Nurse staffing agencies are a great option for registered nurses who enjoy flexible work opportunities. Agencies offer a variety of positions, locations and assignments giving nurses the flexibility and freedom to work in different facilities with new teams. Nurses still have the option to work full-time at a facility of their choosing. This provides opportunities to build on your nursing skills and experience in diverse settings. When joining a nurse staffing agency, one of the first things you’ll be asked to do is complete a credentialing process. Below, you’ll find an overview of this process and some tips & tricks to complete your nurse credentialing as efficiently as possible.
What is credentialing?
Credentialing is a process by which a non-governmental agency or association certifies that an individual licensed to practice a profession has met certain predetermined standards specified by that profession for specialty practice. For a nurse staffing agency, credentialing is a must! Nurses are required to provide evidence of nursing documentation, license(s) and experience needed to hit the ground running in a new facility.
3 key steps in the nurse credentialing process
The nurse credentialing process can seem a little overwhelming at first, especially if it is your first time joining a nurse staffing agency. You will be asked to complete several forms, provide evidence of various documentation, as well as completing assessments. Here is some advice on completing 3 key steps in the nurse credentialing process so you can start working as fast as possible.
1. Onboarding forms and medical assessment availability
Get the ball rolling by completing the agency’s onboarding forms quickly so that they can start to run background and education checks. You will also need to notify them of your earliest availably for a medical assessment so this can be scheduled for you. You will need to redo all annual medical checks such as TB screening, drug screening, flu vaccination and more once they expire.
2. Credentialing documentation
Keep a folder handy with all documents related to your nursing career, which you can quickly access when requested. This should include:
- RN license
- RN registration
- Certifications (BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP, CCRN, TNCC, etc.)
- Degree/transcript
- Notarized IDs
- Malpractice insurance
- Void check
- Medical records/immunizations
3. Passing online assessments
Nursing assessments can take time and often require study and preparation. We recommend doing this section of the credentialing process last so that you can fully focus on achieving the pass rate. The credentialing team can support you with study guides if required. Online assessments include:
- Skills checklist: This is based on a nurse’s specialty. The nurse will rate their overall proficiency and frequency regarding a specific skill set on a scale of 1 to 4.
- Specialty test: Tests the overall clinical knowledge of their specialty.
- RN Pharmacology test: Tests the overall level of clinical knowledge of drugs and medicine.
- OSHA test: Test the overall knowledge of proper body mechanics for performing safe work-related activities which help prevent injury.
- HIPAA test: Tests the overall level of clinical knowledge on Protected Health Information (PHI) and HIPAA rules and regulations concerning patient privacy and the confidentiality of health information.
- Color Vision test: Utilizes Ishihara plates to screen for potential color vision deficiency.
- Sexual Harassment test: Tests the nurses knowledge of what constitutes sexual harassment, the impact that it can have, and what you should do if you experience it.
Key takeaways
- Have all nursing documentation, medical records/immunizations and official forms of ID readily available
- Take the time to study and prepare for online assessments
Registered nursing roles with Thornbury Nursing
If you’re a registered nurse looking for roles across New York, you can browse our latest roles here. We offer competitive rates of pay and an exclusive benefits package. Register online with us today to start your journey as an agency nurse with Thornbury Nursing Services.