Steve Curtin | On the Clock // Off the Record | Episode 18
By Atlas Medstaff
On the Clock // Off the Record
In this episode of On the Clock // Off the Record, Rich sits down with industry veteran Steve Curtin to dive into what truly builds long-term success in travel healthcare: relationship-driven marketing, genuine community listening, and keeping humanity at the heart of staffing.
From his early days at Nurse Together and The Gypsy Nurse to his current work with Vidal Housing, Steve shares deep insights on where agencies go wrong, how the pandemic shifted industry mindsets, and why human connection will always beat pure automation.
On the Clock: Relationships over Transactions
When Steve got involved with The Gypsy Nurse—which originated as a community Facebook Group and blog—one truth quickly emerged: clinicians want authentic relationships with agencies, not transactional sales pitches. While a common myth suggests travelers are only motivated by money, Steve emphasizes that long-term trust and consistent communication far outweigh a one-time high pay package.
Finding safe, affordable, and furnished housing remains one of the largest hurdles for travel clinicians. Steve breaks down how Vidal Housing solves this by connecting travelers directly with verified property owners near medical facilities, offering exclusive perks and reliable options tailored specifically to healthcare pros on the move.
From a marketing perspective, the biggest mistake agencies make is treating clinicians like a quick transaction instead of cultivating a relationship. Steve notes that balancing the “short game” (immediate placements) with the “long game” (nurturing candidates who aren’t ready to move just yet) is essential. Staying on good terms keeps your agency top-of-mind when they are ready.
Reflecting on the highs and lows of the pandemic, Rich and Steve discuss how the rapid pace forced many agencies and travelers into a survival-driven, transactional mindset. However, the top-tier recruiters stood out by showing true empathy, emotional support, and human connection during an exceptionally traumatic period for healthcare workers. That era solidified a fundamental truth: healthcare staffing is, at its core, a human support business.
Looking back at his varied roles across the industry, Steve highlights his work with Nurse Together (around 2007–2009) as a proud highlight. Operating during an uncertain economic climate, the startup focused heavily on resource-driven content—promoting wellness, building community in new cities, and offering actionable support for nurses.
Off the Clock: Social Messaging vs. Social Listening
Steve reminisces about his college baseball days and shares that what he misses most is the coaching aspect—especially working with Little League teams.
While the industry underwent a social media renaissance, Steve cautions that many agencies only listen “for their turn to talk.” The most successful brands focus just as much on social listening as they do on broadcasting their own message.
“Best pay” and “great locations” are claimed by almost every agency. Steve notes that true brand differentiation comes down to pinpointing your unique value proposition—whether that’s specialized benefits, specific regional expertise, or unmatched recruiter support.
If handed the keys to a new staffing company today, Steve’s very first move would be hiring a talented marketing team to shape the story and brand identity. HR systems, while necessary eventually, take a backseat to established storytelling in the early stages.
Steve’s unpopular opinion for the C-suite? Don’t over-rely on AI. While automation promises cost savings and efficiency, AI can never replace the empathy, personal support, and human connection required in healthcare staffing.
🎙️ Catch the full conversation on Episode 18 of On the Clock // Off the Record—available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube!
Connect with Steve on LinkedIn and check out the websites for is latest endeavor; Vidle and Vidle Housing.
