Isaiah N., R.N. and Kendrick A.: A Remarkable Nurse-Recruiter Bond
Isaiah N. has been a registered nurse for two years and is currently working in Med-Surg in Atlanta, Georgia. Isaiah and his AMN Healthcare recruiter, Kendrick A., have a remarkable relationship that began before the two men launched their professional careers.
Nurse and Recruiter Relationship
The bond between a nurse and a healthcare recruiter is crucial, serving as a foundation for personal and professional growth. This unique connection goes beyond filling a role; it's about forming a supportive partnership that aids career development, ensuring roles align with the nurse’s skills and aspirations, and offers a reliable support system.
Isaiah and Kendrick have a special nurse-recruiter bond. The two met during undergrad at UCLA, so they’ve known each other for years prior to working together in healthcare.
Kendrick describes their relationship, “We’ve been talking about working together for years now. I told Isaiah as soon as you get one year of experience, we’ll get you on board with us and you can take your first payment through us. He applied, I took over his files, and we got him working at the facility he wanted.”
Another bond they share is one of brotherhood. Both Isaiah and Kendrick are members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. The fraternal organization consists of members who want to improve downtrodden communities, and Isaiah and Kendrick are shining examples. “We’re both super passionate about giving back and helping underserved communities. The people that need it (help) come in all forms and fashions, and it’s something that we’ve always been interested in,” explains Kendrick.
Typically, nurses are paired with recruiters randomly, on a first-come first-served basis. However, since this is a referral, the two were paired together. “We talk like every day or every other day now. About contract stuff and checking in on how I’m doing,” Isaiah said.
Isaiah’s Nursing Journey
Everyone’s journey is different and all of them are right. Isaiah always had the intention to help people in the medical field, adding, “when that’s on your heart, it’s hard to shake it off.” This passion ignited his shift from a career in public health to a career in nursing. His goal is to become a nurse practitioner.
Nursing includes various settings, from busy emergency rooms to calm community clinics, from research labs to home health care. Initially, after earning his bachelor's degree in nursing, Isaiah intended to work in the ICU, but then he fell in love with Med-Surg. After achieving one year of experience, he decided to spread his wings with travel nursing. “So, Kendrick helped me out with that and getting me connected with AMN and now I’m a travel nurse.”
Right now, Isaiah loves where he is. “It’s been a great situation for me, and I love being a nurse. In the Med-Surg unit, I can keep advancing my skills. There are always new ways to grow and learn as a nurse.”
As for future travels for Isaiah, he said he’s open to it all, hinting at Houston, Washington, D.C., or California.
Empowered Nurses Empower Nurses
Isaiah is a role model nurse who offers advice to those curious about a career in healthcare and travel. His advice for nurses is to “never forget that people are better because of our work. If you lose that true essence of caring for people, then you lose the true essence of the job.”
“Make sure that every room you step in and every move that you make, even every thought you have when you’re on the job is to prioritize the care and health of people. We have a very important job, and respect is paramount.”
Isaiah continued with advice for new nurses: “Take your time. It’s a career and not just something to get in quickly and make money. It’s something to cherish, something to desire, and something to appreciate. This role is truly rewarding, and you can see the benefits of everything you do right in front of you. You can see your effect and be sure to take the time to appreciate that.”
“And take your time to learn and grow in your role. Sit with the enjoyment of being a nurse because it’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience.”
Insight from the Recruitment Side
Kendrick, a recruiter for five years at AMN Healthcare, shared, “Travel nurses get to see an area that they’ve never been to before. If you’ve always wanted to live in a big city, you can do so anywhere in the U.S. It’s great money. It may not be as high as during the pandemic, but we make sure nurses are paid fairly and I want them to feel that way. I want them to be in the best position.”
“In travel nursing, we can get our nurses paid adequately and I thank AMN and our leadership for that. Just in terms of the top-tier facilities and new facilities, we give our nurses a lot of opportunities and options to choose wherever they’d like to go. Not just for first contracts, but for second, third, and more.”
“If you’re early in your career or if you’re at the end of your career and you’re looking for something different, travel nursing is a great way to switch it up. Making sure you choose the right agency is important and a huge part to having a successful travel assignment.” Read more about how to find the best travel assignments.
“You want a recruiter who is reaching out to you, consistently checking in, and making sure you’re enjoying the assignment. And make sure they’re listening to you. If you want to go to a new area or change facilities, we’re open to that.”
Kendrick kindly expressed his appreciation for Isaiah during the conversation: “Since the jump, you’ve done such an amazing job on the unit. You’re the perfect traveler to select for this spotlight because I’ve had a great experience with you as well.”
This dynamic duo showcases the importance of building strong and meaningful relationships in the healthcare industry, specifically the powerful synergy between nurse and recruiter. If you’re ready to grow your career with a supportive recruiter like Kendrick by your side, apply today.
