Most staffing surprises come from things nobody asked about: conversion fees, minimum hours, overtime billing and who is responsible for what. Take these questions to every healthcare staffing agency you call, write the answers side by side, and get the important ones in writing.
Typical timing (rule of thumb): varies by license and shift.
The Questions
- What is the bill rate, and how much of it reaches the worker as pay?
- Who handles payroll, payroll taxes, workers' compensation and unemployment insurance?
- What is the conversion fee if we hire the worker directly, and when does it drop to zero?
- What is the replacement guarantee if someone does not work out?
- How do you verify licenses, and how often do you recheck them?
- Who keeps immunization, TB and competency records?
- Do you carry professional liability coverage?
- What are your shift cancellation rules on both sides?
- Do you check federal exclusion lists?
- What are the crisis or holiday rates?
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Tips
- Check nurse licenses through the official state board or Nursys.
- Ask for cancellation terms up front: late cancellations are a common surprise.
- Job seekers: compare the full package (hourly pay, stipends, insurance, guaranteed hours), not the headline number.
Before You Sign
- Check the rate, start date, job duties and work location in the agreement.
- Read the conversion, cancellation and overtime terms.
- Agree who trains, who supervises and who reports injuries.
- Keep the signed copy where your payroll or HR person can find it.
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