Advice from a Nurse Recruiter

[karenavail]

I have been a Nurse Recruiter for almost 7 years and I wanted to share some important advice to current travel nurses or nurses considering travel. Being a Nurse Recruiter, I am the contact between nurse and facility.
Some of the biggest obstacles I deal with is paperwork. I know it is allot and I know it is monotonous at times and you have more than likely filled out several application packets with many agencies all promising you a position and the thought of filling out yet another 20 page application is a drag, problem is, it is required not only my the agency, especially if it is Joint Commission cert. but also by the facility or we would not ask for it. My advice to this is to keep a basic application/updated resume with work history, skills checklist, references, copies of credentials and licensure and immunizations on hand so you can fax it or email it to your recruiter rather quickly.

Another piece of advice is be open to travel anywhere especially in today's economy. The nurse jobs are not as plentiful as they used to be and many nurses and agencies are competing for the same positions. Even if it is not where you want to travel but you need to work, you might consider another state for at least one assignment and then pursue a position in the area you want to be.

The more credentials you have such as ACLS, PALS, TNCC, NRP and ENA the more marketable you will be and easier to place. Even a basic medical surgical position, the facility would prefer a nurse with ACLS to one who does not have ACLS. Many facilities it has became a requirement.

Be sure to answer your phone as your recruiter may not always know when you will receive a phone interview. Some nurse managers will just go on to the next candidate if they are not able to reach you and you might miss the job opportunity.

Please feel free to comment.

[nationwide]

Thank you , Nurse Recruiter for the insight. I have been working with companies in the past and I have always wondered why it takes so long to get an interview!! Now I know... It is because my paperwork or my Professional References have not been current!!! I will take you advise and keep my paperwork up to date and keep copies for myself. Thanks for sharing.