Before deciding on joining a healthcare staffing company, it is essential to know all the pros and cons. For many, the pros outweigh the cons. There are several great reasons to become a traveling healthcare professional. If you love your current job but also love traveling, this might just be a great fit for you. Here are some tips to help you decide whether or not to become a traveling healthcare professional.
Pros
Traveling
Traveling is a huge advantage of this job. You get to spend quality time in the places you’ve always wanted to visit, much more than the usual short vacation. If you’re an adventure seeker or have a list of places you’ve always wanted to see, working in a career that allows you to travel is a dream come true.
Meeting amazing people
Traveling and working in different facilities will give you the chance to meet all sorts of new people. You will get to make connections with amazing people and build friendships that will last a lifetime.
Gaining a unique experience
Jumping from assignment to assignment will advance your skill set. Every location you visit and contact you make provides you with the opportunity to learn new techniques. During this course, you will be faced with challenges, and you will be able to figure out how to solve them efficiently.
Flexibility
Having control over when and where you work provides a freedom that is difficult to find in other jobs. Together with your recruiter, you can find a place you love to work and a job you love to do. You also have the flexibility to take as much time off as needed in between contracts.
Trying it out before you dive in
This applies to both places and jobs. Maybe you want to try a new position; this type of job allows you to test it out on a 13 or 26 week contract before fully committing to it. As you live in different places, you can eventually choose where you want to settle.
Job security
Nurses, therapists, radiologists, pharmacists, lab technicians and more are always in demand. You are not confined to one city and state when you’re a traveling healthcare professional. You can find any potential job anywhere in the country.
Cons
You are always the new guy
If you’re outgoing and friendly, you won’t have any problems fitting in with the permanent med staff. While bouncing from one contract to the next, you are always a new member of the team.
Varying pay
Each contract will likely offer different pay and benefits. Your salary will be consistent, but some jobs may pay more or less than others depending on a variety of factors. Regardless, the job that pays less this time may be made up for with the next paying much more.
Away from family and friend support
Many find a support system within their family and friends. While traveling, you can only reach them via audio or video phone calls, texting or social media. This can be difficult for some, but returning home and being able to tell them about your latest adventure makes it worth it.
Frequent job searching
Every 13 to 26 weeks, you will be in the position again of needing to find your next job. RTG Medical pairs you up with one recruiter who will be there to support you throughout the job search. You may be able to get set up for your next assignment during your current one, but there is always the associated stress with not knowing where you’ll end up.
Difficulty filing taxes
When it comes time to do taxes, you will need to file in each state you worked in the past year. This can be confusing and take a lot of time to get it right. You can hire a professional to help, but it will not be free.
Potential contract cancellations
Sometimes a facility may realize they don’t actually need the position you were hired for filled. When that happens, your contract gets canceled. It happens rarely, but it is still something to take note of.
Become a part of our healthcare staffing company
RTG Medical has helped tons of healthcare professionals begin their dream traveling job. We hope this blog has helped you learn more about taking up this career choice, and joining a healthcare staffing company. If you’re interested in getting started, reach out to us today!
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