How to Start a Travel Nursing Company

Nurses have many different employment opportunities. A nurse may choose to work in a hospital, nursing home, school or even on cruise ship tending to the needs of passengers. A nurse may also choose to work for an agency. Nursing agencies specialize in placing nurses in temporary employment. Some agencies only work with local facilities. Others work with nursing employers all across the country. Such agencies are known as travel nursing agencies. If you have a background in medicine and business, starting a travel nursing agency can be an ideal way to combine your two interests.

Hire employees. You will need other employees to help you manage your business. Someone should be available to answer the phones, greet candidates for employment, help you manage the records of current employees and make sure that payroll is done properly. Look for candidates with a background in medicine or interest in the subject. A nursing manager seeking to change careers or a nurse who has left the field to take care of her children and wants to return can be ideal staffers. They may be able to help you enhance your knowledge of the industry.

Secure contracts with hospitals and other employers. Contact both local hospitals and hospitals in other states. Ask to speak with human resource personnel. Set up an appointment to speak about your background in the field and your ability to understand their employment needs. Ask for referrals to other hospitals and nursing homes. If necessary arrange a road trip to speak directly with hospitals in other parts of the state. Bring copies of your business plan with you.

Research state nursing requirements. Nursing requirements vary from state to state. Some states require candidates to complete a certain number of credits each year to keep their license current. Once a nurse graduates from nursing school she must pass state licensing exams. Some states will accept the results of other states' license testing requirements. Other states will make the candidate pass additional exams. If you are planning to place nurses in states across the county you must know exactly what is required of the nurse for employment in that state.

Set up an office space. You will need to have a space where you can interview candidates, store files and speak directly with potential clients. An office space in your house can be useful if you are just starting out and live in an area with high office rent. Consider a separate office space if you live in an area with lower rent office space. Look for an office that is near a major highway and is easy to find for potential employees.

Advertise for potential employees. Place advertisements in popular nursing journals. Contact schools of nursing and colleges that offer a major in nursing. Ask if you can speak with candidates directly about the opportunities you can offer qualified graduates.

Difficulty: Moderate