7 Questions About Travel Dietitian Jobs to Ask Your Recruiter

If you are currently a practicing dietitian who is starting to look for travel dietitian jobs, it is not uncommon to feel swamped with the amount of information out there. Looking for travel work can be a daunting task, especially when you are struggling to pick a recruiter or agency to contract with. 

When it comes to applying for a contract through a particular agency there are lots of things to consider. In this article, we will highlight 7 questions you should consider asking your healthcare recruiter. By asking the right questions, this will help you determine whether the contract you are after makes sense for you. And, it can make all the difference in your travel experience. 

1. What types of healthcare facilities hire travel dietitians through your agency?

Understanding the types of healthcare facilities or organizations that partner with the agency gives you insight into the diversity of experiences you might encounter. Different settings require different skill sets, and as a travel dietitian, it is important to understand the type of environment you may be working in. Check out some of the most popular facilities below: 

• Hospitals: These assignments often involve collaborating with medical teams to manage the nutritional needs of patients with various conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or eating disorders. You can either be assigned to work on a specific unit or you can work across multiple. 
• Nursing Homes or LTC Facilities: Here, you may focus on nutrition planning for elderly or long-term care residents, ensuring they receive proper nourishment to support the aging process. 
• Outpatient Clinics: Working in outpatient settings can involve counseling patients on specific dietary plans to manage chronic illnesses or achieve weight loss goals. Additionally, this setting usually involves a patient population that is at a lower acuity level. 

Each of these settings presents unique challenges and opportunities, so understanding where you might be placed is essential in aligning your interests and skills with potential assignments. Plus, knowing what facility a contract is associated with will help you curate a personalized experience that you are interested in. 

2. How does the compensation structure for travel dietitian jobs work?

Compensation is a critical factor in your decision-making process. This particular question is likely geared towards the travel agency itself. Typically, travel dietitians typically receive competitive pay, often higher than their permanent counterparts. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to getting paid. 

First, there are likely to be different pay rates for different locations. Each location factors in the cost of living, food, and travel along with a myriad of other factors that adjust wages as necessary. 

Second, you will want to understand whether you will be a W2 employee for the agency or a 1099 contract worker. This plays an instrumental role in taxation and other financial decisions. 

Finally, you will want to inquire about whether you will get paid on a weekly, biweekly, or perhaps a monthly basis. This will help you to better understand how to budget and allocate your resources effectively. 

3. What is the typical duration of assignments for travel dietitians? Are shorter or longer assignments available?

The duration of assignments can vary significantly, and it’s essential to understand what to expect. Commonly, travel contracts can be anywhere from eight to thirteen weeks. As an example, Novo Connections is a healthcare travel agency that offers travel dietitian jobs with 13-week contracts. Often, this length of contract can allow you enough time to get adjusted to your facility’s policies, and procedures, and become comfortable with your co-workers. 

Additionally, understanding the range of assignment durations offered by the agency will allow you to plan out your schedule accordingly. If you are looking for a short break from permanent hospital work, then an 8-week contract might be for you. However, if you are interested in making travel an essential part of your professional life, then a 13-week contract will allow for stability.

4. What is the process for matching travel dietitians with assignments? 

The process of matching with assignments is a critical aspect of your experience searching for travel dietitian jobs. Some agencies might randomly assign you to a contract. But, the majority are likely to let you pick and choose your contracts based on location, compensation, and other factors. 

However, it is important to keep in mind that not all contracts are guaranteed once you inquire about them. More often than not, you will undergo a hiring process that is quite similar to a permanent position. You will be vetted by the travel agency and can be required to participate in an interview process with the potential temporary facility. 

Regardless, knowing how the agency matches dietitians with assignments ensures that your preferences, such as location, facility type, and patient population, align with the assignments you receive. Additionally, it can be an important factor to consider if you are an individual who values flexibility.  

5. Can you provide information about the onboarding and orientation process for new travel dietitians at your agency?

A well-structured onboarding and orientation process can significantly impact your success in a new assignment. Asking your recruiter about this process will ensure that you do not miss any steps, jeopardize your contract position, and start work on time. 

Here is a quick list of what onboarding items you might want to ask about during your agency meeting: 

• Flu Shots
• Licensure 
• Certifications 
• Fingerprinting
• Drug Screening
• Tuberculosis Test 
• Background Check
• Immunization Records

6. What is the process for extending or ending an assignment, and how much notice is typically required?

Learning about the process for extending or ending assignments is vital for managing your travel dietitian career effectively. Primarily, getting clarification about this question will allow you to have continuity for an enjoyable assignment, transition easily at the end, and remain flexible in times of uncertainty. 

7. Are there opportunities for travel dietitians to transition into permanent positions with the facilities they are assigned to?

This question explores the potential for long-term career growth and stability. Getting input from your recruiter about whether or not it is common for dietitians to seek out permanent positions at the end of their contract is not an uncommon question to ask either. Doing so will help you assess your career goals, identify facility compatibility, and grow your network beyond any stretch of the imagination. 

Knowing whether the agency supports your long-term career goals and the process for transitioning to permanent positions provides clarity and confidence in your career path as a travel dietitian.

Start Your Travel Dietitian Career Today 

These seven questions are essential when evaluating healthcare travel agencies. Ensuring that you procure impactful information from your recruiter can help you make a decision about future travel dietitian jobs. It ensures that you choose an agency that aligns with your goals, preferences, and values, ultimately enhancing your overall experience as a travel dietitian. 

If you are interested in learning more about career options, get in touch with a recruiter at Novo Connections today and see what is in store for you.