Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL STRIKE/JOB ACTION ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION

What kind of replacement staff does RapidStaff look for?

RapidStaff provides “wall to wall’” staffing services. We are always recruiting licensed medical professionals, a wide variety of allied professionals, EVS and customer service replacement workers.

What kind of opportunities does RapidStaff offer?

We offer a variety of short-term assignments, such as crisis needs, disaster assistance, strikes/job actions.

How do I sign up?

Simply click the “Apply Now” button on the RapidStaff webpage. From there you can provide the basic information to create your RapidStaff profile.

What happens after I complete the application?

A member of our recruiting team will reach out to you. You may discuss your work history, your goals, and what types of opportunities you may be seeking. After your initial conversation, your recruiter will send you a list of required documents. They will also provide a link to the required skills checklist for your specialty.

Where do I send my documents?

After your initial conversation with your recruiter you will receive an email listing the required document and provided a link to your own personal box file. Here you can upload all the required documents safely and securely.

Am I a contractor or an employee?

When you accept an offer with RapidStaff you will be hired as an employee and provided a W-4 and I-9, please note that the appropriate documents will need to be presented to verify your identity. All documents are sent to you via electronic DocuSign and a W-2 is provided at the end of the year.

How will I be notified of a strike/job action assignment?

When you complete of your RapidStaff profile you will automatically be notified about any potential strike/job actions to which your qualifications are matched. If you believe you will be available let your recruiter know. We will notify you once we receive notice and when the strike is going to take place, usually ten days prior to the start date. A strike team member will either call, text or e-mail you to confirm your current availability. It is paramount that you respond as quickly as possible as opportunities fill very quickly. Submission does not guarantee placement.

What is the average length of an assignment?

Most strike/job actions could last just a few days. Your recruiter will always explain the assignment expectations and will confirm the information once you have an offer.

Does RapidStaff provide benefits?

Due to the nature of our short-term assignments we do not currently offer medical or dental benefits.

How many hours per week will I work during a job action?

Most strike/job action assignments have a guarantee of 40 hours of work. We ask that all employees be flexible in their work schedule to include working overtime if necessary. Depending on the needs of the crisis assignment or strike/job action, employees must be available to work all seven (7) days each week.

How will I be informed of my schedule at a crisis or strike/job action assignment?

Schedules will be established onsite. The start time indicated on your time sheet should reflect the time your shift began on the floor and your end time should reflect when you left the floor, not arrival time to the facility. Whenever necessary, unit floating, and shift changes may be required. “On-call” may be required in specific units.

How are candidates chosen for strike/job actions?

Candidates are matched to the job description and who have completed their RapidStaff file are placed on the schedule first. If you meet most, but not all requirements/preferences, or have an incomplete file, you risk not being placed for an assignment.

How do I confirm I have been chosen for a crisis or strike/job action assignment?

When your criminal background and conflict check has completed, you will be cleared for work. Please not that you are considered confirmed only after your travel is booked.

What do I need to bring to my assignment?

Please hand carry a copy of your completed file with you to every assignment. We recommend not checking this in your luggage, as if it gets lost you risk being turned away for the strike/job action. This should include copies of all the information you would have sent to your recruiter. This includes your current certifications, licenses, and compliance documents. We also recommend that you bring scrubs, a credit card or ATM card, cell phone with a charger, and $200 cash for your own convenience.

 

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

What do strike/job action assignments pay?

Each assignment has its own pay rate depending on specialty and location. Generally, strike/job action pay rates are higher than a traditional travel assignment due to the last-minute needs.

What if a strike/job action settles before I work? Are the hours guaranteed?

Generally, there will be guaranteed hours for each step during a strike/job action. For example, you may receive payment at the following times:

• If you are confirmed, your file is complete, your travel is booked, and strike/job action is canceled/settled before you travel
• If you are confirmed, your file is complete, your travel is booked, and strike/job action is canceled/settled after you travel, but before you work on the unit
• If the strike/job action is canceled/settled after you have completed9l induction
• If you start working, but the strike/job action is canceled/settled before estimated completion. You will typically be paid the remainder of guaranteed hours at your regular rate. For instance, if you have worked 24 hours of a guaranteed 40 hours, and the strike/job action is canceled, you will be paid for 40 hours total with the remaining unworked 16 hours paid at a regular time rate.

**Guarantee applies to eligible workers, meaning, if you are dismissed for poor conduct or clinical incompetency, you will be paid for actual hours worked.

How and when will I be paid?

Pay periods are weekly with the option of receiving a live check or a direct deposit. In some unique instances, pay may be daily by way of a cash card.

Do I need to pay taxes in both states? (State in which I work and state in which I reside)

No, you are only obligated to pay taxes in the state you work in. Taxes will primarily be withheld in the state you work in, however, some complexities between the states may cause you to pay in your home state, or both. We advise seeking the advice of a tax professional for more information.

Is there a meal stipend?

Every assignment is different, please confirm with your recruiter.

Do you offer license reimbursement?

Licensing programs may be made available, please ask your recruiter for details.

What is the definition of overtime?

The Fair Labor Standards Act states that overtime is to be at one- and half-time normal pay rates after 40 hours worked in one week. California has specific wage hour regulations that state that one and half times normal pay is to be paid after 8 hours worked in one day. Ask your recruiter for details about the assignment you are interested in.

If I work a holiday, will I receive holiday pay?

Generally, yes. The pay rate for holidays will vary per assignment. Please ask your recruiter for details.

 

 

LICENSING, CERTIFICATION AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

What are licensing and certification requirements?

A minimum of a year of experience within in your specialty is required for strike/job actions. Experience for crisis work varies. Please ask your recruiter for the unit specific requirements for the opportunity you are interested in.

General guidelines:

• All non-laboratory positions require a BLS card
• Certified Nursing Aide/Assistants (CNA) – State CNA license
• Dietitians – National / CRD Registration
• MRI Techs – ARRT (CRT License in CA)
• Nuclear Med Techs – ARRT(N) Certificate, ASCP Certificate, or NMTCB Certificate, (CA State NMT License in CA)
• Occupational Therapists – State OT License
• Pharmacists – State Pharmacist License, Epic Experience Required
• Physical Therapists – State PT License
• Phlebotomists – Specific state or National license (In CA, LA, WA, and NV require their own state phleb license, not the national license
• Rad Techs – ARRT, (In CA: CA State CRT License, CA State Fluoro permit (strongly desired), and CA Venipuncture Certificate (strongly desired)
• Respiratory Therapists – Varies by client. (In CA: CA State RCP License, and ACLS, PALS, or NRP will be required for certain units)
• OR / Scrub Techs – Prefer National Certification and prefer ACLS
• Speech Language Pathologists – State SLP License
• Sterile Processing Techs – National Certification
• Ultrasound Techs – ARDMS in three specialties

What on boarding documents do I need?

• Resume / Job Application
• Evaluation within specialty from Supervisor, Registered Nurse or higher within 1 year. (Relative to your specialty)
• License and certifications
• Medical compliance (for clinical positions)
• Physical within 12 months (You may use our statement of health form if needed)
• MMR (Measles/Rubella, Mumps, Rubeola) immunization or titer
• TB Test (PPD, Chest Xray, Quantiferon, Tspot)
• Varicella immunization or titer or history of disease
• Hep B immunization, titer, or declination
• Tdap immunization, titer, or declination
• Flu shot (or declination, which may require you to wear a mask on your unit)
• You may sign declinations for HepB, TDaP, and Flu in the docusign documents sent to you by compliance.

What happens If I don’t have copies of all my vaccinations or records?

• You will be less likely to be selected for a strike/job action if you do not have all required documentation
• Declinations may be available for some vaccinations
• During strike/job actions we may have providers present to give immunizations for any you did not bring with you. Wait times and lines have the potential to be long so we encourage you to have your medical compliance complete. However, if you need vaccinations or tests because you did not bring them, you run the risk of not working and being returned home the same day. If the facility is overstaffed, you will be sent home in favor of the worker who was prepared with medical screening.

 

 

TRAVEL AND HOUSING

Who will make my travel and housing arrangements?

Flights

Transportation to and from your home/state of residence to the assignment location is offered by RapidStaff. Round trip airfare is provided from your home to the location of the assignment. RapidStaff will not change flights that have been booked. You will be responsible for any changes and fees associated with any flight changes.

Drivers

If you choose to drive to your assignment, we will calculate mileage based upon your home zip code. Using a predetermined rate, you will be reimbursed for miles traveled to the assignment on your first paycheck and the return on your last paycheck.

Do you provide transportation to and from the hotel to the strike/job action facility?

RapidStaff provides courtesy transportation that will be offered from your hotel to the facility. This transportation is offered as a courtesy and is not required, though recommended. If you wish to commute to and from the facilities by another means, at your own expense, that option is available to you. If providing your own transportation to the facility, you must notify a RapidStaff representative during the induction process. Additionally, you must report on time for the start of your scheduled shift. No meetings or assignment of work tasks will occur during the commute. You may be able to drive a personal vehicle if desired, however, you may not be allowed to park at the facility.

How far in advance do I need to arrive at an assignment before starting work?

Strike/job action – Your recruiter will discuss arrival dates with you. Generally, the arrival could range from 2-4 days before starting.

Do you offer private or shared housing?

Private housing is offered.

Can we supply our own housing at a strike?

Due to security reasons, and the possible need to be able to contact our employees within a short period of time, we typically do not allow employees to supply their own housing.

Am I allowed to travel with my spouse, even if he/she is not working the assignment?

For safety and security, we do not house other family members or pets of any kind.

GENERAL CRISIS ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION

What kind of replacement staff does RapidStaff look for?

RapidStaff provides “wall to wall’” staffing services. We are always recruiting licensed medical professionals, a wide variety of allied professionals, EVS and customer service replacement workers.

What kind of opportunities does RapidStaff offer?

We offer a variety of short-term assignments, such as crisis needs, disaster assistance, strikes/job actions.

How do I sign up?

Simply click the “Apply Now” button on the RapidStaff webpage. From there you can provide the basic information to create your RapidStaff profile.

What happens after I complete the application?

A member of our recruiting team will reach out to you. You may discuss your work history, your goals, and what types of opportunities you may be seeking. After your initial conversation, your recruiter will send you a list of required documents. They will also provide a link to the required skills checklist for your specialty.

Where do I send my documents?
After your initial conversation with your recruiter you will receive an email listing the required document and provided a link to your own personal box file. Here you can upload all the required documents safely and securely.

Am I a contractor or an employee?

When you accept an offer with RapidStaff you will be hired as an employee and provided a W-4 and I-9, please note that the appropriate documents will need to be presented to verify your identity. All documents are sent to you via electronic DocuSign and a W-2 is provided at the end of the year.

How will I be notified of a crisis assignment?

When you complete of your RapidStaff profile you will automatically be notified about any potential crisis assignments to which your qualifications are matched. Crisis assignment candidates are contacted directly by the recruitment team by call, text or email. Generally, crisis assignments have days from when an order is received until the first day of the assignment.

What is the average length of an assignment?

Assignment lengths are dependent on many variables. However, most crisis assignments will require a two-week commitment with the possibility to extend, based on need. Your recruiter will always explain the assignment expectations and will confirm the information once you have an offer.

Does RapidStaff provide benefits?

Due to the nature of our short-term assignments we do not currently offer medical or dental benefits.

How many hours per week will I work during a crisis assignment?

Most assignments have a guarantee of 40 hours of work. We ask that all employees be flexible in their work schedule to include working overtime if necessary. Depending on the needs of the crisis assignment, employees must be available to work all seven (7) days each week. If the crisis assignment should continue past (2) weeks, then the employee may have the opportunity to extend based on the needs of the client.

How will I be informed of my schedule during a crisis assignment?

The contact information for a site lead will be provided to you prior to your departure from home. They will have all the relevant information needed for your assignment. I.E. Orientation, scheduling, extensions, etc.

How are candidates chosen for crisis assignments?

Candidates are matched to the job description and who have completed their RapidStaff file are first to be considered. If you meet most, but not all requirements/preferences, or have an incomplete file, you risk not being placed for an assignment.

How do I confirm I have been chosen for a crisis or strike/job action assignment?

When your criminal background and conflict check has completed, you will be cleared for work for both crisis and strike/job actions. For strikes/job actions, you are considered confirmed only after your travel is booked.

What do I need to bring to my assignment?

Please hand carry a copy of your completed file with you to every assignment. We recommend not checking this in your luggage, as if it gets lost you risk being turned away from the assignment. This should include copies of all the information you would have sent to your recruiter. This includes your current certifications, licenses, and compliance documents. We also recommend that you bring scrubs, a credit card or ATM card, cell phone with a charger, and $200 cash for your own convenience.

 

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

What do crisis assignments pay?

Each assignment has its own pay rate depending on specialty and location. Generally, crisis pay rates are higher than a traditional travel assignment due to the last-minute needs.

What if a crisis assignment cancelled before I work? Are the hours guaranteed?

• Paid for hours worked that make up the difference between hours worked and hours guaranteed for an assignment. Guaranteed hours are inclusive of hours of orientation for the assignment.
• Should you be released by the client during an assignment at any time there are NO pay guarantees – Only actual hours worked.

**Guarantee applies to eligible workers, meaning, if you are dismissed for poor conduct or clinical incompetency, you will be paid for actual hours worked.

How and when will I be paid?

Pay periods are weekly with the option of receiving a live check or a direct deposit.

Do I need to pay taxes in both states? (State in which I work and state in which I reside)

No, you are only obligated to pay taxes in the state you work in. Taxes will primarily be withheld in the state you work in, however, some complexities between the states may cause you to pay in your home state, or both. We advise seeking the advice of a tax professional for more information.

Is there a meal stipend?

Every assignment is different, please confirm all details of your assignment with your recruiter.

What is the definition of overtime?

The Fair Labor Standards Act states that overtime is to be at one- and half-time normal pay rates after 40 hours worked in one week. California has specific wage hour regulations that state that one and half times normal pay is to be paid after 8 hours worked in one day. Please ask your recruiter for details about the assignment you are interested in.

 

 

LICENSING, CERTIFICATION AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

What are licensing and certification requirements?

Experience for crisis work varies, however a good rule of thumb is a minimum of one year of experience within in your specialty is required. Please ask your recruiter for details about the assignment you are interested in.

What documents do I need?

Every assignment is different however the basic files requirements for submission and deployment are

• A completed Job Application/Resume may also be requested
• Copies of your clinical license and certifications
• Copies of your medical compliance
• You may sign declinations for HepB, TDaP, and Flu in the docusign documents sent to you by compliance.

 

 

TRAVEL AND HOUSING

Who will make my travel and housing arrangements?

Once a crisis assignment has been accepted employees make their own travel arrangements. RapidStaff will provide mileage reimbursement, regardless of if you fly or drive. We will calculate mileage based upon your home zip code. Using a predetermined rate, you will be reimbursed for miles traveled to the assignment on your first paycheck and the return on your last paycheck.

Do you provide transportation to and from the crisis assignment?

No transportation provided during crisis assignments.

How far in advance do I need to arrive at an assignment before starting work?

Arrival to the hotel is expected the day prior to your orientation/start date of your crisis assignment. Your room will not be available prior to the day before.

Do you offer private or shared housing?

Private housing is offered for all crisis assignments.

Where do you get your employees from?

We maintain a robust database of clinical and non-clinical professionals. We continuously screen and recruit potential candidates to provide the solution for your needs from a variety of sources nationwide.

What types of personnel do you provide?

RapidStaff provides “wall to wall’” staffing services, often providing replacements in less than 72 hours from when a request for staff is made. We provide licensed medical professionals, a wide variety of allied professionals, EVS and customer service replacement workers. When choosing our allied and non-licensed professionals we insist that they meet the same rigorous standards as our licensed medical replacement professionals.

How much experience do you require your RNs to have?

We require all licensed and non-licensed replacement professionals to have a minimum of at least one uninterrupted year in a single area of practice in order to be qualified to work in that area of practice.

Are potential candidate files provided prior to a job action or short-term assignment?

Yes, we will provide the basic information you need to determine if you are interested in a potential replacement professional. Files will include the requested documentation. An example of such a file will contain an application and/or resume, a skills checklist, and shift preference. Once a candidate is accepted by your organization, we forward all file components required to meet and/or exceed all DHHS and Joint Commission requirements.

How often should we connect regarding updates for personnel on site?

Open communication is vital to the delivery of successful services. During the planning stages we like to communicate as often as is possible until all needs are understood. We then remain available to communicate at your discretion but should communicate at least once a week.

Who completes the profiles, handles licensing, verifies references, etc.?

Each member of our team plays a fundamental role in providing the highest level of candidate information. The credentialing team is responsible for the final quality assurance file review, licensing, background check, reference verifications, etc.

How do you maintain and verify competencies?

RapidStaff utilizes Joint Commission nursing competency for all of our annual competency reviews.

How are the timesheets handled?

Each employee maintains his/her timesheet by having it initialed at the end of each shift and then signed at the end of each shift. A copy of this timesheet is included with all invoices for hours worked.