Question about working with multiple agencies

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I'm new to traveling and have been talking with several different agencies tying to figure out which one to go with. I have narrowed it down to 3 recruiters that I really like. My question is, if I do decide to have one of them submit me to a hospital, am I then locked in with that agency even if I don't end up taking that particular assignment? I really enjoy all 3 recruiters and all 3 companies seem comparable in pay and what they offer, I would be happy to work with any of them. Is it common for travel nurses to work with more than one company? Do the recruiters understand if you take an assignment with another agency but want to work with them in the future?

Thanks!

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No, you are not locked in until you agree to take a contract. Being submitted and interviewed and reviewing the contract are all prerequisites to saying yes or no. Yes, recruiters will understand that you are working with other agencies. They will work harder for you if they know you won't roll over and beg. Let them know they are on your short list. Do all the paperwork they want so you can readily have a Plan B if that first assignment or agency turns out to be a lemon for whatever reason.

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Specializes in Operating room..

I have heard you should use more than one agency. When one has nothing good another might. Keep options open. One traveler calls them her "pimps"...working to find her good assignments.

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Exactly what Ned said. I have three agencies and three recruiters. In my first year I took an assignment from each of them and got a feel for all three in practice. I love having the options of multiple pay packages and locations. It also seems they work harder for me and offer better deals because they know they have competition.

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Specializes in ICU, and IR.

My understanding too (I haven't took my first assignment yet) is that as long as you let them know you are fielding offers from other agencies and that you don't make any commitments, like verbal agreements over the phone you are not tied in until you sign the contract. I currently have 1 recruiter that I like and I am working on getting a few more...I hope to narrow it down to 3 but in the beginning I may have about 5. Once you have all your paperwork together you should be able to send it off to all the different agencies you want.

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Specializes in ICU, and IR.

If you don't mind me asking what companies are you working with that you like? Particularly how they treat new travelers. I am only with cross country currently and I like my recruiter there.

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The companies I really like are medical solutions, fusion, and PPR. I'm also considering IPI. I've talked to several agencies and I went with the recruiters that sounded most genuine, nice, replied quickly to my emails/calls, and gave me honest answers. Definitely call around for youself, some reviews might not be that great about a company but I think a lot of it has to do with the recruiter. I think you need to really connect and enjoy talking with your recruiter!

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Thanks for all the replies! This forum is so helpful!!

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Once you have all your paperwork together you should be able to send it off to all the different agencies you want.

I'm just curious what paperwork are we talking about?

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Specializes in ICU, and IR.

All your vaccines, physical, W2, direct deposit, references, work history, education verification, liscences and certifications, ect.

I now have 2 agencies cross-country and flexcare, working on find a 3rd. Flexcare required much of the same info as CC did and since I already had it all together I just emailed the same forms to flexcare.

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Work history, skills checklists, two written references. Lots more when you agree to an assignment, some of which an agency may want before submitting you. That could include an application, copies of licenses and certifications, background check, drug scene, physical, documentation of vaccinations and titers, W-2, I-9, and benefits signup. Most agencies will administer training and testing in HIPAA, OSHA, medication, specialty, et veteran. Pretty much like all nursing jobs.

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Got it. Thank you.

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