Introduction

Outsourcing is a common business practice. Indeed, without it, travelers would not exist. Travel contracts are one result of hospitals outsourcing their labor needs to agencies. What can come as a surprise to many travelers is that additional functions of hospital human resource departments can also be outsourced, one of which is managing the agencies that supply travelers. That is the function of vendor management services companies (VMS), the vendors in this case being the travel companies that employ (vend or supply) travelers. 

The first thing that travelers might think of, "Is this an extra layer of cost that cuts into my paycheck?" It certainly can feel that way, even to the agencies involved. However, the truth is not that simple. Often travelers and agencies benefit from having a VMS involved, which can include higher pay and access to more assignments.