Contingency vs. Retained Recruitment: Which Healthcare Hiring Model Suits You Best?

At Athena, we specialize exclusively in healthcare recruitment—matching top-tier clinical and non-clinical talent with hospitals, clinics, and medical groups across the U.S.

Understanding the difference between contingency and retained recruitment can help you choose the most effective and cost-efficient hiring strategy for your organization.

What Is Contingency Recruitment?

Contingency recruitment is a pay-on-success model. You only pay once we successfully place a candidate in your healthcare facility. It’s best for:

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  High-volume or urgent staffing needs
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  Nursing, allied health, and support staff roles
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  Facilities that want minimal upfront risk

Benefits of Contingency Recruiting with Athena:

No upfront fee

Access to a broad pool of pre-vetted healthcare professionals

Speed-focused recruitment process

Ideal for time-sensitive or high-turnover roles

What Is Retained Recruitment?

Retained recruitment is a partnership-first model, where a portion of the fee is paid upfront and the rest upon successful placement. It’s ideal for:

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  Senior-level, physician, and leadership roles
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  Hard-to-fill specialties or confidential searches
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  Healthcare organizations seeking dedicated, high-touch support

Benefits of Retained Recruiting with Athena:

Exclusive access to passive and high-caliber talent

In-depth candidate screening, including credential verification

Dedicated recruitment team with specialized healthcare focus

Strategic alignment with your organizational goals