So, your contract was canceled. Now what?

Whether your contract has been canceled or you’re seeing a decline in job opportunities for your specific modality, there are ways to be proactive for when the market bounces back.

For a long time, the life of a traveling healthcare professional was often met by a healthy amount of “wants.”

Where do I want to go?

What do I want in my next assignment?

When do I want to start traveling next?

It’s a lifestyle that adds flexibility, adventure, and room to explore what you want in your career rather than focusing strictly on job security or the size of your paycheck.

However, sometimes the travel healthcare industry sees market declines, causing canceled contracts and a falling number of job opportunities. When there is a market contraction, the resulting job market is usually a bit more competitive.  This means travelers are not only going where the few opportunities are, but where they are needed.

You’re probably asking yourself, “When is this going to return to normal?”

Although there’s never a set amount of time for the market to bounce back, we have tips to help prepare for when it does.

Make sure your licenses and certifications are up-to-date.

There are exemptions being made for certain licenses and certifications, like the AHA extending their CPR expiration window from 60 to 120 days. However, it’s always smart to make sure everything is up-to-date. Although the exams themselves are not administered online, the renewal process is. This is a quick and easy process and will ensure you don’t have any setbacks when applying to positions.

Start the application process to obtain state licenses.

If you are a traveler checking off as many states as possible, it’s imperative to acquire the licenses needed. Take this time to apply for state licenses, especially those that take a notoriously long time to receive. States with particularly long licensing processes include California, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. 

Work with a recruiter to complete your profile.

Whether you’re a current traveler or someone looking to start in the future, working with a recruiter now to complete your profile, even if jobs are limited, is paramount. Some aspects of the recruitment process include submitting your application, locking down your preferences, and having references on hand. Having a fully completed profile will ensure you can hit the ground running, instead of trying to play catch up when the market returns to normal.

Though this can be a frustrating and uncertain time for everyone, we can take solace knowing this too shall pass. Being proactive now and setting yourself up for success will ensure your future self will reap the benefits!

Bre Miller is a Social Media Recruiter for the Imaging division at Aureus Medical Group.