Your Agency Has a New Name. Now What?

The news that your trusted healthcare staffing agency has been acquired can create a wave of uncertainty. You have contracts, contacts, and a system you understand—and now, it’s all changing. The recent acquisition of Summit Medical Staffing, a Fremont, NE-based veteran-owned firm, by CrossMed Healthcare Staffing, a women-owned agency out of Omaha, NE, is a prime example of this industry consolidation.

While both Nebraska-based agencies share a commendable "people-first approach," these changes naturally bring questions. This document is more than a guide; it’s a strategic playbook for turning industry consolidation into a personal career accelerant. It provides the most impactful takeaways to help you not only navigate the transition but also leverage it for your distinct competitive advantage.

Over-Communicate to Stay Ahead of the Curve

During a merger, it’s a given that mergers shuffle who handles what. The recruiter you’ve worked with for years might be assigned a new territory or focus. Proactively reach out to confirm your points of contact are up to date. To ensure you don’t miss critical information, sign up for any official communications, such as company newsletters or portal announcements, where updates will likely be consolidated. Most importantly, ask direct questions about any changes to essential platforms used for submitting timesheets and receiving pay.

By taking ownership of the information flow, you ensure operational continuity for your assignments and compensation, insulating yourself from the administrative turbulence inherent in corporate integrations.

Become Your Own Best Record-Keeper

Now is the time for meticulous attention to detail. Double-check all the specifics of your current and future contracts, including pay rates, location details, and shift times, especially for any assignment that began before the merger was finalized. It is crucial to keep personal copies of your old agreements and to take screenshots of any important confirmations. As the two agencies merge their HR and payroll systems, data migration can sometimes lead to lost information or small discrepancies.

This practice is non-negotiable. It provides you with irrefutable leverage in any contractual discrepancies and mitigates the personal risk inherent in back-office system migrations.

See a Merger as a Career Multiplier

An acquisition isn't just an administrative change; it's a strategic expansion of your career possibilities. The combination of CrossMed and Summit means a larger network and more job placements across the U.S. This is a prime opportunity to strategically direct your career trajectory.

Talk to your recruiter about the new landscape of possibilities. Let them know if you are interested in exploring different regions, new specialties, or facilities that were not previously available. A larger network, however, can also mean more competition for premier assignments. This is where proactivity becomes your competitive edge, so update your skills checklist and express interest in new areas early. Further, use this time of policy alignment to your advantage. Proactively inquire if there are any new perks, housing options, or improved travel stipends now available.

Viewing this change as a strategic opportunity rather than a disruption allows you to transform this period of industry flux into your distinct competitive advantage.

Master the New Culture and Processes with Patience

Merging two distinct company cultures—even those with shared values like the people-first approach of this women-owned and veteran-owned firm—takes time. New systems for payroll, scheduling, and HR will be implemented, and there will inevitably be a learning curve for everyone, including the internal staff who support you. Expect an adaptation period and practice patience.

Observe any changes in communication style, support structures, or agency expectations. Don't hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear. Far from being a nuisance, asking for clarification shows that you are engaged and adaptable, positioning yourself as a reliable, high-value partner in the eyes of the newly formed organization.

Navigating the New Landscape

An agency acquisition introduces change, but for the prepared and proactive healthcare traveler, that change leads to significant opportunity. By communicating clearly, keeping diligent records, adopting a strategic mindset, and navigating new processes with patience, you can transform this period of transition into a powerful career advantage.

Now that the network has expanded, what new assignment or location will you explore first?

If you’re a healthcare traveler working with CrossMed or Summit (or soon both under the merged umbrella), download this practical cheat sheet to make your life on the road smoother during this transition: Healthcare Travelers' Merger Survival Checklist