First, get your licenses in the states you want to travel.
You don't want to be overlooked because you're still waiting on your license to be approved or arrive.
Many require license "in hand" even to be considered.
Next, Get together with companies that provide travelers to the areas you want to work. Not hard, just ask around. I say affiliate with at least 4 different travel companies because not all of them pull orders off the national database. Some are company specific. You want as many offers as possible so you can pick & choose what's good for you.
Now sit back and wait. Most orders are filled about 3-4 weeks out. Not much in the way of long projected start dates. Most of the contracts come and go so fast. So, about a month before you want to go travel start hounding them for assignments.
Be patient. You might find yourself jumping at the very first opportunity that comes your way and it might be much less than what you expect. You might need to turn down an assignment or two. Remember it's always a negotiation. Do your research about average wages in the area you're traveling in. They're not just going to give you the farm... you got to ask for it.
A good recruiter will maximize your benefits within the parameters of what the contract pays. It's in THEIR interest to make you happy so you will continue to work for them and make them money. The bad ones will stick it to you to maximize profit margins. Unfortunately there are more bad ones than good ones.
EmergencyNrse
632 Posts
First, get your licenses in the states you want to travel.
You don't want to be overlooked because you're still waiting on your license to be approved or arrive.
Many require license "in hand" even to be considered.
Next, Get together with companies that provide travelers to the areas you want to work. Not hard, just ask around. I say affiliate with at least 4 different travel companies because not all of them pull orders off the national database. Some are company specific. You want as many offers as possible so you can pick & choose what's good for you.
Now sit back and wait. Most orders are filled about 3-4 weeks out. Not much in the way of long projected start dates. Most of the contracts come and go so fast. So, about a month before you want to go travel start hounding them for assignments.
Be patient. You might find yourself jumping at the very first opportunity that comes your way and it might be much less than what you expect. You might need to turn down an assignment or two. Remember it's always a negotiation. Do your research about average wages in the area you're traveling in. They're not just going to give you the farm... you got to ask for it.
A good recruiter will maximize your benefits within the parameters of what the contract pays. It's in THEIR interest to make you happy so you will continue to work for them and make them money. The bad ones will stick it to you to maximize profit margins. Unfortunately there are more bad ones than good ones.
Best of Luck and happy trails.