Let’s be honest, healthcare hiring is a grind right now. You’re competing for talent in a market where candidates have options and aren’t afraid to use them. Pay and benefits matter, sure. But once that candidate’s on your radar and considering your offer, there’s one part of the process that can tip the scale in your favor fast: the onsite visit.
Not just any visit, though. We’re talking about the kind that makes a candidate feel like they’ve already arrived. The kind that says, “We’re ready for you. We value you. And we’ve thought about the details.”
A Make-or-Break Moment
By the time a candidate is coming onsite, you're probably down to the final stretch. You’ve invested in sourcing, screening, interviews, the whole nine yards. Now they’re flying in (or driving over) to see your campus, meet the team, and get a feel for the place they might call home. This is the moment where impressions lock in. You either build momentum, or you lose it.
Unfortunately, too many healthcare organizations treat the onsite like a checkbox. They book a flight, schedule a few meetings, maybe throw in a campus tour. But when you're recruiting top-tier providers or specialists, a bare-bones visit won’t cut it. Candidates want to feel like they matter before they sign on the dotted line.
An amazing onsite visit does three things:
Removes friction. Travel logistics are handled. Flights are smooth. Hotels are booked. Meals are covered. The itinerary makes sense and doesn’t feel like a gauntlet. Even better, candidates aren’t stuck fronting costs or managing receipts. Booking is done on their behalf, and reimbursements, if needed, happen fast.
Builds personal connection. You’re not just showing off the hospital. You’re showing the neighborhood where they might live. You're introducing people they’ll actually work with. You’re giving them space to ask questions, decompress, and imagine themselves in the role.
Creates confidence. A well-orchestrated visit makes your organization look prepared, professional, and welcoming. It signals that if they say yes, they’ll be taken care of.
The Clock Starts Earlier Than You Think
The candidate experience doesn’t start when the offer is accepted. It starts the moment you begin handling travel. Candidates start evaluating your organization during that first booking call or confirmation email. Whether it’s smooth or stressful, that impression sticks.
The best employers offer relocation guidance before an offer is even accepted. They give candidates access to helpful tools, budget visibility, and real-world info about the area. That early insight builds trust and confidence, especially for out-of-state or relocating candidates who are trying to assess if the move makes sense.
Don’t Sleep on Travel Support
Travel can be the headache that quietly kills momentum. Candidates shouldn’t have to front hotel costs, figure out airport transfers, or haggle over reimbursement weeks later. And when they bring a spouse or partner, which many do, that experience should feel just as smooth.
When done right, travel support doesn’t just remove barriers. It adds value. It’s a subtle but powerful way of showing that your organization is prepared to go the extra mile.