By Kristin Rothwell, contributor
While most would likely agree that there’s nothing better than the ability to explore new cities and ways of life as a travel nurse, the benefits are amazing, too.
Many temporary health care staffing companies understand that the demands of being a nurse are high—particularly when working in a new environment. That’s why most staffing companies believe it’s important to show their appreciation by rewarding travel nurses’ hard work and dedication.
Whether its free housing, free health insurance, retirement plans or incentive programs, travel companies make every effort to provide the best benefits packages as a “thank you” to their travelers.
“When I think of our travelers, I think of a quote by author David McNally who said, ‘Your rewards in life will be in direct proportion to the contributions you make,’ ” said Susan Forrest, director of Customer Service at one of the nation’s leading health care staffing organizations, American Mobile Healthcare. “Our travelers make a very special contribution to the world of health care, and make a valuable impact at the facilities where they are working on assignment.”
For the past four years, Roberta Townson, RN, has been traveling with American Mobile Healthcare. Among the perks she takes advantage of include special bonuses for referring new travelers and earning points for completed assignments, which she uses toward cash prizes. She also enjoys the luxury of having a home that’s move-in ready when she travels on assignment to a new city, a benefit which every health care professional who travels with American Mobile can receive.
“Overall, the apartments have been excellent,” Townson said. “[American Mobile Healthcare] wants its travelers to be safe, they want us to be comfortable and if something isn’t right, they do everything they can to keep us happy.”
“We pride ourselves on providing the best available housing at any given time,” said Brenda Gebler, executive director of housing at American Mobile Healthcare.
“We do careful research of each property,” she added. “We’re trying to provide properties that offer a community lifestyle to our nurses so that wherever they may travel with American Mobile, they can expect the same quality of housing.”
American Mobile Healthcare recently unveiled its preferred housing program, which partners with the top property management groups in the country to provide housing that is safe, comfortable, convenient and consistent in quality and amenities.
“We solidified our relationship with a national supplier of properties that we feel matches AMH’s mission of quality and security,” Gebler said.
As more nurses turn to travel nursing as a career alternative, Forrest said she is continually in awe of the nurses who often leave their friends and family to try their hand at working in a new facility where they must learn new skills and procedures.
“There’s a real commitment on their part and obviously they receive very tangible awards for what they do,” Forrest said.
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