Considering Travel Nursing in AZ

[MedOncIllinoisRN]

Hi All!

I am hoping to relocate from Illinois to the Phoenix area so I can live closer to my parents. I have 4+ years acute care experience in a medium (221 bed) sized hospital and have great credentials and experience on a wide variety of different kinds of units.

I have to secure a job before I can move and so far I haven't even been able to get an interview when applying directly to the hospitals out here, despite being the idea candidate for the job. Not sure why I am getting rejected unless they see the Illinois address and skip over me.

Even before I applied directly, another RN I know suggested doing Travel assignment first. Do any of you seasoned Travelers know if there are many travel assignments in the Phoenix metropolitan area? Can someone recommend a recruiter or agency to me? I know nothing about travel nursing so any feedback/advice would be appreciated.

Post here in this thread or PM me!

Thanks in advance!

[NedRN]

Going straight to staff is your best bet for several good financial reasons. You will be likely to score a healthy moving allowance and/or a sign on bonus, and get real benefits including good health insurance that is far less likely from an agency. Also, you won't be eligible for the tax free housing and per diem stipends as a traveler who has no home - that is a large part of the advantage of being a traveler.

Have you actually been rejected or merely ignored? I think every hospital is set on "ignore" for December through the first month of January. Also, if you are just applying online, sometimes their algorithms spit you out because something was left out or didn't fit. I applied a year ago to a local hospital. I was in there for another reason and thought I'd stop by HR. They had no information about jobs, nor a recruiter to talk to. They said it was all online. Despite a 20 plus year history in a scarce specialty, the computer said I wasn't qualified, but didn't say why. I suspect it was because I didn't have a BSN but it could have been something else as I know they will hire those without BSNs with a commitment to get one in three years.

I would try to get a recruiter on the phone. If that is impossible, try an end run around HR. Try to speak to the manager, or even the director, of the unit you are interested in. Most of the time I have done that, their time management training kicks in and you get an interview on the spot. Be prepared to email your professional portfolio immediately (resume, written references etc.). This might annoy HR, but will certainly give you some leverage when they find out that the manager has already interviewed you and wants you.

You can also try a head hunter if you don't get somewhere in the next few weeks. Their commission is paid by the employer, but may impact your sign on bonus (little way to know), but should not matter to you anyway here. What you want is a job, preferably with a good employer.

Banner is the dominant hospital system in Arizona. Get through to them, and you will have access to a lot of hospitals.

Failing that, go ahead and try the travel route. Some jobs will be listed as temp to perm, but once you have proved yourself, many assignments will try to recruit you to perm if they have half a need.