Zac Shepherd

How working with a recruiter transforms your healthcare career journey 

Image of Zac Shepherd

My career as a traveling clinician wasn’t something I jumped into right away. At first, I saw it as an opportunity to shake up my routine and explore what else my nursing career had to offer. But when I started looking into it, I was hit with this feeling of uncertainty —  it felt like there were endless choices, conflicting advice and countless details to untangle. In some ways, I felt stuck before I even began. 

That’s when Zeid, my Aya recruiter, came into the picture. From our first conversation, it felt less like I was figuring it out alone and more like I had someone in my corner. Over the past six years and countless assignments, he’s been more than a recruiter. He’s been a steady guide, someone who turns big decisions into clear, confident steps, — and he’s helped me build a career that’s been more rewarding than I ever imagined. 

Zac Shepherd and his Aya recruiter Zeid
Zac Shepherd overlooking a lake and mountains
  1. Career Opportunities: Healthcare recruiters can connect you to the most opportunities, including ones you won’t find advertised. You can always search on your own, but recruiters do the work to match you with roles that fit your experience, skills and what you’re looking for — saving you a ton of time and effort. As clinicians, you know all too well that your patients need your full attention, and so does your career. A recruiter in your corner who truly understands your career wants and needs keeps the rest running smoothly so you can focus on what you do best. 
  2. Expertise: Healthcare recruiters are the bridge between you and the complex, ever-changing world of being a travel clinician. From understanding multi-state licensing and facility requirements to staying on top of deadlines, they know the ropes and can save you hours of stress and confusion. When you’re enjoying your downtime between assignments, the last thing you want to do is sort through paperwork or research ten different potential assignments. My recruiter, Zeid, was always a step ahead — flagging what I needed before I even knew it. His deep knowledge of the industry gave me peace of mind, so I could focus on what mattered.
  3. Negotiation: Let’s be honest — contract negotiation isn’t something most of us learned in school. It can feel awkward, intimidating, or even impossible to advocate for yourself. This is where your recruiter becomes your voice. They’ve seen it all, from pay packages and benefits to assignment terms, and they know how to ensure you’re valued appropriately for your skills and experience. Zeid took this weight off my shoulders, confidently negotiating contract terms that worked for me.
  4. Career Planning: Healthcare recruiters don’t just find you a job — they guide you through every step of your career, from tracking down your next assignment to achieving your long-term goals. They think about where you want to go, not just where you are now. Whether it’s growing your skillset, exploring a new specialty, stepping into a staff role or finding better work-life balance, your recruiter is there to guide you, support your goals, and help you take the next step forward.
  5. Streamlined Process: If you’ve ever felt like onboarding for a travel job is a marathon of paperwork, you’re not alone — it is. Licenses, credentialing, health screenings, background checks… the list goes on. A recruiter ensures things run smoothly and you have a streamlined experience. Zeid made each assignment transition seamless for me. He handled the heavy lifting, coordinated with the facility and Aya teams, and made sure I was ready for an on-time assignment start. Having someone so reliable on your side is the ultimate time-saver — and trust me, those start dates come up quick and you need all the time you can find!

In the end, it’s not just about finding your next job — it’s about building a career you’re proud of. A great recruiter doesn’t just check boxes or make calls; they show up for you, time and time again. Over the past six years, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when someone invests in your success: your confidence grows, your choices get clearer and the work feels a little lighter. If you’re thinking about taking that first step, reach out and get paired up with an Aya recruiter who’s willing to walk alongside you. Get started now. 

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