3 Travel Therapy Myths: REVEALED

• Can I travel as a new grad?
• Will I get forced to go somewhere I don’t want to go?

You heard the things people say about travel therapy…

… but have they ever traveled? 

Likely not. (Or if they did, maybe they missed this article.)

Either way, I wanted to DEBUNK 3 Myths about Travel Therapy.

MYTH 1: IT’S NOT GOOD FOR NEW GRADS

TRUTH:

• Keep in mind, 80-90% of travel jobs are the same job openings for permanent employees. In other words, they are actively seeking perm staff.  Therefore, these are the same jobs you could be applying for if you were to move to the area for work, looking for a perm position. So, the likelihood is that they want you to enjoy your experience, because if you like them and they like you, you may sign on there perm, and they won’t need a traveler anymore.  I have been asked to stay permanently at every position.  Only a small portion is for short-term maternity, medical, military leave, or seasonal population shifts.
• By asking the right questions at the interview, you can determine if the opportunity will be a good fit for a new grad and what support staff, mentorship, and orientation is available. If you fail to ask these questions or make assumptions, then you could end up in a position that is not ideal for a new grad.  Whether perm or travel, not all jobs are appropriate for new grads, the key is to be able to weed out those that are and those that are not on the interview.

MYTH 2: YOU GET SENT TO BAD PLACES

TRUTH:

• You ultimately decide whether or not to accept a position. Nobody forces you or sends you anywhere.  You are in charge of researching an area before accepting a contract AND asking all the right questions during an interview to determine what kind of facility it is. You are completely in control of where you want to apply to, interview with, and ultimately, you decide whether you accept the job or not. So, you are never forced to go anywhere or placed without your consent. It is completely up to you to accept or decline a job. But it is important to work with a trusted recruiter and not just go with any company.

MYTH 3: YOU ARE TREATED POORLY BY STAFF 

TRUTH:

• Typically, when you show up to a new facility, you are relieving the perm staff from carrying a heavier caseload. So, in our experience, they are always thrilled to have us. Also, the energy that you throw out there is what you are going to get back! So, express gratitude for the opportunity to come and work for them and be a part of their team. Do this, and you will not only have great co-workers but new friends. 
  

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