FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) FOR
NURSES AND ALLIED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Thank you for taking the time to visit the Onward Healthcare website. We have put together answers to many of the common questions we receive from our healthcare professionals in order to better serve you. We hope you find them helpful and informative.
Questions are broken down into the following categories:
If you are not able to find your answer or have additional questions, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-278-0332 or info@onwardhealthcare.com.
General Information
Who types of professionals does Onward staff?
Onward Healthcare offers nationwide travel assignments for RNs and allied healthcare professionals, including PTs/PTAs, OTs/COTAs, SLPs, RTs, MTs/MLTs, Surg Techs, and select Radiology professionals. In addtion, we offer local per diem placement services for RNs, LPNs and allied healthcare professionals in select markets. To view our list of local offices, click here.
Why should I choose Onward Healthcare?
Onward Healthcare is the fastest growing staffing company in the healthcare staffing industry and has more
than 20 years of management experience placing healthcare professionals in
temporary and contract positions across the country. Our clients repeatedly turn
to us to provide them with the best and most qualified healthcare professionals. When you work with Onward, not only will you receive world class customer
service, but you will also
have the opportunity to work with some of the best hospitals and facilities in
the country.
Do you specialize in any specific areas in the country?
Onward Healthcare's travel division works with over 1,500 hospitals in all 50 states. We are also the largest provider of local per diem nursing and local per diem therapy positions in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic and now offer the same service in New Mexico. We constantly have
new positions coming in daily in all types of settings and locations.
Do I pay a fee to work with Onward Healthcare?
No. Our hospital clients pay for our services.
Why do clients hire Onward Healthcare?
Clients hire us because of the difficulty
in finding the best candidate for their open needs. By using Onward Healthcare for their sourcing needs, clients are able to save time and
money. Onward Healthcare has the experience and resources to find the ideal candidate for our hospital clients. We offer a win-win situation by helping our clients find a dedicated and reliable professional and helping our professionals find a great paying position that also fosters their career growth.
Local Per Diem Staffing
What type of opportunities does OH provide?
Onward Healthcare offers per-diem, part-time, full-time, or blocked assignments for nurses and allied healthcare professionals in select markets.
When you register with Onward, you will indicate your shift and work preferences, and we
will then match you to the shifts/assignments that meet your particular needs.
Where can I work as a local per diem nurse or allied healthcare professional?
Onward Healthcare is the largest provider of per diem staffing in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, with offices now open in the Southwest. To view our full list of offices, click here.
How do I get started?
The best way to get started to to contact your local office directly from the link in the question above. You may also complete our Online Application or email us at perdiem@onwardhealthcare.com for more information.
Once you have completed your application either online or through our branch office, we will complete your registration by getting some additional information required by the Joint Commission,
OSHA, and our facilties (such as health clearance paperwork, licensure verification, etc.). Once you are fully registered, you are able to work immediately.
What is the compensation and benefits plan for per diem employees?
In addition to the highest paying salaries in the industry, Onward offers an unparalleled benefits program that includes vacation, retirement, and
health insurance once you have met certain hourly milestones. We also offer completion bonuses for certain blocked assignments, and a $500 referral bonus if you refer someone to Onward who works at least eighty (80) hours with our company.
Travel Staffing
Why do healthcare professionals travel?
Some healthcare professionals travel to see different parts of the country, while others travel
because they will receive better compensation. It depends on the
individual, but most healthcare professionals travel for a combination of location,
pay, benefits, and professional opportunities.
What are the minimum requirements to become an OH Traveler?
You must have a degree from an accredited healthcare
professional program in the United States or Canada and at least one year of
hospital experience.
How do I become an OH Traveler?
Applying is easy. Just complete our Online Application
and we will have all the information we need so you can get started.
Do I have to fill out an application, or can I just send my resume?
We need more details than a resume can provide in order to find the perfect
assignment for you. Once your Onward Healthcare application is completely
filled out, signed and returned to OH, we can get you started on your journey.
Do I have to travel with you once I have submitted my application?
No. Your application is simply used to qualify you for travel so that if you
decide you want to travel with us, we can find the perfect assignment for you.
How long will it take to approve my application and find an assignment?
Application approval is complete after we have checked your references. You
could begin your first assignment within one week as long as your documentation
is in order and you have a current license in the state to which you're
traveling.
Do I need to sign an employment contract in order to work with OH?
No. You are contractually committed for each assignment you take, but not with
OH in general.
How long are travel assignments?
A typical assignment is 13 weeks, but we offer a range of assignments.
Where can I go?
With OH you have the flexibility to travel almost anywhere in the country. We
have positions from coast to coast, in small towns and large cities. When you
speak with your OH Recruiter, you'll be able to specify where you'd like to go
and we will put forth our best effort to find you the assignment you want.
What shifts are available?
We offer shifts ranging from 8, 10 and 12 hours, depending on the facility. We
also work with hospitals to make sure that you are not floating unnecessarily.
When am I committed to an assignment?
After interviewing with the facility, they will decide if they want to extend
an offer to you. At that time, you decide if you would like to accept the
assignment. You are never obligated to take an assignment and not taking an
assignment will not affect future assignments.
What happens after I accept an assignment?
We will send all of your paperwork to the facility for their review. If you
have any additional questions for the facility, be sure to have them prepared
for your phone interview so that you are completely comfortable with your
assignment.
How will Onward Healthcare prepare me for my assignment?
Once you have accepted an assignment, your OH Recruiter will confirm your start
date, shift, unit and salary. We will send you a package with all the
information you will need to start your assignment, including accommodations.
How do I get to my assignments?
It's best to drive your car since we reimburse you for miles traveled to and
from your assignment. Travel is reimbursed up to $500 roundtrip.
If I'm on assignment and don't like it, do I have to stay?
You are obligated to the facility and Onward Healthcare to complete your
assignment. Once an assignment is complete, it is up to you to continue
traveling.
Can I be fired by a facility while I'm on assignment?
Facilities are contractually obligated to you, just as you are to them for the
duration of the assignment. Only in cases of documented poor behavior, can the
facility cancel the contract. Our OH Recruiters and support staff should be able
to work with our travelers and facilities to ensure that this does not happen.
What happens once my assignment is complete?
If the facility would like to extend your assignment, you can continue with
them if you'd like. If you or the facility do not wish to extend your
assignment, you may contact OH to sign up for a new assignment elsewhere.
Where will I live?
We offer free, private housing on our assignments. Premium one-bedroom apartments are available for a fee in selected locations.
If I don't use the company's housing, will I receive a housing allowance?
You will receive a monthly housing subsidy if you arrange for your own housing.
The amount varies for each assignment and location.
Do you pay moving costs?
We reimburse mileage for travel from your permanent residence to your
assignment, at the rate of $.25/mile each way up to $500 maximum round-trip.
If I reside in Onward Healthcare accommodations, are my personal items insured?
No, they aren't. Most insurance companies offer short-term, inexpensive
renters' insurance that will cover your personal belongings.
Does working as a travel professional have any implications for me from a tax perspective?
As with most tax-related questions, it depends on your individual situation. Onward recommends all travel professionals consult a tax advisor to ensure they are properly managing the tax implications of their travel assignments. If you do not have a tax advisor, the following consultants / firms specialize in travel healthcare-related tax services:
Please note these firms are not affiliated with Onward Healthcare, and we do not endorse their services over any other tax advisors. Onward Healthcare does not provide tax advice, and should you engage one of the above firms, the relationship you have is solely between you and the firm.
Compensation
What will my salary be?
Pay rates depend on your specialty and experience as well as the facility and
the location. Your team at Onward Healthcare will always negotiate top dollar
for you.
When and how will I be paid?
Onward Healthcare Per Diem and Travel staff have their paycheck directly deposited
into their accounts weekly.
Are cash bonuses paid at any assignments?
Yes, many facilities offer cash bonuses -- some up to $5,000. These completion
bonuses are paid at the end of your assignment. Ask your recruiter for more details.
Does OH offer any bonuses if I refer a friend to OH?
Absolutely! Our Refer-A-Friend Program provides you with a $500 referral bonus
for any friends you refer to us that complete a 13-week assignment with OH.
How are my taxes handled?
As your employer, Onward Healthcare withholds your taxes; you are not an
independent contractor. At the end of the year, you will receive a W-2 from
every state in which you've worked. See your tax planner for specific tax
questions.
Does Onward Healthcare award a sign-on bonus?
We offer up to $1,000 sign-on bonuses for travelers depending on the
assignment.
Does Onward Healthcare provide programs / reimbursement for Continuing Education?
Yes! Onward Healthcare maintains a program to help you enhance your credentials and education. For more information, please review the
Continuing Education Programs section of our web site.
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