Working With Multiple Healthcare Staffing Agencies

If you’ve ever juggled offers from two (or five…or ten) recruiters at once, you know the feeling. It can be exciting but overwhelming.

Here’s the good news: it’s totally normal to work with multiple agencies.

In fact, at Goodwill Staffing, we totally get it, and we encourage you to keep us in the loop.

You’re in charge of your caree. And while you don’t have to tell us who else you’re working with, it helps us better support your goals and avoid things like duplicate submissions or crossed wires.

Our job is to help you build the career you want.

Want to find out how? Stay with us

Why It’s Normal to Work With Multiple Healthcare Staffing Agencies

Think of it like comparison shopping. No single agency has every contract in Canada, and each one offers unique:

• Facility partnerships
• Travel stipends
• Credentialing support

Working with several agencies expands your opportunities and helps you find the right fit faster. And don’t worry, an ethical agency like Goodwill Staffing will understand that you’re talking to others. We actually encourage you to let us know. Transparency helps everyone work smarter, not harder.

Staying Organized: Your Sanity-Saving System for Working With Multiple Recruiters

By staying organized, you’ll cut down on stress and make smarter choices when the right travel healthcare offer comes your way.

A clear system not only keeps your documents and details in order, but also helps you confidently compare recruiters and choose the assignment that truly fits your goals.

1. Create a Dedicated Work Email

Set up a separate Gmail or Outlook address just for travel work. This keeps your personal inbox clean and helps you avoid missing important updates.

Pro tip: Use folders or labels like “Goodwill Staffing,” “Agency B,” or “Assignments.”

2. Build a Master Spreadsheet or Use a Tracker App

Track key details like:

• Agency Name
• Recruiter Contact Info
• Facility & Location
• Specialty/Unit
• Pay Rate (Regular & OT)
• Contract Length & Start Date
• Travel/Housing Allowance
• Credentialing Status
• Contract Terms
• Notes (Vibe with the recruiter? Red flags?)

3. Store Your Credentials in the Cloud

Upload your BLS, ACLS, license/registration, resume, and references to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.

4. Track Your Expenses for Tax Time

Some expenses may be deductible in Canada, including:

• Travel to/from your assignment
• Housing costs
• Licensing and credentialing fees
• Uniforms and work gear
• Certain meals (check CRA rules)

Use tools like QuickBooks Self-Employed, Wave, or a simple spreadsheet.

How to Compare Multiple Job Offers

Pay rates are just the start. When considering multiple travel healthcare offers, it’s important to remember that there are many different aspects that will determine which one is right for you.

Here’s what else to consider:

Facility & Unit Fit

• Does the environment suit your clinical interests?
• What’s the patient ratio and acuity?
• Is the support staff reliable?

Total Pay Package

• Hourly rate + overtime + stat holiday pay
• Travel & housing stipends
• Meal allowances
• What’s taxable vs. non-taxable?

Location & Lifestyle

• Big city, coastal town, or remote community?
• Local cost of living?
• Bucket list destination?

Travel, Housing, and Licensing Support

• Do they reimburse travel and license fees?
• Do they help you find safe accommodations?
• Do they pay upfront or reimburse later?

Contract Terms & Extensions

• Start and end dates
• Length (4, 8, 13, 26 weeks)
• Can you extend your assignment?
• What’s the cancellation policy?

Recruiter Relationship

• Are they responsive and honest?
• Do they advocate for you—or just fill contracts?
• Do they respect your goals?

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Keeping an eye out for these will be the difference between an unexpectedly bumpy assignment and smooth sailing all the way through

• Vague contract terms or incomplete paperwork
• High-pressure sales tactics (“Take it now or lose it!”)
• Unclear or hidden costs
• Poor or inconsistent communication
• No after-hours support if you run into issues on shift
• Little to no licensing or credentialing support

Travel nursing can be difficult but it should never be because of the staffing agency you choose.

Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Travel Contract

Empower yourself by asking:

• What’s the total pay package (taxable/non-taxable)?
• Are licensing and credentialing costs covered?
• What are the travel and housing details?
• What happens if my contract is canceled early?
• Is there after-hours support?
• Can I extend this contract?
• How long is the credentialing process?

Just like with red flags, making sure you understand everything the assignment entails is key in preparing to make the right decision.

Building Great Relationships With Recruiters

A great recruiter relationship = career longevity.
Here’s how to make it last:

• Share your career goals (travel every 8 weeks? Aim for a permanent job next year?)
• Give honest feedback about your assignments
• Keep your availability up to date
• Refer other great healthcare pros
• Stay connected, even when you’re happy where you are

The recruiter will be there every step of the way, so making sure they understand your goals is key to finding what’s right for you. A big part of that is what you say.

So here are some things to keep in mind when you discuss details with them.

Tips for Communicating With Multiple Recruiters

Be upfront (if you feel comfortable): Let recruiters know you’re working with others. We encourage it! It prevents duplicate submissions and saves everyone time.

Tell them what you’re looking for: Be clear about your locations, pay expectations, and contract duration.

Keep it professional: If you accept elsewhere, let recruiters know. They’ll appreciate the heads-up and keep you in mind for next time.

Stay in touch: Even if you’re on assignment with someone else, regular check-ins help you stay top of mind.

How to Grow Your Career While Traveling

Travel work is a growth opportunity:

• Build multi-province experience
• Explore new specialties like ER, OBS, or rural healthcare
• Earn new certifications (PALS, TNCC, etc.)
• Network across facilities and provinces
• Volunteer on unit committees or quality improvement teams

Check out our Travel Nurse Career Tips to learn more.

How Goodwill Staffing Supports You

At Goodwill Staffing, we:

• Help you compare offers even if they’re from other agencies
• Are transparent about rates and contracts
• Support your licensing and credentialing
• Help you navigate interprovincial work
• Offer benefits like health plans, sick pay, and travel reimbursement
• Focus on your goals, not just filling jobs

Contact Us or Check Out Our Openings.

Helpful Resources for Canadian Travel Healthcare Professionals

Credentialing & Licensing:

• Canadian Nurses Association Licensing Guide
• Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists
• Canadian Physiotherapy Regulators

Taxes & Expenses:

• CRA Employment Expenses
• TurboTax Canada
  

Checklist for Staying on-top of Multiple Healthcare Offers

• Create a dedicated work email
• Track offers in a spreadsheet or app
• Store your credentials in the cloud
• Compare total packages, not just pay
• Communicate openly with recruiters
• Ask smart questions before accepting
• Watch for red flags
• Track your expenses for tax time
• Keep growing your career

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, you’re in charge of your career.

If you’re working with multiple recruiters, that’s awesome. We totally get it.
If you want to keep it simple with just one agency, that’s great too.

Either way, we’re here to help you navigate your options, compare your choices, and build a career you love.

Want to chat?

Reach out to our team today at [email protected] or check out our latest travel nursing jobs.

Safe travels!