How to juggle multiple agencies

[lemur87]

I am new to travel nursing and am currently filling out the application to work with Medical Solutions out of Omaha Nabraska but have read on different discussions that its best to have multiple agencies. How do you choose which agencies to sign with and how do you manage them all?

I live in NE Tennessee and would love to travel primarily in this region (Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina). Does anyone know of any smaller travel companies that work in this area?

Thank you!

[NedRN]

How did you choose Medical Solutions? Expand on that. But basically, call many and choose the ones you think you can have a productive relationship on a long term basis. Of course, find out if they have a good number of assignments where you want to go at competitive rates.

Management is a different story. Most will make you fill out their applications, but if you have a good work history or a canned application, some will accept that. Get a laptop and scanner, and keep all your relevant files on it (and back them up). Format them so you can email quickly all of them to a new agency, or update the ones you have an ongoing relationship with as needed. Licenses, certifications, physical and titers, and very importantly, written references (collect your own and get them early on every assignment). Part of managing your relationships is communication - how and when you want to communicate with recruiters. Do you want them calling you every week, all of them? Would email, texting, or Facebook be better for you? Your choice, and part of selecting the right agency and recruiter is if they can communicate effectively with you as you need them to, and not more.