March 1, 2008
By Bryan Davis
Recent graduates are undoubtedly one of the hottest commodities in the healthcare
industry. If you've just completed your degree or are about to graduate, it probably won't be long before potential employers who hope to lure you to your first job knock at your door with different offers.
However, amid myriad opportunities, be sure to consider healthcare travel. With the staffing shortage at an all-time high, travel companies that once sought allied health providers with a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience are now looking to a new pool of these professionals to staff their shorthanded departments. Here, we are pleased to review some of the benefits that generally accompany the mobile alternative.
For a number of new grads, paying off outstanding student loans as quickly as possible is a main objective. Given many of the perks that can come with travel contracts—such as complimentary housing, a car allowance, free health insurance, and weekly per diems—you should be able to enjoy additional resources and more readily reduce your debt. Having extra money would also give you the financial flexibility to pursue passions that fall outside of your professional goals.
Also, if you still have internal questions regarding various aspects of your career, healthcare travel will let you explore such issues and experience a multitude of settings without making long-term commitments. For instance, would you prefer to work in a large hospital or small facility? Or, geographically speaking, how do you feel about practicing in an urban area versus a suburban or rural community? And have you thought about the schedule and shifts that would best suit your lifestyle? Your first few assignments can help you find answers and confirm your preferences and dislikes.
In addition to providing you with a range of perspectives, as well as monetary and personal rewards, a mobile career can broaden your professional horizons. While you're on the road, you will have plenty of occasions to learn new techniques from your peers. Advance both your experience and marketability by being proactive with your clinical development and absorbing knowledge like a sponge while working with experts in your field.
Another bonus: Healthcare travel allows you to build on your skills set and scope of knowledge without carrying the stigma that can come from frequently changing permanent jobs. Plus, being exposed to new settings with each contract will help you become a more seasoned provider.
Like a concierge at a five-star hotel, a healthcare recruiter can serve as your focused caretaker. And you shouldn't hesitate to make the most of his or her expertise and organizational excellence. What's more, lean on your recruiter as you navigate through the maze of opportunities. An industry expert who can recommend assignments based on your previous experiences, geographic preferences, and career goals, your recruiter is there to help you make the arrangements and determine where you'd like to practice. Clarity is key for building a relationship, so be candid about what you expect and what might be negotiable.
New graduates have a lot of options, and healthcare traveling is one of the best. Take some time to speak with representatives of reputable staffing agencies and learn more about this career alternative. At the end of the day, you're bound to discover that it's simply advantageous to put yourself in different situations that will help you grow not only as a provider, but also as a human being.
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