Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz about “recruiter-less” staffing models in healthcare. It’s easy to see why—tech platforms are getting slicker, and travelers are trying to cut out the recruiter.
But here’s the thing. If you’re new to travel healthcare, jumping into your first assignment without a recruiter in your corner can feel like being tossed into the deep end without a life jacket. And if you’ve never gone swimming before? You’re in trouble.
Recruiters do way more than just match people with jobs. In a field where things move fast and open jobs can close quickly, having someone in your corner who knows the ropes can make all the difference.
So, What Makes a Great Recruiter?
A Triage recruiter? They’re part career coach, part problem solver, and part life-saver (sometimes literally). They help break down complicated contracts, sort out pay packages, and give the lowdown on what working at a specific hospital is really like.
They’ll fight to get you the best assignments, flag the ones that don’t feel quite right, and make sure you’re walking in with your eyes wide open. Need help prepping for an interview? Done. Want to make sure you can still be at your best friend’s wedding? They’ll find a way.
And when life throws a curveball (which it often does), they’re there—whether it’s a first-day mix-up, or even a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. Some of the stories we’ve heard are wild, but one thing’s clear: great recruiters show up, no matter what.
What You Don’t See: The Behind-the-Scenes Hustle
From the outside, it might seem like recruiters just make a few calls and send some emails, but there’s a lot going on behind the scenes.
They’re constantly building profiles, tracking down references, organizing your documents, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks. And guess what? The best recruiters often know about jobs before they even hit the job boards. That inside scoop means they can submit your profile the second something opens up—getting you ahead of the crowd and right in front of hiring managers.
Once you’re on assignment, they don’t just disappear. They’re making sure your payroll is correct, checking your credentials are up to date, and coordinating with departments like benefits and compliance to keep everything on track.
How Do You Find One of These Unicorns?
It’s not as hard as it sounds. If you know other travelers who rave about their recruiter, ask for a referral! Word of mouth is powerful.
Bottom line? Technology can (and should) make healthcare staffing more efficient. But taking recruiters out of the equation entirely? That’s a miss.
At the end of the day, healthcare runs on people—and the same goes for healthcare staffing. Those relationships still matter. And for travelers especially, a great recruiter isn’t a luxury. They’re essential.
Looking for one? At Triage, our recruiters keep it honest, listen to what you really want, and help you make the call that’s right for you. Want to connect? Check out the open travel nurse jobs on the Triage website and get started today.