Why You Should Travel Nurse with a Small Staffing Agency vs. Large

Staffing issues in healthcare have given rise to lots of agencies that aim to fill in the gaps. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated these issues, leaving healthcare professionals in an even worse situation. Now, 92% of nurses think stress from the pandemic is causing nurses to reconsider their career choices, and 66% are considering leaving nursing altogether.  

The nurses who do remain in the profession are increasingly looking for higher pay and better benefits, which makes healthcare staffing systems more appealing. In the midst of the pandemic, travel nurse wages exceeded $10,000 each week because the demand was so high. In contrast, staff nurse wages average around $75,000 each year.  

With so many healthcare staffing agencies to choose from, it can be difficult to figure out which one is best for you.

Large agencies contract with many healthcare facilities across the country, while small staffing agencies may focus on a specific specialty or geographic region. Here are four reasons you might have a better experience working with a smaller healthcare staffing agency like Advantis Medical.  

Why a Small Staffing Agency is Better

More direct support

When you work with a small staffing agency, you have access to a cohesive and supportive team. Rather than coordinating with many people spread across several departments that may be siloed, you have a better chance of getting to know the healthcare staffing agency staff.  

These people also have closer relationships with one another. So if you reach out for help and the person you reach doesn’t have a definite answer for your concern, they likely know the person you need to speak with on a personal level.  

Less competition

If you’re worried about how you stack up against other applicants, a small staffing agency might be perfect for you! They often work with fewer candidates to avoid stretching their smaller teams too thin. Give yourself an edge up by joining a smaller agency and you may have less competition for the most exciting travel opportunities.  

Individualized experience

Speaking of fewer candidates, you’ll also have a more individualized experience at a small staffing agency. With so many candidates at larger healthcare staffing agencies, it’s easy to make them feel like just another number or cog in the machine. Take advantage of the smaller team at a smaller agency like Advantis Medical to help you navigate travel nurse assignments, acclimate to new environments, and solve any problems that arise.  

Varied experiences

One perk for travel nursing is that you have the opportunity to visit different regions of the United States. Whether you’re looking for a fully paid trip to the beaches of California, the mountains in Colorado, or a desert excursion in Arizona, you can probably find a travel nursing assignment nearby. That way, you can explore your surroundings and experience new things in between shifts.  

You might also be looking for varied experiences in the workplace. With the right certifications and work history, you can take travel assignments across different nursing specialties. Work in pediatrics one month, cardiac care in another, then take your talents to the emergency room on your next assignment. The choice is yours. Make the most of your opportunities as a travel nurse to keep things interesting and broaden your horizons!

Join our team

Are you a nurse who is considering a foray into travel nursing? Advantis Medical is a destination healthcare staffing agency that can help you reach your full potential. Create a profile on AdvantisConnect to get started today!

If you give us a shot, we’re sure you’re going to love it! You might even want to convince your nurse friends to work with us too, which can help you earn even more extra cash. Recommend them through our nurse referral program and you’ll both benefit from our unique, individualized approach to the healthcare staffing crisis.