Direct Hire vs. Staffing Agency: Which is Better for Nurses?
August 16, 2022
Here at Avant, one of the top questions we get from international nurses is "What is the difference between a direct hire and recruitment agency?" This is an essential question, and you must understand your options to make an informed decision.
Let's look at some comparisons between a direct-hire and recruitment agency to shed some light on which is a better choice for you.
Who Serves As Your Employer and Sponsor?
International nurses cannot live and work in the U.S. without a visa. The visa for nurses is a permanent residency visa, otherwise known as a Green Card, which a sponsor processes.
A direct hire option and a recruitment agency such as Avant Healthcare Professionals will provide you with that green card sponsorship. With Direct-Hire, the hospital is your employer and Green Card sponsor.
With a Recruitment Agency, the agency becomes your sponsor and employer; however, you will work at one of their clienteles' facilities.
Where Would Your Job Placement Be?
It is important to note that Direct-hire files a Green Card petition for a single location. It could be beneficial for those who may want to know exactly where they are going ahead of time. For example, when a Green Card is filed for North Carolina, that green card petition will only be for that job as a registered nurse in that hospital in North Carolina. The possible setback with this arrangement is that should the job or position get canceled, the green card processing will have to start again. This is because the opportunity is processed for only one single location.
Meanwhile, due to the nature of a recruitment agency's contract, you may not know which state you are assigned to ahead of time, but the great thing is that a recruitment agency files for a Green Card in multiple locations. If a job gets canceled, your Green Card petition does not need to start from the beginning, your process continues, and there will be many options for your placement across the U.S.
What is the Assistance Provided in the Process?
More often, with direct hire, you are expected to do things independently for the NCLEX, IELTS, and Visa Screen. You will pay for everything involved in the process, like NCLEX and IELTS exam fees. You will also be the one to file your Visa Screen and pay for the related expenses.
In contrast, with a recruitment agency, you are assisted with sponsorship and supported with the exams, and in most cases they process and pay for a Visa Screen on your behalf. This kind of support is usually a big deal for those nurses who may not have the extra money to pay for the fees involved in the process.
How Long is the Contract?
Both options vary in the number of years or contract hours, so when you receive your contract, review the fine print, and ensure you know what you are signing up for and understand the terms of your agreement.
How Should You Decide Which One is Better For You?
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Be wise and research your options. Listen to nurses who have signed up with a direct-hire and recruitment agency and weigh the pros and cons.
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Discuss your options with people you trust. Moving to the U.S. is a big decision, so you should have a trustworthy circle with your best interest at heart. Ask them the big questions up to the minor details that concern you. The more obvious things are with you, the more you will feel settled with your choice.
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Read the contract thoroughly. Know what you're signing up for, and ask questions about the contract. Never feel rushed. Your safety and success should be your utmost priority.
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Choose an ethical employer for your American Dream. Make sure that you are looking for an employer who has been in the industry for some time and can give you the assurance and the confidence that they know exactly what they are doing and will treat you with respect. Look for an employer with a track record of commitment to see you through the hiccups and hurdles and bring you to where you need to be.
You will be the only person who can determine which choice is better for you. Make a list of your needs, see who can meet those, and ultimately help you live your American Dream.
If you consider Avant Healthcare Professionals, here are 5 Reasons Why Nurses Choose Avant to add to your research. Best of luck with your journey!
Avant Healthcare Professionals is the premier recruiting and staffing specialist for internationally educated healthcare professionals. When you join the Avant Healthcare Professionals program, you have entire teams of experts who are dedicated to your success in the USA! Take the first step toward your new life and a new career. Apply today to find out if you qualify to be part of this exclusive program! You could be working in the U.S. in as little as 12 months!
