What happens when you work with numerous agencies?

Specialties Travel

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Specializes in flight nursing, ED, ICU, Admin..

I am going through the application process with multiple (5) travel agencies. I am looking for an assignment in the ED department in a particular state. So---- I have sent my resume and paper work to these 5 agencies and more that one of them has forwarded my application to the SAME hospital. (i.e. the hospital receives the same resume from 2 or more different travel companies) My question is "what happens?" One of the recruiters told me not to do this because it causes confusion at the hospital level. I did it because I want to negotiate the best travel package from among several travel agencies. Any advice?

Thanks, I'm new to this- it will be my first travel assignment

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Specializes in Peds, ER/Trauma.

It is a good thing to sign up with several different agencies so that you have a greater variety of assignments to choose from, but DO NOT let multiple companies submit your application for the same assignment! This is a big no-no. It is confusing for the hospital & is just bad practice. If you want to negotiate pay, do that BEFORE your profile is submitted to the hospital, then ask the company that is quoting the highest pay to submit your profile. By having several companies submit you for the same position, you are pulling the hospital into the middle of your negotiations between companies- many nurse managers will get annoyed by this, and might just ignore your application altogether!

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Specializes in flight nursing, ED, ICU, Admin..

Thanks for the help- will take your advice to avoid confusion

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NO company should submit you without your permission first. Also, you might do well to find one good travel company who knows what you want because many have longevity bonuses etc. Look into it you might be surprised. I like RN Network. Not a recruiter just a happy clam.

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Specializes in Surgery, Burn and too many to list.

looking to start travel nursing and wonder how does one so to speak interview the companies to see if it's the one I want to travel for ??

Seems that they all want my resume before giving out any info.

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Specializes in Surgery, Burn and too many to list.

looking to start travel nursing and wonder how does one so to speak interview the companies to see if it's the one I want to travel for ??

Seems that they all want my resume before giving out any info.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds, ER/Trauma.
looking to start travel nursing and wonder how does one so to speak interview the companies to see if it's the one I want to travel for ??

Seems that they all want my resume before giving out any info.

I always ask them what I need to know, flat out. I tell them that I need answers to my questions before I fill out all of their paperwork, so I don't waste my time if they can't offer what I need. If they won't answer my questions, I just don't deal with them....

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I always ask them what I need to know, flat out. I tell them that I need answers to my questions before I fill out all of their paperwork, so I don't waste my time if they can't offer what I need. If they won't answer my questions, I just don't deal with them....

I do the same thing.

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele/Oncology.
NO company should submit you without your permission first. Also, you might do well to find one good travel company who knows what you want because many have longevity bonuses etc. Look into it you might be surprised. I like RN Network. Not a recruiter just a happy clam.

I have been looking for mention of the 'loyalty' issue -- that if I commit to one agency, they will commit to me should a problem come up. When other travelers I meet speak strongly about their negotiating with several companies to get the highest pay/best housing etc, I wonder if I'm getting cheated. But I have seen travelers get blamed improperly for some things, and it may be that their companies may not put out maximum support for a nurse who earlier pushed hard about salary. My own experience with a company with whom I was in an argument about other issues, supported me when the hospital did not pay my contract due to money difficulties. I appreciated that support, although I eventually changed agencies.

How much extra pay does negotiating actually get? I would consider pushing harder if it proved to be really worth it.

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Specializes in Peds, ER/Trauma.

I have been able to negotiate my hourly rate up $2-3/hr. Doesn't sound like much, but at 36hours/week, thats a few hundred dollars a month. I have also negotiated for higher travel reimbursement, better furnishings, etc. I have been with the same company for a year now, and my recruiter knows I speak with several different agencies when it comes time to look for a new assignment- I joke with him & tell him I'm just trying to keep him on his toes.... So far my current company has always come up with the best deal for me, but it doesn't hurt to have other recruiters looking for jobs for you as well.

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I had traveled for 3 years, then because economy, I took a FT position. I am again up for travel. I have given my notice at work and availability to my company for Nov 14. Is there a chance I wont get an assisgment and when do the offers really start coming in?

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Have you posted your resume? What dept do you work? The offers should already be rolling in..

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