Travel Healthcare Professionals are NOT your Enemies Part 2

Healthcare professionals choose to work for reputable healthcare travel agencies for a multitude of reasons, including the freedom and flexibility offered to choose various units, locations, extended time periods off, and so much more.

An agency partners with healthcare facilities to offer them staffing solutions on a temporary basis.

The mission of Fidelity On Call is to be a seamless part of their organization. We are not there to reinvent the wheel, but rather to keep them operating as smoothly and seamlessly as possible.

MISCONCEPTIONS

⮚ A healthcare facility has no control over who the agency sends to them.

⮚ Facilities believe the cost is too high to use supplemental staffing.

⮚ Healthcare facilities are fearful that too much training and orientation is required for a short period of time.

⮚ The belief is that supplemental staffing personnel are not qualified.

FACTS

⮚ A reputable agency in professional healthcare staffing will not only provide the healthcare facility the complete professional work history, but also professional references and a thorough completed skills assessment and can arrange for phone interviews with candidates, if they would prefer.

⮚ In fact, when balanced out over time, hospital administration has learned that the cost of an employee vs. the cost of a supplemental staff member is not that far off and, in many cases, saves the facility money over time.

⮚ Accredited healthcare staffing agencies ensure that they are skills matching travelers to the position needed. Outside of the basic lay of the land travelers require very little orientation.

⮚ Again, accredited agencies are hiring professionals that are reference checked, skill checked in every possible way with national background checks, a drug screen, employment physicals etc. to ensure the person is not only qualified but highly qualified to help fill the staffing shortage.

If you have questions or would want to talk with us further, we are always available (309) 691-1500.

Travel Healthcare Professionals are NOT your Enemies Part 1

Healthcare facilities have utilized supplemental staffing professionals for over four decades. Fidelity On Call is going into its third decade of providing highly trained registered nurses along with highly skilled Allied health professionals. There are a lot of misconceptions regarding travel healthcare professionals, and we are here to set the record straight. We are not enemies of the staff employees, nor is our agency the enemy of the hospital. We are simply there to be a seamless part of your organization and solve your staffing crisis on a temporary basis or for as long as you need us and our team’s help.

MISCONCEPTIONS

⮚ Travel employees are here to replace a staff person’s job.

⮚ Travel healthcare professionals are inept and not experienced.

⮚ Travel healthcare professionals are making way more money than staff.

⮚ Travel healthcare professionals are not dependable.

FACTS

⮚ Travel employees CHOOSE to be travel and not staff for a multitude of reasons. They are only there to help for a specific period.

⮚ Travel healthcare professionals have at minimum one year of experience. Often, they have several years of experience.

⮚ Comparing staff pay to travel pay is not possible due to all the varying factors that apply.

⮚ As a facility’s back-up team, travel employees know they are held to a very high standard.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact us at (309) 691-1500.

Why Do You Ask For So Many Health Documents?

A question we often get is, “Why do we ask for so many health documents?”

The short answer is that Fidelity On Call has governing bodies to answer to. In fact, any reputable healthcare agency would have the same. Here in Illinois, we have:

✔ Illinois Department of Labor Health requirements
✔ Joint Commission
✔ Healthcare Facility Clients

You may find it interesting that every healthcare facility we work with requires different health documentation. In a perfect world it would be one unified list of requirements but, as you likely know from working IN healthcare, that is not the case.

To the point, our onboarding team here at Fidelity On Call is second to none. They streamline the entire process. So, while initially the request for information may seem overwhelming, when you work with one of our experienced healthcare onboarding professionals, they will walk you through resourcing and obtaining most things you already have, and if not, they will arrange for you to get what you need! It really is that simple. Also, they will save those items into your electronic file for future use should you need them!

Here are the basics you will need:

✔ Annual Physical
✔ Annual one step TB
✔ Covid/Flu Documentation or Declination
✔ Hep B (Series, titer or declination)
✔ MMR & Varicella (either two vaccines or titers showing immunity)
✔ Tdap within the last 10 years

As you can see, all these items you had to provide when starting nursing school. For some you may recall, for others you may not remember. WE CAN and WILL HELP!

Where We Are Going in 2024

In our Year In Review series, we’ve talked about where we’ve been, where we are, and how we are wrapping up 2023. Now let’s talk about where we are going in 2024.

Exciting New Benefits

We’ve been hard at work behind the scenes, crafting a fantastic 2024 for our elite team. Get ready for some new benefits rolling out next year, complementing our already stellar offerings.

More Freedom and Flexibility for Travel Nurses

Our elite team members already have the ability to choose their assignments and work when they want.

2024 brings paid time off that accrues with every shift you work. Your recruiter will have more details, so keep an eye out for that well-deserved time off.

Loyalty Bonuses

To our incredible long-term elite team members, we see you and appreciate your dedication. You’ve stood by us through thick and thin. We’re excited to share some exciting rewards with you in the coming year!

Expanding Horizons – Back to Our Roots

After navigating the challenges of the COVID chaos, we’re ready to expand our reach. Fidelity On Call is returning to some of our older markets, bringing opportunities galore! From central to southern, eastern to western, and even northern Illinois, there’s a place for everyone. Connect with your recruiter to explore opportunities both in and out of state – we’ve got it all covered!

Going On 30 Years of Excellence

Fidelity On Call, a true industry leader, will embark on its 30th year in business next year! With three decades of wisdom, we’ve seen it all and are beyond excited about the possibilities 2024 holds. Thank you for being part of our journey, and here’s to another year of excellence, growth, and shared success!

How We Are Wrapping Up 2023

We are continuing Fidelity on Call’s Year in Review series.

So far, Kellie and Carla have talked about 2023 and where we are as the year comes to a close. Now we want to talk about how we’re wrapping up the year.

Commitment to Excellence

At Fidelity on Call, our top priority has always been meeting the needs of our candidates, current staff, and clients. Our dedication to providing quality, high-quality professional healthcare workers is unwavering. We’re proud of the incredible elite team members who have stuck with us through the challenges of the year.

Adapting to Change

In a year where the healthcare industry underwent significant transformations, Fidelity On Call stood strong. As the market stabilized, so did rates. Those who joined travel healthcare for the right reasons stayed, and we’ve seen remarkable commitment from our elite team members. The numerous Daisy awards and outstanding contract evaluations are a testament to their excellence.

Client and Team Appreciation

Our clients have showered us with compliments, acknowledging the amazing work of our elite team members. The industry experienced shifts with hospitals directly recruiting travelers and various mergers affecting vendor management relationships. Yet, Fidelity On Call adapted seamlessly, showcasing our ability to evolve with the ever-changing landscape.

The Power of Teamwork

Behind the scenes, our home office team has been the backbone of our success. From account receivables to payroll, benefits, onboarding recruitment, and the addition of our new recruiter Amiah, our team has streamlined processes and overcome challenges together.

Looking Ahead to 2024

Now you know how we are wrapping up this eventful year. Stay tuned for our next video where we’ll share our plans for the coming year.