If you ask Kim Neubauer what she loves most about working with healthcare travelers, she’ll tell you it’s everything. “Our travelers are doing some of the hardest, most important work out there,” she says. “I couldn’t do what they do, but I’m incredibly grateful that they do it. I want to support them however I can.”
As a long-time recruiter and account manager at Cariant Health Partners, Kim approaches her work with a clear goal: to make travel assignments as smooth and rewarding as possible for the healthcare professionals she supports.
“My job is to be helpful, kind and focused on what they need,” Kim explains. “If I can help take care of them, that gives them space to care for their patients—and stay connected to their families and lives back home.”
Travelers often tell Kim they appreciate how calm and attentive she is, especially when helping them find exactly what they’re looking for. “It’s about listening,” she says. “I strive to understand the kind of assignment that would feel right for them.”
Trust, Honesty and Humor
Kim’s belief that healthcare professionals deserve to be treated exceptionally well guides every placement she makes. “These are the people taking care of our families, and someday, they’ll be taking care of us,” she says. “The best fit matters for them and the facility they will be serving. It shouldn’t just be about filling an open slot.”
Building trust and maintaining honesty are central to Kim’s approach. “And a sense of humor!” she adds with a laugh. “This job—and life—can be stressful. It helps to have someone you can laugh with.”
Meaningful Connections
Over the years, Kim has collected countless memories that affirm the impact she makes. From a traveler sending a photo of an engagement ring after meeting someone on assignment, to long-time therapists reaching out years later with life updates or baby announcements, Kim treasures these moments. “Even if we’ve never met in person, these people feel like friends and family,” she says. “That’s the best part of my job—the real human connections.”
Those connections often come full-circle. Kim has had many travelers return to her after working with other agencies, or even refer friends once they’ve settled into permanent roles. “That’s the ultimate compliment,” she says.
Evolving with the Industry
Kim has seen the travel healthcare industry evolve significantly during her time at Cariant. “Years ago, it was about filling open jobs,” she says. “Now, we’re crafting more specialized contracts and truly tailoring opportunities to each traveler’s passions and strengths.”
She’s also quick to dispel myths about recruiters. “Cariant is a smaller company. We don’t play the numbers game. We don’t blast out jobs to hundreds of people and hope someone bites. I reach out directly—because I think a job is a good fit for you.”
What keeps Kim at Cariant after all these years? The people. “It’s truly a family,” she says. “From leadership to coworkers, the love and support here are unmatched.”
So what would she say to someone considering travel for the first time? “Know your why. Think about what you want; and then let’s make a plan.”
Kim views every assignment she places as a new adventure for her travelers. “They deserve someone in their corner every step of the way,” says Kim. “I love being that person.”
Ready for your next adventure? Reach out to one of Cariant’s outstanding recruiters. We’ll help you find the right fit—and support you every step of the way.