priority list that includes factors like:
- Desired pay range
- Preferred locations
- Shift preferences
- Specialty experience goals
- Work-life balance requirements
2. Research the Location
Location research is crucial, and our successful travelers consistently emphasize this point. We’ve seen countless cases where thorough location research made the difference between an exceptional experience and a challenging one.
When evaluating a location, our travelers recommend considering:
- Housing availability and costs in the area
- Local transportation options
- Climate and seasonal considerations
- Proximity to family or friends
- Available activities and social opportunities
- Cost of living in the area
Many of our travelers find success by joining local social media groups or connecting with other healthcare professionals in the area before accepting an assignment. This provides valuable insights into the community and lifestyle you can expect.
3. Evaluate the Facility and Work Environment
Through our partnerships with various healthcare facilities, we’ve learned that workplace culture and environment significantly impact assignment satisfaction. The most successful placements happen when there’s a good match between the traveler’s working style and the facility’s culture.
Key aspects to investigate include:
- Typical patient-to-staff ratios
- Orientation processes
- Electronic medical record systems used
- Float policies
- Support for travel staff
- Recent experiences of other travelers
We encourage asking specific questions about these elements during the interview process. Many facilities are happy to connect potential travelers with current staff members to provide authentic insights into the working environment.
4. Understand the Contract Details
Contract comprehension is crucial, and we’ve seen how misunderstandings can lead to complications. Our most successful travelers take the time to thoroughly review and understand their contracts before signing.
Essential contract elements to review include:
- Base rates and blended rates
- Guaranteed hours policies
- Overtime opportunities and rates
- Housing stipends and tax implications
- Cancellation policies
- Health insurance coverage
- Travel reimbursement terms
We always encourage our healthcare professionals to ask questions about any unclear terms and to seek clarification before signing. It’s better to address concerns upfront than to face surprises during your assignment.
5. Partner with a Reliable Staffing Agency
The relationship between a healthcare professional and their staffing agency can make or break the travel experience. We’ve found that the most successful travel experiences occur when there’s open communication and mutual trust between all parties involved.
Look for an agency that provides:
- Transparent communication about opportunities
- Comprehensive support throughout the assignment
- Quick responses to questions and concerns
- Accurate information about facilities and locations
- Clear explanation of benefits and policies
- Advocacy for their travelers when needed
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right travel assignment is a significant decision that impacts both your professional and personal life. Through our experience working with healthcare professionals across the country, we’ve seen how these five key factors consistently contribute to successful placements.
At Magnet Medical Staffing, we’re committed to helping you find assignments that align with your goals and preferences. We understand that each healthcare professional has unique needs and aspirations, and we’re here to support you in finding the perfect match.
Looking for your next great assignment? Contact our team to discuss how we can help you find opportunities that align with your professional goals and personal preferences. Let our experience guide you to your next successful travel assignment.
