In a fast-paced industry like travel healthcare, it’s easy to spot a good healthcare staffing agency. But what separates a great agency from a good one?
At Ventura MedStaff, we believe the difference lies in the details: how we show up for our travelers and facilities every single day, how we communicate, and how we evolve with the ever-changing demands of healthcare. It’s about creating a better experience at every level.
We sat down with CEO, Jeff Shaffar, to get his opinion on what makes a great healthcare staffing agency from both the traveler and facility perspective, and how Ventura MedStaff meets the challenge.
Treating Travelers as More Than a Contract
When asked what top qualities a great agency offers its travelers, Jeff doesn’t hesitate.
“First,” he said, “it’s all about the experience. The best recruiters act as true adventure guides; they are not only knowledgeable and skilled, but they go the extra mile to make sure travelers feel supported from day one.” Whether you’re figuring out your first assignment or your tenth license, you should have a team that walks with you every step of the way.
Second, Jeff emphasized the importance of real relationships. “This can’t just be transactional. You have to take the time to know your travelers, not just where they want to go, but why. What drives them? What makes them feel fulfilled in their work?”
And third: access. “At the end of the day, having the right connections means more opportunities in the locations and specialties travelers want,” Jeff said. A great agency has the network, partnerships, and persistence to help travelers land the roles they truly want and where they want them.
But the traveler-agency relationship doesn’t stop when you get placed. “The real difference,” Jeff pointed out, “is showing you’re invested in a traveler’s career, not just their next contract.”
That means:
- Owning the process and putting the money where your mouth is. Having recruiters and agencies act as a true guide, staying accountable, and adapting through any ups and downs.
- Taking time to learn each person’s long-term goals, professionally and personally.
- And standing by them, especially when challenges arise. “There’s no such thing as a perfect situation,” Jeff said. “But when things get tough, a great healthcare staffing agency doesn’t disappear. We help you move forward.”
The Unsung Heroes: Recruiters and Compliance
Jeff was quick to praise the roles of recruiters and compliance teams in this process. “There are so many moving parts in travel healthcare. Having support that doesn’t stop when the assignment starts, that’s critical.”
At Ventura MedStaff, recruiters and compliance teams tag-team from the moment a job is offered until long after the first day on-site. They don’t hand you off – it’s a true partnership from day one.
Transparency Isn’t Optional
When it comes to transparency, Jeff didn’t mince words: “It must happen. Period.”
He explained that communication – what he calls “The Big C” – starts with recruiters and filters through every part of the process. “You’ve got to provide all pertinent information, and more, that’s the expectation.”
Travelers are expected to make big decisions quickly, and they deserve every piece of information to do that confidently.
Growth with a Personal Touch
As Ventura MedStaff continues to grow, Jeff remains focused on preserving the personal experience travelers have come to trust.
“Growth is the goal for any business,” Jeff explained. “But we’re very conscious of keeping our recruiter-to-traveler and client-to-facility ratios balanced. We are constantly monitoring those numbers closely to make adjustments as needed.”
He also highlighted the Sales team’s commitment to the Ventura MedStaff experience. “They go above and beyond to make sure everyone’s experience with us is not just maintained, but more importantly, enhanced.”
What Facilities Need and Deserve
From the facility side, Jeff said the formula for greatness comes down to three essentials: high-quality candidates, outstanding communication, and consistency.
“Our facilities need people who show up ready to work with the right attitude and the right skills,” Jeff said. “But beyond that, they need clear, complete profiles, honest updates, and a consistent process from start to finish.”
Ventura MedStaff’s facility partnerships thrive because of ongoing collaboration and regular check-ins. “It’s about identifying concerns and solving problems BEFORE they become issues. We don’t wait for things to go wrong before we step in,” Jeff said.
Facilities are also navigating a shifting landscape. “This industry changes constantly,” he noted. “We have to evolve just like they do.”
Building Long-Term Trust
Trust, according to Jeff, is earned through action. “You have to start strong out of the gate by focusing on the Three C’s: customer service, communication, and collaboration.”
But that’s just the beginning.
“A great healthcare staffing agency doesn’t just prove itself in the beginning. We’re committed to proving our value not just at the start, but throughout the entire journey, constantly improving and elevating the experience.” That’s how you build long-term trust with travelers, with facilities, and with your own team.
Because for us at Ventura MedStaff, “Mediocrity is never an option.” Jeff emphasizes.
Travel with Ventura MedStaff
We’re here to raise the standard of what travelers and facilities should expect from their agency. That’s how we turn good into great and why we never stop pushing for better. If you are a traveler or facility looking to partner with a great staffing agency, we’d love to connect with you. Contact us today to get started.