travel nursing companies to work for

8 Best Travel Nurse Companies of 2024

Are you ready to try travel nursing? Working with a travel nurse staffing agency can make it easier to find travel nursing jobs and to negotiate pay rates and benefits. An agency gives you a point of contact who can help you navigate job listings and compensation packages.

The sooner you find the right company, the faster you can start traveling. We’ve found the best travel nurse companies of 2024 to help you find the right fit for you.

Click here for today’s top travel nursing opportunities.

8 Best Travel Nursing Agencies

All of these companies offer the basics such as housing, benefits, travel reimbursement, staffing in all 50 states, and 24-hour customer support.

Click here to find the right company for you!

How To Choose a Travel Nursing Company

When looking for the best travel nursing company to suit your needs, you first have to know what your needs are.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when considering travel nursing companies:

• Are you going to need health insurance?
• How important is it that you contribute to your retirement?
• Do you prefer to find your own housing, or do you want your company to find it for you?
• Where do you want to travel?
• How do you plan on getting there?
• Do you plan on working per diem as well?
• What kind of healthcare facilities are you hoping to work in?

What to Look for in a Travel Nursing Agency

When looking into travel nurse agencies, you should first make sure that they provide the basics: free housing or a housing stipend, health and dental insurance, a retirement plan, travel reimbursement, 24-hour customer support, and a variety and abundance of travel nursing jobs all over the country.

1. The Travel Nurse Housing Options

Do you want your agency to find housing for you, or do you want to take the housing stipend and search for housing yourself?

I personally found it much easier to have my agency set up my housing for me. This way, I knew it was safe, furnished, close to where I was working, and paid for. If there were any problems, all I had to do was call my company, and it would be handled.

Many people choose to find their own housing and take the housing stipend instead. There are pros and cons to this choice:

Pros To Choosing Housing Stipends

• Your housing stipend depends on the city you live in, but oftentimes, it is more than the rent you end up paying. This is a good way to make some extra tax-free cash.
• You can find exactly the type of housing you’re looking for at the price you’re willing to pay. You can rent just a room for yourself and pocket a lot of cash. Or rent an entire house if you’re bringing your family or pets along. If you’re traveling with fellow coworkers, you can find a bigger house to share that fits everyone.
• You can choose where you live. Maybe you’re going to Seattle and you’d rather live downtown and commute to work than vs. living next to the hospital in the suburbs.
• There are several websites and groups now to help you find housing
• Once you’ve done it once, you understand how to find housing and can repeat the process in the next location.

Cons To Choosing Housing Stipends

• It can be difficult to find short-term furnished housing.
• Many landlords require a deposit, so you have to front that money before you get your first paycheck.
• If you end up extending your contract, it’s not guaranteed that your landlord hasn’t rented out the place to someone else.
• If you have never been to that city before, it can also be tough to determine whether a neighborhood is safe or not.

Another thing to keep in mind, if you are traveling with a pet, it may make it difficult to find your own housing. Oftentimes, travel nurse agencies have housing already contracted that accepts pets.

There are pros and cons to using your a travel nurse agency’s contracted housing vs. finding your own housing. It just depends on how much time and effort you can put into the search and if you’re hoping to pocket any extra housing stipend cash.

2. The Benefits Offered

The majority of travel nurse companies offer health and dental insurance.

Now that the Affordable Care Act is in place, it might be wise to research whether or not it would be more cost-effective for you to go with your agency’s healthcare plan or purchase one of your own through healthcare.org. The benefit of going through healthcare.org is that if you do plan on switching travel nurse agencies, you won’t have to change your insurance.

Some smaller travel nurse companies will give you a healthcare stipend if you don’t take their health insurance so you can purchase your own.

As far as retirement plans go, I decided to open up my own Roth IRA and not contribute to the 401K because I didn’t know how long I was going to be traveling.  With some companies you can contribute to your 401K from day 1 and with others you have to wait as long as 1 year.

3. The Travel Nurse Reimbursements

When talking with your potential travel nurse agency, make sure you ask them what the reimbursement is for travel.

“Travel” cost is considered the amount of money it takes you to get from your “tax home” to your travel assignment or from one assignment to the next. Often times this can be negotiated if there is a high need in one state that happens to be across the country.

I have found that the average reimbursement is $500.

They will pay you half on your first paycheck and the other half when you complete your assignment. You have the option of either driving or flying to your next destination. I personally drove to each of my assignments; I couldn’t imagine trying to fit all my belongings into suitcases, and I love road trips.

Important Pay and Benefits Questions to Ask

Not all benefits or pay packages are created equal. It is important to find an agency that offers benefits, housing, and pay packages that are specific to your needs.

1. What destinations does your agency serve?

The whole point of travel nursing is to travel…right? So it is important to find a company that serves the city or cities you want to travel to. Some agencies claim they have contracts nationwide, however, that may not be the case.

If you know of a specific hospital that you would like to travel to because it looks good on your resume or a specific city you want to explore, then make sure your potential agency has a contract at that location. This is especially important if you want to travel to places such as Hawaii and Alaska.

Match with a travel company here.

2. How are your pay packages broken down?

Does the company tend to pay a higher base rate with lower non-taxable reimbursements or a lower base rate with higher non-taxable reimbursements?

Having a higher base rate may serve you better if you plan on taking company housing, plan on buying a house, or getting a loan in the near future. If you are someone who likes to find their own housing, then a higher housing stipend may be the way to go with a lower base rate.

3. What types of housing do you provide?

Most agencies offer a one-bedroom furnished apartment for your typical 13-week contract. This typically does not include dishes, linen, a washer and dryer, a T.V., or even a vacuum. If you don’t like lugging your belongings around with you all over the country or paying out of pocket to rent this stuff, then it may be wise to either ask if the agency provides any of these necessities at no cost or find your own housing.

If your contract is only eight weeks, then you could get stuck in an extended-stay hotel. I personally like to have nice housing, so I wanted a company that focused on providing comfortable and safe housing options. If you like to find your own housing then this may not apply to you.

4. What type of benefits do you offer?

Most agencies offer medical/dental benefits and a retirement package. If these benefits are important to you, then finding a company with good benefits is essential.

If you like to live on the edge with no health benefits and you brush and floss your teeth like a champ, then maybe you don’t care about benefits. If this is the case then you can ask the company if they are willing to pay you a higher base rate for not taking their benefits.

As far as retirement packages go, I found it easier to do my own Roth IRA on the side. This way, if I switched companies I didn’t have to worry about moving my money all over the place.

Click here to discover new high paying opportunities.

5. What types of extra work-related costs do you reimburse for?

Travel nurse companies can reimburse you for the following:

• Licensing fees
• CEU (Continuing Education) requirements
• Certifications
• Required immunizations

Some travel nurse agencies have a CEU database that is free for their employees. This helps cut costs in those states that require a certain number to maintain or acquire a new license.

These extra costs add up over time so it’s nice to know your agency is looking out for your pocketbook.

6. What are your missed and canceled shift policies?

A missed shift means you called in sick, and a canceled shift means they canceled you for low census. For the most part, the hospital determines how the travel nurse agency handles this, and it will be written in your contract.

This is important because in the travel nurse world if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. And in some cases, you may have to reimburse your agency for housing costs.

There may be a clause written in your contract that allows you to “miss” a certain amount of shifts without being penalized. There will also be a clause that states how many shifts the hospital can cancel you. Usually, it’s once a pay period, and your agency shouldn’t require you to reimburse them for housing costs.

There are even some agencies that offer 100% guaranteed shifts meaning no matter what you will not get canceled.

Find travel assignments in your specialty here.

Other Questions To Ask a Travel Nurse Agency:

• What is the travel reimbursement?
• How much will health insurance cost me?
• If I don’t take health insurance, do I get a healthcare stipend?
• When can I start contributing to my 401K?
• Are there bonuses for extending assignments?
• How often do I get paid?
• Does the company also contract per diem work?
• Do they offer paid time off?
• Are there any referral bonuses available?

Find the Best Travel Nurse Agency for You

There are a number of travel nursing companies to choose from.

Finding the best travel nursing company that fits your needs and a recruiter that has your best interests in mind are absolutely essential for an enjoyable travel nursing experience.

The right staffing agency for you is out there, now is the time to find them!

  Click here for today’s top travel nursing opportunities.

You may also like

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The Best Traveling Nurse Services to Work for in 2024

The travel nursing agencies we recommend for your next short-term post

Traveling nurses often find working in different parts of the country or even the world exhilarating and fulfilling. Many agencies focus on matching registered nurses (RNs) with short-term working opportunities in various healthcare specialties and settings across the United States and internationally. Healthcare facilities in the U.S. rely on travel nurses to meet the demand for nurses, which is expected to soar by 275,000 between 2020 and 2030.

Travel nurses can gain new experiences and perspectives by exploring other healthcare systems and connecting with other providers, says Rachel Norton , BSN, RN, a clinician support manager at Vivian Health , a national travel nurse hiring marketplace.  We reviewed more than 20 agencies and studied hundreds of reviews to create this list of the best travel nursing agencies. We considered factors such as company quality, customer service scores, company reputation, wage ranges, housing options, and benefits.

• What to Know Before Speaking With a Travel Nursing Agency
• Average pay rates: Pay rates vary by agency, location, and assignment. Travel nurses often work with multiple agencies simultaneously to find the best assignments and pay rates.
• Benefits package: Ensure the agency's comprehensive benefits meet your needs. Benefits may include health coverage , dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, 401 (K), vacation time, and education reimbursement.
• Housing options: Determine if the agency provides housing or assists with finding housing.
• Reputation: Check out online reviews and ratings to understand the agency's reputation. Talking to other travel nurses who have worked with the agency is also a good way to get first-hand information.
• Specialty assignments: Agencies can help place you in an assignment that matches your specialty, interests, and skills . Some facilities accept travelers into new specialties or a float pool that covers multiple units as long as they have prior travel nursing experience. This is a bonus for those who wish to explore new areas of nursing.
• Flexibility: Agencies offer a variety of assignment lengths and locations, so you can choose an assignment that fits your lifestyle.
• Perks and discounts : Travel nursing agencies often offer free or reduced-cost continuing education courses, travel expenses, gym memberships, completion bonuses, and other perks.
• What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know
• In-demand fields: Staffing agencies report high demand for critical care, medical-surgical nurses, emergency room staff, and labor and delivery staff.
• Finding housing: Your agency will either have housing available for you or will reimburse you for your housing expenses. If you choose to secure your housing, most agencies will give you a stipend to help offset the cost of rent and utilities. Talk with your agency recruiter about your housing options and what will work best for you.
• Contract length: Some travel nursing opportunities can be as short as eight weeks, while others can last up to six months. There are often options and offers to extend assignments, too.
• Preferred experience: Most agencies require new travelers to have recent experience as a nurse—meaning you can't become a travel nurse right out of nursing school. A year or two of experience is commonly required. A qualified nurse may also need more experience to work in the intensive care unit (ICU) or another specialty area.
• You pick your location: Yes, and that's generally a benefit of the job. Some agencies work to assign candidates throughout the United States, while others place travel nurses internationally. Before deciding to work with an agency, it makes sense to find out where they place travel nurses if you have a specific placement location.
• Best Overall: Triage Staffing
• Best for Sick Pay: Aya Healthcare
• Best for Education: Travel Nurse Across America
• Best Customer Service: Axis Medical Staffing
• Best Track Record: FlexCare Medical Staffing
• Best Newcomer: Advantis Medical
• Best for Benefits: RN Network
• Best Recruiters: Host Healthcare
• Best for Recent Graduates: Fusion Medical Staff
• Best Job Board: TotalMed
• Our Top Picks

Triage Staffing

Aya Healthcare

Travel Nurse Across America

Axis Medical Staffing

FlexCare Medical Staffing

Advantis Medical

Host Healthcare

• Fusion Medical Staff
• See More (7)
• Compare Providers

Best Overall : Triage Staffing

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem
• Housing: Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing for 13 weeks
• Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, vacation, education reimbursement
• Contracts nationwide: Yes

Triage Staffing tops our list because it provides a higher hourly wage and more frequent bonuses than its competitors. Additionally, the agency offers extensive perks, like tuition reimbursement and 401(k) on the first day.

Contracts available in all 50 states

Insurance available on first day

Paid by direct deposit each week

Dedicated support team available 24/7

Reports of poor weekend support for billing issues

Must have 2 years experience for most positions

Triage Staffing , founded in 2006, is considered by industry professionals as one of the most well-rounded travel nurse agencies among the companies listed here and in general. The company was recognized in 2023 by Inc. Magazine and Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA).

The company, which currently has about 1,500 employees, is based in Omaha, Nebraska, and has an impressive rating on Glassdoor .

Triage Staffing specializes in helping nurses and healthcare professionals find 13-week assignments across the U.S. The company strives for transparency and "to build relationships deeper than simple business transactions." Those who are hired are paid weekly (based on an hourly wage) via direct deposit.

The benefits package includes a wage, overtime, bonuses, per diems, and a housing stipend. Triage will also help its travel nurses find housing, if that's their preference. Health insurance is provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield, and those hired get dental insurance, vacation time, and a 401(k) plan.

Best for Sick Pay : Aya Healthcare

• Pay: Hourly wage, overtime, bonuses, per diem, stipends when called off
• Housing: Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; 401(k) with company match; sick pay; wellness and fitness programs; employee assistance programs; tuition reimbursement; loan forgiveness options

Of the many benefits Aya Healthcare offers, one makes it stand out from other agencies: providing sick pay should you become ill during an assignment. You can rest assured knowing if you get sick, Aya will support you through recovery.

Benefits include sick pay (after 90 days)

Offers local and nationwide travel assignments

Requires only 1 year of experience

Insurance coverage for you and your dependents from day 1

Complaints about communication during recruitment

Large agency size might be challenging

401k eligibility begins after 4 consecutive months of work or 1 year after hiring

Aya Healthcare is one of the most talked-about travel nursing agencies around, literally. A 2017 independent study analyzed the frequency of top travel nursing companies mentioned by users on social media sites. The study concluded Aya Healthcare is the most frequently referenced in user comments.

Aya Healthcare is also one of the only travel nursing agencies that have sick pay, which begins accruing on the first day of an assignment. Nurses can earn one hour for every 30 hours worked, but it can't be used until after at least 90 days after their start date.

In addition to its rare sick pay policy, the company boasts comprehensive benefits. Travel nurses working for Aya Healthcare can start contributing to a company-matched 401k plan after four consecutive months of work for the agency, or one year after their hiring date. It also promises to cover or reimburse nurses for the cost of licensure and help them navigate and expedite the process in the states where they are assigned. Aya Healthcare offers discounts, wellness, and nutrition plans in addition to its medical, vision, and dental benefits, which are available to nurses (and their spouses and children) from their first day with the company.

Aya Healthcare has a strong online presence, including a blog and active social media accounts on nearly every contemporary platform. Its website proudly displays several company awards and accolades, including the Joint Commission's Golden Seal of Approval. The agency has placed thousands of travel nurses and allied workers nationwide and offers a program for  travel nursing from Canada .

Best for Education : Travel Nurse Across America

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem (guaranteed)
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; liability insurance; 401(k) with company match; sick pay; travel reimbursement; free continuing education; mental health resources; employee assistance program; chaplain assistance program

Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) offers comprehensive benefits; however, its continuing education programs are what really sets the agency apart. Thanks to a partnership with Aspen University, the agency helps you earn your BSN with tuition reimbursement upon completion.

RN to BSN tuition reimbursement

RN specialty exam/recertification reimbursements

Insurance coverage available on first day

Offers free mental health resources

Per diem guarantee

Unable to see pay rates on the site

Large agency size might feel less supportive

Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) had the highest average score when analyzing the top 10 travel nurse agency lists across several well-known sites.

Founded in 1999 in North Little Rock, Arkansas, this company was present on three "Top 10" lists in 2019, a notable feat that speaks to its history of satisfaction. According to BluePipes, TNAA was among the top 10 travel nursing agencies, one of the biggest (in terms of company size) on its 2022 list.  

TNAA uses a full-team approach to assist travelers, with specialty staff equipped to handle a variety of needs, including housing experts and clinical leadership, This agency also offers a wide array of benefits, such as low census pay, tuition reimbursement, and paid licensure fees prior to travel. Overtime is included in the payment for any extra hours worked and in every state, paid sick leave starts to accrue from day one.

TNAA also partnered with Aspen University, so individuals can get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 12 months. Upon completion, TNAA will even reimburse tuition expenses. It also offers reimbursements for recertification fees to certain eligible nurses.

Best Customer Service : Axis Medical Staffing

• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with company match; state license reimbursement; transportation stipends; continuing education

With around-the-clock support 365 days a year, Axis Medical Staffing has one of the best customer service reputations in the industry. It offers a wide array of benefits, including healthcare coverage and company-matched 401(k) plans.

Dedicated support team available 24/7/365

Wide variety of specialty contracts

Offers company matching 401(k) with immediate vesting

Can submit questions to real travel nurses

Provides quick email responses

Pays for housing and assists in securing it

Not transparent about pay rates

Doesn't include paid sick leave in benefits

User reviews for Axis remain the highest on this list. Formed in Seattle, Washington, in 2004, Axis provides several coveted benefits, including payment of paid personalized housing options (with pet deposit costs covered by the agency), as well as immediate vesting in its company-matched 401(k) plan.

This agency regularly features a new  Traveler of the Month nurse on its blog. Additionally, the Axis website has a page dedicated to Ask an Axis Travel Nurse , which features an easy submission form where a nurse can answer all your questions.

This encouraging way of connecting can provide novice or even seasoned travelers with a trusted source in the form of a nursing peer who has traveled with this specific agency several times, instead of hosting an impersonal message board. Axis also offers a live chat feature that's easily accessible on the homepage. These features earned Axis the top spot on BluePipes Best Travel Nursing Companies list in 2022.

Axis promises reimbursements and benefits similar to other companies, but it is not immediately clear from the company's website whether it offers paid sick leave.

Best Track Record : FlexCare Medical Staffing

• Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, state license reimbursement, transportation stipends, meals and incidentals stipend, rental car, travel reimbursement, continuing education, license reimbursement

Boasting more than 50 industry awards, including BluePipes’s 2022 Best Travel Nursing Companies list, FlexCare Medical Staffing has a track record of exceeding expectations and fulfilling its promises to traveling nurses.

Award-winning, highly reputable agency

Single point of contact for all your needs

Outstanding benefits

Features a referral program

Have to make an account to view wages

BluePipes refers to FlexCare Medical Staffing as the "most decorated travel nursing agency of all time," with more than 1,727 reviews reported. This agency obtained a gold finish on Travel Nursing Central’s 2019 list of top travel nursing companies and has consistently placed since 2014. FlexCare has also been on the Highway Hypodermics list since 2011.

FlexCare’s website touts its  Premier Traveler Access program, offering prospective travel nurses the opportunity to unlock and view pay ranges for a wide variety of open jobs, in addition to personalized alerts via text and email. This agency explains its mission to support travelers by providing a single recruiter who is able to meet every need (termed “S1NGLEPOINT” on the website) and help simplify the entire process.

This one point of contact can advocate for the traveler, assist in searching for jobs and housing, provide a transparent and competitive salary rate, as well as ensure timely payment.

Best Newcomer : Advantis Medical

• Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) without company match, transportation stipends, partial license reimbursement

Advantis Medical has a nurse care team available to help you every step of the way—from setting up your profile and walking you through the onboarding process to helping you find your next assignment—making it an excellent choice for those just starting out.

Excellent reviews from its travel clinicians

Quick response times from trained care team

Has a great reputation in the industry

Site offers several communication methods

Site lacks information on benefits package

No company match for 401(k)

Founded in 2018 as a subsidiary of Advantis Global, Advantis Medical's user reviews are limited in number but are glowing regarding people's experiences with the company.

Advantis Medical recruits travel nurses and places them in top institutions across the United States. The agency offers client connections with hospitals, outpatient clinics, same-day ambulatory surgical centers, as well as skilled nursing facilities.

Advantis Medical’s specialization opportunities include placements in divisions like medical-surgical (M/S), emergency department (ED), intensive care unit (ICU), labor & delivery (L&D), and more. Its benefits include highly competitive compensation packages, direct deposit available from day one, assistance with housing options, health insurance (medical, dental, vision), and a 401(k) option.

The agency also has payment incentives for referrals. To make the process as seamless as possible, Advantis Medical has a one-minute application form which could not be any easier, especially for a traveling nurse who is always on the go.

Best for Benefits : RN Network

• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; employee assistance program; Sanvello membership; Talkspace membership; Teladoc access; credentialing assistance; continuing education; traditional and Roth 401(k); travel reimbursement; loyalty program

RN Network provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes day-one health insurance and 401(k) options, plus additional perks like access to virtual therapy and medical care.

24/7 clinical support

Transparent about pay rate

Provides access to virtual therapy and medical care

Weekly pay via direct deposit

Completion, extension, and referral bonuses

No paid time off

Complaints of lower-paying contracts

Founded in 1998, RN Network has over two decades of experience in the travel nursing industry. Its experience shows in the company's user reviews, many of which highlight its great communication, support, and benefits.

The agency provides an impressive benefits package that includes day-one health insurance with a zero-premium option, as well as a 401(k) with company match, both traditional and Roth options. RN Network also offers access to Talkspace, Teladoc, and Sanvello's mental health app—ensuring its healthcare professionals have the mental health resources they need while on assignment.

Available contracts and pay rates are transparent on their user-friendly website, which can be a rarity in the industry. The company hires RNs, LPNs/LVNs, PCTs, and surgical techs for a variety of specialties throughout the country. Only one year of clinical experience is required, and the company offers a comprehensive onboarding program to help simplify the transition.

Best Recruiters : Host Healthcare

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, bonuses, per diem, COVID quarantine pay
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance; 401(k) with company match; travel reimbursement

Host Healthcare recruiters are some of the best in the business, according to clinician reviews. With exceptional customer service , the company strives to make the job hunt and placement process as smooth as possible for its candidates.

Excellent customer service

Straightforward job hunt and placement process

Offers a variety of housing options, including pet-friendly

24/7 support via multiple channels

COVID-19 quarantine pay available

Can’t view facility or pay without an account

Site lacks information on reimbursement offers

Founded in 2012, Host Healthcare is a travel healthcare staffing agency that works with some of the nation's top facilities. The company has earned multiple awards over the years, including being named one of the Top Travel Nursing Companies by BluePipes.

What sets Host Healthcare apart from other agencies are its recruiters, who are consistently praised by clinicians for their exceptional customer service. In reviews, nurses rave about their recruiters being responsive, receptive, and thorough in their onboarding and placement processes. The company also offers a variety of housing options, including pet-friendly ones, to ensure you have a comfortable place to call home while on assignment.

In addition to its comprehensive benefits package, which includes health insurance, dental, and vision coverage, Host Healthcare also offers a 401(k) with company match and COVID-19 quarantine pay. If your facility quarantines you due to possible COVID-19 exposure, the company will compensate you for the duration of your time off work.

One drawback is that the company requires users to sign up for an account before viewing facilities and estimated weekly pay . However, it hires across multiple specialties and licensure types, including nursing professionals, therapy professionals, and other allied health professionals.

Best for Recent Graduates : Fusion Medical Staff

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, per diem, and bonuses
• Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, short-term disability, travel and transportation per diem

Fusion Medical offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and transparent information about opportunities, and welcomes new graduates to sign up.

Transparent information for each job posting

Nationwide network

Attentive recruiters

Competitive pay and benefits

Open to new graduates

Per diem reimbursements may be less convenient for expenses like travel

Past complaints from LGBTQIA employees

Fusion Medical Staffing urges applicants to "choose your own adventure." With thousands of travel nursing positions across the U.S. available on its website, Fusion will definitely give you a lot to choose from.

Founded in 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska, Fusion doubled its size by 2016. The company racked up awards from Inc., People, and Staffing Industry Analysts for being among the best places to work and is rated 4.7 out of 5 on Indeed.com .

Assignments through Fusion Medical typically run 13 to 26 weeks and are available across a broad spectrum of nursing specialties. We particularly like how transparent the pay, terms, and benefits for each opportunity are on Fusion's website.

But what really makes the company stand out is its recruitment. Fusion offers 24/7 support and many of its travel nurses rave about their attentive recruiters. Fusion has a new graduate traveling medical job program recruiting nurses who have just finished training. Most travel nursing agencies require at least two years of experience, so Fusion may be a great choice if you're about to finish school and eager to see the country or aren't sure of where you want to call home yet.

Of note: Some LGBTQIA+ travelers and employees have complained of inclusivity issues and unsupportive leadership. In 2021, the company published a blog post about forming an oversight group dedicated to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and support and alluded to its efforts to "grow" and "learn."

Best Job Board : TotalMed

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, bonuses, and guaranteed hours
• Housing: Company-provided housing or stipend
• Benefits: Health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, short-term disability up to 12 weeks plus up to 60% of monthly earnings

TotalMed is one of the biggest agencies in the business and has the job board to match. The company is known for making it easy for travel nurses to quickly find a new post in any state.

Large, well-connected agency with huge job board

Solid day-one benefits

Flexible housing options

Pay guaranteed

Generous short-term disability policy

Some nurses complain of long onboarding process

Pay is competitive, but perhaps not the highest of any agency

Focus on placing nurses in areas of urgent need

Few travel nursing agencies have a job board as full as TotalMed 's. The company leverages its wide network of partner hospital systems to offer nurses a plethora of assignments to choose from.

TotalMed prides itself on placing nurses and other medical workers in new postings quickly and prioritizes assigning workers to places urgently in need of additional staff. It offers a standard array of benefits, plus a pay guarantee and a generous short-term disability policy that covers up to 12 weeks of injury or illness with up to 60% of your pay.

Some travel nurses have complained of a protracted onboarding process, but once the initial paperwork is out of the way, most seem very happy with the company's efficiency and the quality of its recruiters. Its pay may not always be the highest of any agency, but travel nurses working with TotalMed still enjoy the benefit of payment guarantees and the confidence that a new job will almost always be available, and fast. TotalMed also goes a long way to smooth out the transition process by organizing and covering the cost of any licensing and certifications its travel nurses may need, as well as offering reimbursement for pesky costs like new scrubs.

Compare the Best Travel Nursing Agencies

VERYWELL Health / Design by Amelia Manley

U.S. Department of Labor. U.S. Department of Labor announces $80M funding opportunity to help train, expand, diversify nursing workforce, address shortage of nurses .

Healthcare Research & Analytics. Social listening: Evaluation of travel nurse companies: Analysis of travel nurse sentiment towards travel nurse companies .

BluePipes. Best Travel Nursing Companies 2022 .

21 Best Travel Nursing Agencies Ranked [Updated For 2024]

• Last Updated: August 13, 2024

Looking to start your journey as a travel nurse and want to explore all of the best travel nursing agencies? Then we’ve got you covered!

While there are an overwhelming number to choose from, we aggregated data from Indeed and Glassdoor in order to determine the top-rated travel nursing agencies for 2023/2024. Best of all, the ratings on these sites come from real travel nurses who have actually worked with these companies.

So, in this post, you’ll see the top-rated travel nursing agencies and learn a little more about each one. If you want to explore an agency further, just follow the links to read our full, in-depth reviews.

We’ll also start with some recommendations based on our research to help you find companies with the best benefits, support, and more.

By the end, you’ll have a good idea of what each company offers, so you can choose the right travel nursing agency for your career goals.

Table of contents

What is the best travel nursing agency, best travel nursing agency for support, best travel nursing agency for benefits, biggest travel nursing agency, 1. axis medical staffing, 3. triage staffing, 4. fusion medical staffing, 5. travel nurses inc., 7. prime time healthcare, 8. medical solutions, 10. onestaff medical, 11. aya healthcare, 12. fastaff travel nursing, 15. travel nurse across america, 20. trustaff, what is the highest-paying travel nursing agency, start working with the best travel nursing agencies.

Axis Medical Staffing is the best travel nursing agency based on ratings from travel nurses on Indeed and Glassdoor.

However, always remember that while one agency may be a perfect fit for one travel nurse, it may be a different story for someone else.

For example, while one travel nurse may value a close relationship with their recruiter, another might be more concerned with salary or benefits.

Host Healthcare is the best travel nursing agency for those looking for robust support from recruiters. As soon as you start working with this company, you’ll have access to 24/7 support.

So, anytime you have a question or concern, you can call, text, or DM to get a quick answer. This makes it a great option for those who are new to travel nursing and might need a little extra guidance.

Of course, whether you’re a new travel nurse or a seasoned pro, there will always be times when you need to get in touch with your agency quickly.

Additionally, Host gives you access to jobs in all 50 states. All you need to do is select your desired contract location, and the company will help you find placements.

If you’re looking for a travel nurse agency with great benefits, you should check out RNNetwork . The company offers Day One benefits, meaning you’ll have access to them on the first day of your contract.

They offer a host of benefits including:

• Zero-Premium Health Insurance: Fully paid by RNnetwork, with dependant and life partner coverage.
• Prescription Pay: No-deductible for medications.
• Dental Plan: 100% coverage for preventive services and children’s orthodontic coverage.
• Vision Benefits: Coverage for lenses, glasses, frames, and exams nationwide.
• Continuing Education: Access to free, unlimited courses and licensure assistance.
• Credentialing Assistance: Full support and substantial cost coverage for licensing and certifications.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to expert advice for financial, mental, behavioral, and legal issues.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: $50,000 coverage without requiring enrollment in a medical plan.
• Teladoc: 24/7 physician consultation services over the phone.
• Sanvello: Free access to a mindfulness app for stress, anxiety, and depression relief.
• Talkspace: 24/7 access to licensed therapists online.

We discuss some of the other reasons to choose RNNetwork later on in the complete rankings.

The largest travel nursing agency is AMN Healthcare . In fact, they owned nearly 20% of the entire market share of the industry according to a report from a few years ago.

Working with the largest agency comes with a number of advantages, like the number and diversity of available job opportunities. Additionally, you’ll receive robust support and comprehensive benefits, like free housing, 401(k), and life insurance.

Given that AMN is such a big company that’s been around since 1985, you also know they have an established reputation. The company even has exclusive deals with healthcare facilities, giving you access to even more jobs.

Overall, AMN healthcare is a option for those looking for a large travel nursing agency with access to lots of resources.

21 Best Travel Nursing Agencies Ranked

Below we ranked the best travel nursing agencies based on reviews left on Indeed and Glassdoor. In instances where there was insufficient data on these sites, we substituted Facebook reviews.

Axis Medical Staffing earned the title of best travel nursing agency for 2023 based on our aggregated data from ratings by travel nurses.

This agency was founded in 2004 and boasts lots of benefits, including:

• Assignment opportunities in every state
• A “personal touch” unrivaled by other agencies
• A nice payment structure

Though it’s a highly-rated company and travelers are eligible for healthcare benefits the first of the month following their date of hire but it is something to be aware of as there is a month wait. If this is key in your decision, there are other options that offer day-one benefits.

However, if you’re in it for the adventure, this is a great agency to work with.

2. Host Healthcare

We mentioned earlier that Host Healthcare is one of the best travel nursing agencies when it comes to support. You can contact them with questions 24/7, and their recruiters will try to find your ideal placement.

However, Host offers a number of other great benefits too. For example, the company provides access to thousands of exclusive contract positions all across the country. Some other amazing benefits they provide include:

• Day one medical coverage that lasts up to 30 days between assignments
• 401(k) matching
• Travel reimbursements
• A dedicated housing support team

Overall, because Host Healthcare offers such comprehensive support, it’s a great option for those who are new to travel nursing. However, experienced travel nurses can also benefit from working with them.

Triage Staffing operates by the motto of “real and ready.” There are tons of great reviews from their employees, and they emphasize clear and open communication.

If you’re looking to build long-term relationships and communicate with your recruiter regularly, this may be a perfect option.

Just keep in mind that they do promote a more fun and casual culture, which may not be suitable for everyone.

Also, you’ll need two years of experience if you want to work with them. However, if you don’t have the experience yet, they still encourage you to get in touch and build a relationship while you gain that experience.

Fusion Medical Staffing is the next company on our list of best travel nursing agencies.

It began as a small business in 2009, but since then has grown rapidly. They’ve even won awards for being one of the fastest-growing companies and having an excellent workplace culture.

Some of the reasons to choose Fusion include:

• They accept new graduates and provide a mentorship program
• An emphasis on social responsibility and volunteering
• An inclusive culture; for example, participating in LGBTQ+ pride events, disability fundraisers, and more

While the company does hire new graduates, the information on their website isn’t all that thorough. This can be a little scary for new travel nurses, so make sure you ask the right questions so you can decide if Fusion meets all of your needs.

Travel Nurses Inc. has been in business for over 30 years and features 24/7 clinical support. They also won the ClearlyRated Best of Staffing in both 2021 and 2022.

The agency has a robust job board, and even features a “Furnished Finder” tool that allows you to book housing options right on their website.

They provide day-one healthcare coverage and make contract transparency a priority. Your recruiter will schedule a review of your contract before you begin an assignment, ensuring all your needs are met.

While the ratings for this company on Indeed and Glassdoor are a bit sparse, this agency has lots of glowing reviews on Facebook and Google that are worth checking out.

The only thing to keep in mind is that you will need one year of experience to work TNI.

6. Atlas MedStaff

Atlas MedStaff is next in our rankings of the best travel nursing agencies, and has been around for over three decades. They place a focus on working closely with travel nurses and tailoring their contracts to fit their needs.

For example, each contract includes an “ Atlas Adventure ,” which is a unique experience that could include anything from skiing to going to see your favorite professional sports team.

Other reasons to work with this agency include:

• Great insurance and benefits options
• Paid private housing options
• Transparent and long-term relationships

Just make sure you get set up with and develop a good relationship with your recruiter. As with many other of the best travel nursing agencies, this could make or break your experience.

Prime Time Healthcare has been recruiting healthcare professionals for over 15 years.

If salary is a top priority, this may be a good agency to work with. Their travel nurse salary tends to go above average and offer great secondary perks, like:

• An excellent range of benefits
• Referral bonuses
• Paid travel

Keep in mind that Prime Time tends to work with elite-level healthcare professionals.

Also, this agency doesn’t only find placements for travel nurses. They also fill positions for per diem nursing and permanent positions.

If you want an agency solely focused on travel nursing, you may want to look somewhere else. However, if you want to build a long-term relationship with a company and eventually move out of travel nursing, this could be a perfect fit.

Medical Solutions is an agency that focuses on custom-tailored contracts for their travel nurses.

In fact, before a nurse agrees to a contract, a consultant from the agency will speak with them about what is most important to them.

While each contract will be different depending on the needs of each nurse, you can expect:

• An excellent 401(k) plan
• Loyalty bonuses
• Health benefits
• Employee assistance program

While the contract flexibility and customization can be great for travel nurses who know exactly what they want, all the options could be overwhelming if you’re not sure.

If you’re new to travel nursing, it may be better idea to go with an agency offering standard contracts that have been tried and tested by lots of nurses before you.

9. RNnetwork

RNnetwork ranks number four on our list of best travel nursing agencies.

This agency gives you the best of both worlds. While they have a personal and friendly approach to working with travel nurses, they also have the resources of a huge staffing company. This is because they are owned by a parent company called CHG Healthcare Services.

Other benefits of working with RNnetwork are that they:

• Only focus on travel nursing
• Provide great compensation and benefits
• Have an easy-to-use job search platform

Just be wary of the fact that your experience may vary depending on the recruiter you are matched with. The wrong recruiter could leave you with a subpar experience.

OneStaff Medical boasts experienced recruiters and dedication to the nurses they work with.

If you choose this agency, you’ll be able to contact a representative 24/7, 365 days a year. This way, if any problems come up, you can start finding solutions immediately.

They also provide communication on assistance with career goals and help in meeting your travel expectations.

Like most of the agencies on this list, you’ll have access to standard benefits and plenty of housing options.

However, OneStaff tends to work with travel nurses with at least two years of experience.

There have also been complaints of lack of cooperation between the agencies’ departments. Though they may be isolated instances, it’s a good idea to be wary.

Aya Healthcare is one of the biggest and best-known travel nursing agencies in the United States.

Due to their size and reputation, they feature a huge selection of assignments to choose from.

Other advantages of working with this agency include:

• Day-one benefits
• Credentialing and paperwork support
• Scholarships and education assistance

If you want to work with an agency with lots of resources, you should definitely consider Aya.

However, just remember that their size may mean you can’t build the same type of relationship you could with a smaller agency.

If having a “personal touch” is important to you, this may not be the best option.

Fastaff Travel Nursing specializes in “Rapid Response” healthcare staffing. This means they staff facilities in desperate need of nurses during times of crisis, like environmental disasters or extreme staffing shortages.

This agency offers some of the highest pay rates to travel nurses. However, this is largely because the assignments tend to be more difficult given their “Rapid Response” specialization.

If salary is top priority, this may be just the agency for you.

However, keep in mind that you’ll likely need to be ready to start working within 48 hours of accepting a position.

These more difficult assignments also tend be a better fit for more experienced nurses. Their culture is more professional and less friendly because of the urgent nature of most of their placements.

We mentioned earlier in this article that AMN is the largest travel nursing agency, giving you access to a bigger pool of exclusive jobs and resources.

However, there are lots of other great things about this travel nursing agency too. For example, they offer a host of benefits, like:

• Free and high-quality private housing
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and flex spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Free continuing education courses
• Discounts on things like computers, cell phones, hotels, car rentals, gym memberships, and more

Perhaps most noteworthy is their mobile app. With the AMN Passport app, you can receive personalized job alerts, view time and pay details, and organize your credentials.

Overall, AMN is likely best for travel nurses with a bit of experience under their belt. However, if you’re looking for an agency with robust resources and great benefits, this could be the right fit.

14. Aureus Medical

Aureus Medical has been around for over 35 years, and they promote a highly-personalized approach to travel nursing.

Every nurse has a dedicated recruiter. However, if the recruiter is unavailable, there is always someone to offer support 24/7.

The agency also boasts:

• Long-standing relationships with healthcare facilities
• A dedicated housing and travel department
• Robust benefits

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the agency is rather large. So, despite having a dedicated recruiter, you may have to deal with a number of different staff members.

Unfortunately, this means information can sometimes slip through the cracks, meaning you may have to repeat yourself if your information isn’t passed along by their staff members.

Travel Nurse Across America has been around since 1999. They’ve often been featured in top ten lists for travel nursing agencies, and they’re considered one of the most reputable in the nation.

The agency boasts great relationships with its client facilities and a clear and transparent company culture.

One of the best things about TNAA is their benefits. They send an Assignment Benefit Summary before each assignment begins.

If you’re looking to put in some extra hours, you may also be able to take advantage of “TNAA Boost Pay.” This is a special rate you receive if you work an extra shift.

The agency also features other typical benefits, and even pay protection if one of your shifts gets cancelled.

While the company does boast a robust job board, it doesn’t publish pay rates on third-party sites when promoting job opportunities. This could be frustrating when looking for a position that fits your compensation needs.

16. Krucial Staffing

Krucial Staffing specializes in staffing healthcare facilities in urgent need of nurses.

This means the assignments tend to be in more high-risk, emergency areas. It also means you’ll typically need to be ready to start working within 48 hours.

While these assignments are certainly more challenging, you’ll also be compensated for that extra difficulty.

Additionally, you’ll receive:

• Extra benefits through Krucial’s partnerships
• Excellent housing options

If you’re up for a challenge and want access to a wide variety of assignments that tend to be shorter in length, this may be the right option for you.

NuWest has been around for about 25 years and prides itself on the quick deployment of travel nurses. In fact, they typically send nurses to an assignment within 72 hours.

This agency has a smaller feel and a more personal touch. It also offers competitive pay rates and all the benefits you’d expect from a travel nursing company.

The downside is that they have a smaller number of available assignments compared to some other agencies. They mainly staff facilities in:

However, if you’re a travel nurse looking to work in one of these states and you’re prepared for quick deployment, NuWest may be a good fit.

18. TotalMed

TotalMed Staffing provides healthcare facilities travel nurses and helps nurses find local jobs.

If you’re a travel nurse looking to cover all your basics, this agency may be a good option. They have a large network and robust online job board, meaning you’ll have lots of assignments to choose from.

The company also provides:

• Day one benefits
• Credentialing and paperwork assistance
• Educational and professional support

One thing to be wary of is that some nurses have complained about a long onboarding process. However, for most nurses, the process has not been a problem.

Maxim Healthcare Staffing has been around for over three decades. In addition to travel nurses, they also staff for home healthcare and wellness services. The company employs more than 65,000 healthcare professionals in the United States.

The agency offers competitive pay rates and placements at some of the best facilities in the country.

Like some of the other travel nursing agencies on this list, a lot of the travel nursing assignments tend to be in high-stress, high-volume areas.

While this will earn you a higher paycheck, it may not be the best fit for newer nurses.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the agency has been a bit slow to resolve paycheck issues in the past. While the problems were always resolved, it could add more stress to an already stressful placement.

Trustaff has been matching travel nurses with hospitals for over two decades.

One thing that makes this agency stand out is their superb communication and helpful staff. They have an active support line with people ready to help you out.

They offer everything you’d expect from a travel nursing company, including:

• Health insurance
• Start and completion bonuses

However, assignment length can be inconsistent when working with Trustaff. Most assignments last 13 weeks, but they could end up being shorter or longer.

If you need a more consistent schedule, this may not be the best fit.

Nomad boasts one of the best and most streamlined digital marketplaces for finding travel nursing assignments. Also, their pay packages tend to be on the higher end of the spectrum.

A few other upsides to working with this agency include:

• Licensure reimbursement
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits

However, some travel nurses that worked with the company reported that there was poor communication. This could be a huge problem, especially if you’re new to travel nursing.

Nomad Travel Nursing is part of the broader Nomad Health platform, so it may be easy to get lost in the shuffle of such a big company.

It’s worth noting that there are plenty of both 5 and 1 star ratings, so it may just depend on the recruiter you end up working with.

There is no single travel nursing agency that pays the most. In fact, all the agencies on this list provide competitive rates.

If you’re looking to make as much money as possible from your contract, you should focus on factors like location and the type of contract.

For example, travel nurses have a much higher earning potential in states like California or New York compared to states like Arkansas or Kentucky. Just keep in mind that the cost of living is also greater in the former states than the latter.

Additionally, a more specialized nursing role will typically pay more than a general RN role. So, if you want to make more money, consider earning certifications or getting an advanced degree.

Whichever agency you choose, travel nursing salaries are much higher than resident registered nursing salaries. The average annual salary for a travel nurse is $106,030 per year, compared to resident RN salaries at $82,750 per year.

While Axis Medical Staffing is the top-rated travel nursing agency in 2023, the company that’s right for you will depend on your priorities.

Don’t be afraid to explore multiple options before making your final decision. This will ensure you secure the best contract possible.

If you’re reading to start working as a travel nurse, then start travelling now!

Kimberly Hennerfeind is a freelance writer and registered nurse with expertise in health, medical and legal content at Nursing Notes, LLC. Her almost 30 years of nursing include neonatal/pediatric critical care, and legal nurse consulting. She spent several years as a travel nurse in Tennessee and Texas in large children’s hospitals. She lives near Nashville, TN with her family and beloved dogs.

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We’re Nurse First, a travel nurse agency. Founded by a former travel nurse, we know what it’s like to be a nurse in an unfamiliar hospital. That’s why we want to give nurses everything they need on travel nurse assignments to set themselves up for success to be happy in their life and careers.

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Our Advocates are on your side, every step of the way.

Instead of recruiters, we work with Advocates to make sure you’re placed in the best work environment possible. Our travel nurse job board discloses all of the information you need to make sure you’re making the right decision for you. No matter what, we’re here to help.

Travel Nurse Testimonials

Ángel santos, rn, ms/tele.

My experience with the company has been amazing. This is my first assignment, and from day one, Nicole Jackson and Daisy Soto were excellent. They guided me through the process and were always aware that I had the necessary tools to complete the requirements to get started with my assignment. 

In my case, I applied for an assignment, and unfortunately, it was not available. Still, Nicole was constantly in contact with me, and she immediately offered me other contracts that met what I wanted. That is the reason I am here now. When I applied with other companies, I was never told when an assignment was unavailable and had to go back to the beginning again. For this reason, I recommend Nurse First Travel Agency to start your new adventure!

Shannon, RN Endoscopy

Nurse First is a great medical staffing agency. My nurse advocate, Lauren, is always timely with responses to my questions. She checks in with me regularly but isn't bothersome or pushy like some recruiters can be. Cheryl, in payroll, is also wonderful and has been so helpful throughout my contract. I appreciate that I have been paid on time every week, and there have been no discrepancies with my pay that I had to address. 

The job board for Nurse First breaks down the location, hours, and pay of available assignments, and their rates are incredibly competitive with top agencies. The company is transparent with their rates before you even show interest in a job, and you simply won't get that with some of the other agencies out there. I am very glad I found a position through Nurse First, and I look forward to continuing to work with the company in the future.

Rachel Masterson, CST

I’ve been with Nurse First for two assignments now. My first assignment with Nurse First was a six-month-long contract with Health Trust. I was skeptical about taking such a different assignment at first. I was told I would be a market float for the whole West division of HCA hospitals. Of course, in the be beginning, we had some ups and downs. But my recruiter, Lauren, worked vigorously to resolve these issues. She made it such a wonderful experience that I signed another six-month contract with this company right after. I would recommend Nurse First to my friends and colleagues because working with them is more like working with family. I feel like a person and not a number. What I enjoy most about this company is its transparency and commitment to its workers. Lauren is always prompt when getting back to me, and she always keeps it real. I can’t imagine going back and working with any other company.

Eli White, Surgical Tech

If you are looking for a company that will be straightforward, transparent, and honest with you, then you should check out Nurse First. I have been in healthcare for 20-plus years, and I can uniquely say that Nurse First is probably the most transparent company out there; it is something I’ve always looked for in an agency. The application process was relatively smooth, and while I always consider my options, I will probably stick with Nurse First for my next contract. 

Alexa Coyne, RN

I had the pleasure of working with Nurse First to obtain my travel contract in NC. I have worked with many agencies, and this one was by far the easiest and fastest at helping me get the job I wanted. 

My recruiter, Nicole, was friendly, easy to get ahold of, and kept an open line of communication throughout the whole process. Although there is no bargaining power, the pay seems to be the best—and there’s no hassle. The onboarding process was easy, and everyone I worked with was able to communicate easily through text and at hours that even a night shifter can appreciate. I am glad I was able to work with Nurse First!

Olivia Hale, RN, BSN

I've used a different agency for each of my travel contracts thus far. It can be exhausting having recruiters constantly pressure you to choose their company, but I never felt that way with Nurse First. Their onboarding process was simple, and any issues/questions I've had have been dealt with in a timely, professional manner. What also appealed to me about working with Nurse First was the transparency they provided about pay packages—and the overall take-home amount was much higher than other agencies I've worked with.

Chauner Jones, BSN

My experience with Nurse First has been a great one. I thank my traveler advocate, Trey Ringer, for assisting me with finding my next assignment. Trey has the best personality, responds quickly, and gets the job done. He gets five stars in communication, customer service, support, responsiveness, integrity, and work ethic from me. I look forward to a long-lasting work relationship with Trey and Nurse First.

Kendralyn Grant

I just wanted to take a moment to highlight one of Nurse First’s employees, Trey, the absolute best. Thanks for being awesome. He is kind, informative, knowledgeable, and, most importantly, I never felt like I was being brushed off. As I recall calling him the first time, I look back and feel like he’s been my recruiter for years. I’ve texted him several times, and not once have I had to wait on a response. In this travel nursing life, I’ve spoken to a few individuals—and he is by far the most professional one. I’m so happy to begin this journey with Nurse First, and mostly I’m glad I was lucky enough that Trey answered the day I first contacted Nurse First—and that I gained him as a recruiter. I’m very big on expressing my gratitude, and he definitely deserves kudos. I pray the world delivers a few more like him in my path in this lifetime. 

Trey rocks—and I mean that wholeheartedly.

Kathleen Tillman, RN

I have traveled for seven years and have used several different travel companies. I have repeatedly tried to find one that meets all my needs, but I always have had to compromise in one area or another. Nurse First finally ticked all the boxes on my needs list... 

(1) lots of jobs in my specialty (2) variety of locations all around the country (3) pay details listed on the website (4) day one insurance (5) a company representative that doesn't harass me like a used car salesman.

Most importantly, my paychecks are always on time and correct and include reimbursements as promised. My traveler advocate Lauren is always available and was helpful and understanding when I missed some work due to my sister passing away. Every member of the company that I have dealt with has been fantastic and responds to any questions I have quickly and professionally. It's been a great experience with Nurse First so far, and I expect to continue with them for the foreseeable future.

Melissa Marsh, RN, BSN

They have a great staff that you get to know over time and see that they value the work that you’re doing. The Nurse First team is easy to communicate with and has been able to work with me to secure jobs that fit my special needs.

Setting up a profile with them is easy! They feature the usual application skills checklist and certifications upload, but they also have a profile specialist that makes yours look perfect when you finally decide to hit submit to your desired assignment.

Ready to get started? Let’s chat!

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First time working with Host Healthcare and my recruiter Alison is awesome!! SO responsive and worked relentlessly to get me a job exactly where I wanted to be. Onboarding was a breeze thanks to my recruiter and being so willing to help anytime I had questions. Will continue to work with Host as long as I’m traveling 🙂

Host healthcare has been amazing. Jayme Fowler, my recruiter has gone above and beyond for me. We had a few hiccups in the beginning but this girl went to every measure to get my onboarding done. She is so sweet and really cares about the nurses. She answered every question I had. She is extremely responsive! I absolutely love working with her! 10/10!

My recruiter is so amazing. Katie works with me in many difficult scenarios, is very quick to respond, and is always willing to provide more information and understanding. She is so friendly and thorough, and I would recommended her to anybody looking to become a stress free travel nurse!! Seriously 10 stars

Host Healthcare is great. Vicky is the best recruiter ever. She is organized, caring. Professional, and truly concerned regarding your well being. I have never had a recruiter so kind. Keep up the great work Host Healthcare.

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Travel Nursing

Exceptional opportunities Exceptional experiences

Now in the middle of my third contract, I love travel nursing. I love seeing how each hospital does things differently from the last, and I’ve made a lot of really good friends along the way. Not to mention the freedom — I have five vacations planned this year and have never been more financially secure in my life . Taking the leap into travel nursing is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.

Ashlynne S. Telemetry/Step Down RN

What is travel nursing?

Travel nursing gives you the freedom and flexibility to choose when and where you work. Travel the country, enhance your resume with new skills and help patients where you’re needed most — all while enjoying incredible adventures along the way. Whether you want to visit big cities or rural communities, with the most jobs in the industry , Aya can get you there.

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Top 13 Best Travel Nurse Companies 2022 Review

It is hard to deny the allure of Best Travel Nurse Companies. Should you enter this specialization, you will have the chance to observe the nation while making above-average pay prices. When adopting a resume you are able to meet your adventurous side.

It can be hard locating travel nursing assignments, as you can imagine. Additionally, you will have to consider – such as pay, benefits, and overtime – before committing to all those 13 weeks, that’s the mission span.

Where travelling nursing agencies get involved that is. These sections explore everything you want to keep in mind and what travelling nursing services may do to you.

What’s a Travel Nurse?

Travelling nurses are registered nurses who are employed in short-term functions at hospitals, hospitals, and other health care centres around the globe. Travelling nurses to help fill gaps in regions.

They’re employed through an independent best travel nurse agency rather than a hospital. This means that they can travel up to a nation that is different, or else they may function at hospitals that are in need of physicians.

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Many physicians choose the best travel nurse agencies for many perks, such as the opportunity to explore new areas, experience varied training environments, and create new friends. Competitive pay, fantastic benefits, and free home will also be major advantages of the job.

Experience degree or instruction not typically influences the Traveling nurse cover. In reality, a travel registered nurse with two years experience has the capacity to get exactly the identical amount as a travel registered nurse with 15 decades of experience. Making it a superb chance for physicians that wish to earn more income and help repay some of their price of nursing education.

The Purpose of Travel Nursing Agencies

Travel nursing services ought to be a one-stop store for everything you want picking the perfect one and when locating travel nursing duties. They can help to prepare you for what travel nursing is like with courses and resources so you’re aware of all the benefits and challenges before you start. Agencies also provide help for whatever you may encounter as a travelling nurse, for example, help with housing, medical insurance, and client service-related troubles.

Your travelling nursing service will keep your best interests in mind. Because of this, once you’re looking for your next travel assignment, your recruiter will urge that you locate an ideal mission that satisfies your requirements. That should also be the situation when you are negotiating cover, home units or stipends, and any specific orders you might have.

Unfortunately, when choosing a travel nursing service you ought to be cautious. As a result of growth within this discipline, travel nursing services have grown resulting in a low-quality agency. Proceed with caution and be sure that you do your research when choosing a travel nursing service. The following section contains some suggestions that are for finding a nursing service.

Top 13 Best Travel Nurse Companies

Launched in 1998, and also a receiver of the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval, RNnetwork focuses solely on travel nursing. We provide the friendly, personal service of a small business with all the advantages, stability, and resources of our powerful, established parent firm – CHG Healthcare. best travel nurse recruiter is proficient across all nursing specialties and manage all facets, from licensing and credentials to home and travel arrangements. This is the best places to travel nurse.

Alliant Healthcare Staffing

This season, Alliant Healthcare Staffing took up the rankings. The organization’s Aggregate Average Score improved well over 5 factors to 88.97. This increase has been based mostly on the 20+ bright testimonials their fulfilled healthcare professionals added into Facebook during the last calendar year.

Alliant Healthcare Staffing has been founded in 1986, making them the business on the list. It is fair to say that they have staff.

Nurse Across America

Travel Nurse Across America was the 4th rated company on the list this past year and they had yet another strong year. Their Aggregate Average score rose by over 1.5 points to 91.07. Their rating increased on platforms.

TNAA has a solid history of making its place on the “Finest Traveling Nursing Company” lists. They have been among an honourable mention or the businesses on the record for the previous 6 decades of Travel Nursing Central! This includes a Gold Position this season.

Situated in 1999 and According to Little Rock, Arkansas, TNAA is among the firms on our list. They’re among the 13 best travel nurse companies to work for. They have racked up over 1,200 reviews across the years, that’s a history that was fantastic.

Fastaff Travel Nursing

Fastaff Travel Nursing initiated the practice of Quick Response® travelling nurse staffing, and it has become a major provider of pressing and critical temporary physicians to assist hospitals to provide continuous patient care. Fastaff partners with lots of the country’s biggest and most prestigious healthcare centres – and small public associations – to fulfil health staffing requirements and provide round-the-clock patient attention.

Fastaff earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval, a location on SIA’s 2016 Largest U.S. Staffing Firms listing, 4 on SIA’s 2016 Fastest-Growing U.S. Staffing Firms and 8 on Colorado’s Top Workplaces.

Jackson Nursing

Launched in 2006. Emphasizes volunteerism among their own staff. Mission opportunities are offered by them. They personnel government agencies like the Department of Defense Medical treatment centres, the VA, Indian Health Services, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Medical Staffing Network Travel

Medical Staffing Network Travel is a comprehensive healthcare staffing firm that provides travel nursing, allied health care, pharmacy, medical study, anesthesia, innovative practice, and case management professionals via a network of 70+ locations. Medical Staffing Network Travel got the Best of Staffing® Award for providing service grade that was outstanding.

Gifted Healthcare

Gifted Healthcare has scores that are strong which we measure. Their Typical Aggregate score is 89.91 on 281 reviews. Their score rose slightly over last.

Gifted is. They are located in New Orleans. They have a PRN existence in Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, and team travelling missions.

Aya Healthcare

Aya is definitely the greatest company on the list. They’re the biggest travel nursing firm with approximately 9% market share.

Discover why travelling attendants are phoning us their”secret weapon”.

This past year we relied on 170 reviews. That brought their total to reviews that were 492. Their Typical Aggregate Score is simply 82.70. Their rating rose in the past calendar year by almost 5 points. Gains were also registered by them. The record was left by them based in a year in testimonials.

TaleMed is just another travel nursing business that is decorated. TaleMed has been for the previous 6 decades nursing business lists of Traveling Nursing Central and Highway Hypodermics around the travel! Including set on Highway Hypodermics this season and Gold Honors on TNC!! They made our listing of the best businesses in 2017 at number 16.

This year, we relied on 153 reviews. That brought their entire number of reviews across all platforms. Their Aggregate Average score increased marginally to 90.05.

Onward Healthcare

Onward Healthcare is a major provider of travel and contract staffing that is the neighbourhood for nurses.

FUSION Medical Staffing

Fusion staffs a number of health professionals throughout all 50 countries! We like to have positive relationships with our travellers.

ailored Healthcare Staffing

That can be Tailored Healthcare Staffing year in a row to create our record of this year’s greatest travel nursing companies. They were number 16 in 2017 and number 11 final year. Tailored continues to be for the previous 4 decades on the listing of the best travel nursing companies of Travel Nursing Central. They have been for two of the past 4 decades around on Highway Hypodermics’ record.

We tallied 82 reviews for this season, which brings their total number of testimonials. Their Typical Aggregate score increased marginally to 90.66.

PPR Travel Nursing

That can be PPR Travel Nursing’s second season on the list. We relied on 47 new reviews for this season and their Typical Aggregate score climbed to 90.03. They have a total of 394 reviews across all programs.

PPR has been in operation. They have received a lot of awards and benefits. Most interestingly, Fortune Magazine recognized PPR among the greatest small-to-medium-sized-businesses to for 13 of their past 23 decades!

PPR has been the top-ranked travel nursing business on Highway Hypodermics set in 2018. They also made the record 2014-2016 and 2019.

Strategies for Finding a Travel Nursing Agency

Here are seven things.

1. An Experienced Company: Assess the track record of the travelling nursing agency. How long has the company been around? Based on Michelle Baker, whose travel nursing mission caused a staff position nurses can be asked by you on your hospital that are travellers to contemplate bureaus that are distinct. Nursing sites are a fantastic source of advice for exploring their reputations, such as Highway Hypodermics can be helpful and rankings lists.

2. Strong Housing and Pay Options can cover prices compare to other agencies? you obtain a detailed picture of your pay Attempt to go overpay when analyzing reimbursement packages. In terms of home, travel nursing services vary with a few offering a selection of housing choices while some offer you high- or low-quality choices.

Another choice is to get a home stipend so you remain with a buddy or relative and pocket the cash or can locate your accommodations. In any case, might be, those aspects are important to consider. Get the information on what. A traveling nurse with years of expertise, Michelle Baker, stated that it is very important if you are not happy, to push.

3. The Benefits You Need: Benefits may vary by agency. If something is important to you, for example, health insurance, 401(k) programs, paid vacation time, rental cars, etc, then you need to be able to locate an agency that may accommodate your tastes. Bear in mind that your pay rate can be impacted by benefits.

4. Details about Policies: What is the policy on missed and missed chances? What about hours cover? Are there ensured hours, so that you’re not penalized if the hospital cancels your change? Those queries are easy to overlook, but they are really very important to your bottom line.

It isn’t uncommon for there to be a penalty for missed and missed changes, though some travel nursing agencies will permit you to overlook a couple of changes to comment on every query. You ought to acquire additional hours cover, and you’re going to want to learn which speed it pays; this detail may make it well worth your while (or maybe ) for extra hours worked. Hours must be included, however not if it is 100 or when the hospital could cancel a couple of changes without getting punished.

5. Quality and Amount of Job Opportunities: Look at agencies’ missions. If you aren’t appealed to by the destinations, it may pay off to keep searching for one more firm that has.

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What is Travel Nursing? Job Description, Salary, Requirements, and Benefits Explained

Travel nursing is when a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) takes short-term contracts in different healthcare facilities. They work with staffing agencies to fill temporary gaps in patient care. Travel nursing allows nurses to explore new geographical locations while providing essential healthcare services.

Travel nurses earn competitive salaries that can range widely based on experience and location, often between $70,000 and $100,000 annually. Their pay may also include stipends for housing and travel expenses. Requirements generally include a valid nursing license, a minimum of one year of clinical experience, and proficiency in specific nursing specialties.

Benefits of travel nursing are numerous. Travel nurses enjoy flexibility in their work schedules and the opportunity to explore new places. Many agencies also offer health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses for completing assignments.

In summary, travel nursing offers rewarding opportunities with diverse experiences and substantial financial incentives. As the demand for healthcare professionals grows, understanding the intricacies of travel nursing becomes essential for aspiring nurses. Next, we will explore the specific steps involved in becoming a travel nurse and how to navigate this exciting career path.

Table of Contents

What is Travel Nursing?

Travel nursing is a specialized nursing role involving temporary assignments in various healthcare settings. Travel nurses provide essential medical care while exploring different locations, typically lasting from a few weeks to several months.

According to the American Nurses Association, travel nursing allows nurses to work in diverse environments to meet staffing needs due to shortages or crises. The ANA highlights that these professionals play a vital role in delivering care where it is most needed.

Travel nursing encompasses various aspects, including flexible work schedules, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to gain diverse clinical experiences. Travel nurses often receive housing accommodations and travel reimbursements, making the position financially appealing.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics describes travel nursing as a response to fluctuating healthcare demands. Nurses embark on assignments across the country or internationally, adapting to different healthcare systems and practices.

Several factors contribute to the rise of travel nursing. These include increased demand for healthcare professionals, workforce shortages, and the desire for flexibility among nurses.

Approximately 30% of registered nurses report being interested in travel nursing roles, according to a survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. This trend indicates a growing acceptance of travel nursing as a career choice.

Travel nursing impacts healthcare systems by addressing staffing gaps and reducing burnout among permanent staff. It enhances workforce adaptability and fills temporary needs effectively.

The broader implications include improved patient care, reduced wait times, and better resource allocation. Economically, travel nursing stimulates local economies by injecting spending into communities where nurses work.

Specific examples include travel nurses being deployed during natural disasters or pandemics to support overwhelmed healthcare facilities. Their presence can significantly improve outcomes in crisis situations.

To optimize the travel nursing experience, organizations are encouraged to provide comprehensive support, including onboarding programs and community integration initiatives. Experts recommend creating mentorship programs that facilitate the transition for traveling nurses.

Innovative practices such as telehealth and advanced scheduling software can streamline the recruitment and assignment processes. These technologies enhance communication and improve logistical operations for travel nurses.

What are the Responsibilities of a Travel Nurse?

The responsibilities of a travel nurse primarily involve providing patient care, adapting to new healthcare settings, and effectively communicating with diverse medical teams.

• Delivering patient care
• Adapting to different healthcare environments
• Communicating with patients and medical staff
• Maintaining medical records
• Educating patients and families
• Collaborating with healthcare teams
• Following legal and ethical guidelines

Travel nurses must be adaptable and prepared to navigate a variety of healthcare systems. Each responsibility carries specific challenges and impacts, influencing the quality of patient care across various locations.

Delivering Patient Care: Delivering patient care is the primary responsibility of a travel nurse. Travel nurses assess patients’ health, administer treatments, and monitor progress. The American Nurses Association (ANA) emphasizes that nurses must adhere to evidence-based practices to ensure quality care. For example, a travel nurse working in an emergency room might have to address trauma patients swiftly, reflecting the need for critical skills and quick decision-making.

Adapting to Different Healthcare Environments: Adapting to different healthcare environments is crucial for travel nurses. They often work in various hospitals and clinics that may have distinct protocols and technologies. Flexibility in adjusting to these changes ensures continuity of care. A study by Cline et al. (2019) found that adaptability significantly impacts patient outcomes when nurses transition between facilities.

Communicating with Patients and Medical Staff: Communicating effectively with patients and medical staff is essential for travel nurses. They must gather patient histories and relay important information to multidisciplinary teams. Strong communication skills reduce misunderstandings and enhance teamwork. The Joint Commission reports that communication failures are a leading cause of sentinel events in healthcare settings.

Maintaining Medical Records: Maintaining medical records is another critical responsibility of travel nurses. They must accurately document patient assessments, treatments, and progress. According to the Health Information Management Research (HIMR), accurate record-keeping directly affects patient safety and quality of care. Electronic health records (EHR) have become standard, requiring travel nurses to be proficient with various EHR systems.

Educating Patients and Families: Educating patients and families is an essential duty of travel nurses. They provide crucial information regarding diagnoses, treatments, and medication management. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize that patient education promotes health literacy and empowers individuals to participate in their care.

Collaborating with Healthcare Teams: Collaborating with healthcare teams is vital for travel nurses. They work alongside doctors, specialists, and other nurses to develop and implement care plans. Effective collaboration leads to better-coordinated care and improved patient outcomes. A research study by Dyer et al. (2020) highlighted that collaboration among healthcare professionals enhances patient safety and quality of care.

Following Legal and Ethical Guidelines: Following legal and ethical guidelines is critical for travel nurses. They must understand the healthcare laws and regulations governing their practice in different states or countries. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) outlines that failing to adhere to these guidelines can lead to serious legal ramifications for nurses. Understanding local laws ensures compliance and protects patient rights.

In conclusion, travel nurses play an essential role in the healthcare system by delivering care, adapting to new environments, and collaborating effectively with teams while meeting legal standards.

What is the Average Salary of a Travel Nurse?

The average salary of a travel nurse typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 per year. Travel nursing involves healthcare professionals who work temporary assignments in various locations to meet staffing needs in hospitals and clinics.

According to the American Nurses Association, travel nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who take on assignments in diverse healthcare settings, often providing services in critical areas lacking sufficient staff.

Travel nurse salaries can vary based on several factors, including experience, location, specialty, and demand for services. These nurses often receive additional compensation in the form of stipends for housing, travel, and meals.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses, in general, earn a median annual wage of approximately $77,600. Factors influencing travel nurse pay include the geographic location of assignments, the urgency of staffing needs, and the complexity of the healthcare environment.

Data from the staffing agency Fusion Medical Staffing indicates that travel nurses can earn anywhere between $1,200 to $2,000 per week, significantly higher than traditional nursing roles. Projections suggest that demand for travel nurses will increase, especially during healthcare crises.

The rise of travel nursing has significant implications. It enhances care delivery in underserved areas but may strain local resources and impact permanent staff.

Travel nursing affects health systems by providing adaptable staffing solutions, yet raises questions about long-term workforce sustainability and local provider burnout.

To support the travel nursing workforce, organizations recommend better compensation structures, broader recruitment strategies, and improved working conditions.

Strategies to mitigate issues include establishing clearer contracts, enhancing support systems for both temporary and permanent staff, and utilizing telehealth technologies to supplement care.

What Qualifications and Certifications Do You Need to Become a Travel Nurse?

To become a travel nurse, you need specific qualifications and certifications, including a nursing degree and a valid nursing license.

The main qualifications and certifications required are as follows: 1. Nursing Degree (Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing) 2. Nursing License (Registered Nurse, RN license) 3. Clinical Experience (typically 1-2 years in a specialized field) 4. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification 5. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification (may vary by specialty) 6. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification (if working with children) 7. Specialty Certification (optional, depending on field)

Transitioning from qualifications to a deeper exploration leads us to examine each requirement in detail.

Nursing Degree : To become a travel nurse, you must obtain a nursing degree—either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The ADN typically takes two to three years to complete, while a BSN generally requires four years. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), nurses with BSNs often have better job prospects and opportunities for advancement.

Nursing License : A valid Registered Nurse (RN) license is essential for travel nursing. Each state has its own licensing requirements. You must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses to practice in multiple states with one license, which is beneficial for travel nursing.

Clinical Experience : Most travel nursing agencies require at least 1-2 years of clinical experience in a specialized area of nursing. This experience ensures that nurses can handle diverse situations on the job. For instance, a travel nurse specializing in critical care should have prior experience in an intensive care unit to manage high-stress scenarios effectively.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification : BLS certification is mandatory for all nurses. This training covers the basics of cardiac arrest management and life support, which is essential in emergency situations. The American Heart Association (AHA) offers BLS courses that are widely accepted.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification : For travel nurses, especially those working in areas like emergency medicine or intensive care, ACLS certification is important. This training focuses on managing cardiovascular emergencies, enabling nurses to respond effectively to advanced resuscitation scenarios.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification : If a travel nurse works in pediatrics, obtaining PALS certification is often required. This certification trains nurses in emergency management for children, emphasizing the differences in treatment between adults and children.

Specialty Certification : While optional, specialty certification can enhance a travel nurse’s qualifications. For example, certifications in areas like labor and delivery, emergency nursing, or oncology demonstrate a nurse’s advanced knowledge and skills in a particular field. Organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) provide these certifications.

In summary, the qualifications and certifications for travel nursing are diverse. Each plays a significant role in preparing nurses for the dynamic environment of travel assignments. By showcasing their expertise through various certifications, travel nurses can enhance their employability and adaptability across different healthcare settings.

What are the Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse?

Being a travel nurse offers numerous benefits, including high pay, flexibility, and the opportunity to experience different locations and cultures.

• Competitive compensation
• Flexible work schedules
• Diverse work environments
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Travel perks and allowances
• Networking opportunities
• Insight into various healthcare systems

The advantages of being a travel nurse provide a unique context for understanding the broader implications of this career choice.

Competitive Compensation: Competitive compensation for travel nurses often exceeds the pay of traditional nursing roles. This higher pay reflects the demand for skilled nurses in underserved areas and fluctuates based on location, experience, and specialty. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), travel nurses earn a pay premium, with some specialties offering hourly rates significantly above standard wages. For instance, an ICU travel nurse in California may earn upwards of $4,000 per week.

Flexible Work Schedules: Flexible work schedules are a hallmark of travel nursing. Travel nurses typically have the freedom to choose assignments that fit their personal preferences and lifestyles, including the length of assignments and types of shifts. This flexibility allows for a better work-life balance, enabling nurses to create schedules that align with their personal lives, travel plans, or family commitments. Studies show that a significant number of travel nurses appreciate this flexibility as it helps reduce burnout.

Diverse Work Environments: Diverse work environments allow travel nurses to work in various healthcare settings. These settings may include hospitals, clinics, and specialized care facilities in different regions. Exposure to a range of patients and healthcare scenarios enhances clinical skills and adaptability. A travel nurse working in New Mexico may face different challenges than one in Florida, broadening their professional experience and skills.

Opportunities for Professional Growth: Opportunities for professional growth abound in travel nursing. Nurses can gain experience in multiple specialties and healthcare systems, making them more competitive in the job market. Travel nursing allows for exploration of additional certifications and trainings specific to different states or facilities, enhancing overall career prospects. For example, a nurse may choose to specialize in pediatrics in one assignment and geriatrics in another, adding depth to their professional expertise.

Travel Perks and Allowances: Travel perks and allowances are benefits travel nurses often receive. These can include housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and meals or relocation allowances. Such benefits help offset costs associated with moving and working in temporary locations. Many travel nurses report that these perks significantly enhance their overall earnings and job satisfaction.

Networking Opportunities: Networking opportunities are plentiful in travel nursing. Nurses meet colleagues and healthcare professionals from various backgrounds and regions. This networking can lead to mentorship opportunities, future job offers, or collaborations on projects. The American Nurses Association emphasizes the value of professional connections in advancing one’s career, making travel nursing a fertile ground for such relationships.

Insight into Various Healthcare Systems: Insight into various healthcare systems provides travel nurses with a broad understanding of healthcare delivery models. They learn about state-specific regulations, management styles, and patient care philosophies. This knowledge helps develop a more comprehensive approach to nursing practice, as evidenced by a 2021 report from the Journal of Nursing Administration, which notes that exposure to different systems cultivates adaptability and innovative problem-solving skills.

These benefits highlight the multifaceted advantages of being a travel nurse, catering to those seeking a rewarding and dynamic career.

What Challenges Might You Encounter as a Travel Nurse?

Travel nursing presents several challenges that professionals may encounter in their roles.

• Adaptation to New Environments
• Licensing and Credential Verification
• Professional Isolation
• Varied Workplace Culture
• Housing and Living Arrangements
• Financial Management
• Emotional and Physical Stress
• Uncertainty in Assignments

The complexities of travel nursing extend to different aspects of the profession. Understanding these challenges can prepare nurses for a successful experience in this field.

Adaptation to New Environments : Travel nurses must quickly adjust to different hospitals and healthcare systems. Each facility has its own policies, procedures, and technologies. For instance, data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (2019) reveals that nurses often face a learning curve that can impact their efficiency and patient care.

Licensing and Credential Verification : Travel nurses need to obtain licenses for each state they work in. This process can involve time-consuming paperwork and verification. According to the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), 39 states participate in this agreement, allowing nurses to practice across state lines more easily. However, those in non-participating states face additional hurdles.

Professional Isolation : Travel nursing can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Many nurses work in unfamiliar locations with limited connections. A study by the American Nurses Association (2020) suggests that professional camaraderie becomes difficult to establish while frequently changing assignments.

Varied Workplace Culture : Each hospital has its own culture and team dynamics. Travel nurses may find it challenging to integrate with established staff. For example, differences in communication styles or protocols can create friction, impacting teamwork and efficiency.

Housing and Living Arrangements : Travel nurses often need to find temporary housing in new cities. This can involve significant time and effort in researching and securing accommodations. According to the Staffing Industry Analysts (2021), housing issues can become a key stressor for travel nurses.

Financial Management : Travel nurses frequently manage complex financial situations. They must track budgets, manage travel expenses, and understand their pay structure. A survey by The Travelers (2022) indicates that over 60% of travel nurses express concerns about financial stability during assignments.

Emotional and Physical Stress : The demands of travel nursing can lead to high levels of stress. Long hours, patient care responsibilities, and the need for self-care can overwhelm nurses. Research by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (2021) highlights that travel nurses report higher instances of burnout compared to their stationary counterparts.

Uncertainty in Assignments : Travel nurses often face uncertainty regarding future work assignments. Positions may change abruptly, leading to unpredictable job security. A report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022) emphasizes that this uncertainty can contribute to anxiety about career progression.

Engaging with these points provides a thorough view of the challenges faced by travel nurses. Overall, preparation and awareness are vital for navigating these obstacles effectively.

How Can You Successfully Transition to a Travel Nursing Career?

To successfully transition to a travel nursing career, start by obtaining necessary qualifications, researching travel agencies, understanding the job market, preparing for lifestyle changes, and managing finances effectively.

First, obtaining necessary qualifications is essential. Travel nurses must be registered nurses (RNs) with a valid nursing license in at least one state. Many jobs also require an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Additional certifications in specialized areas may enhance job prospects. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, as of 2020, 54% of RNs hold a BSN, which often leads to better opportunities.

Second, researching travel agencies is crucial. Not all agencies are the same, and finding one that fits your needs is important. Investigate each agency’s reputation, benefits, and available job placements. Websites such as Travel Nursing Central provide reviews that can assist in making informed decisions.

Third, understanding the job market is necessary. Travel nurses often work in high-demand areas, such as critical care, emergency rooms, and labor and delivery. Knowing where jobs are concentrated can help in selecting an agency and desired locations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has indicated that employment for registered nurses is expected to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029, which highlights favorable job prospects in nursing.

Fourth, preparing for lifestyle changes is vital. Travel nursing often means short-term assignments in different locations. This can affect personal relationships, living situations, and daily routines. Developing adaptability and organization skills can ease this transition. Joining travel nursing forums or communities can provide support and advice from experienced travel nurses.

Fifth, managing finances effectively is important. Travel nurses may earn higher pay rates, but they must also account for housing, travel expenses, and potential gaps in employment. Creating a budget and exploring options for housing stipends, which some agencies offer, can help maintain financial stability. A survey conducted by the American Nurses Association in 2021 found that 48% of travel nurses prioritize income when choosing assignments.

By focusing on these key areas, individuals can increase their chances of successfully transitioning to a travel nursing career.

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The Best Travel Nursing Companies 2020

The best travel nursing agencies are hard to find. There are over 300 agencies and reviews are spread across multiple services. Meanwhile, travel nursing companies are pivotal in a travel nurse’s career. Therefore, travel nurses are intent to seek out the best agencies. So, we aggregated over 79,000 reviews from the most reputable review sources to bring you this list of the best travel nursing companies of 2020.

Please Note: This article was written in 2020. While it is still very useful, we highly recommend reviewing our newer article below:

The Best Travel Nursing Companies 2024

The Best Travel Nursing Companies 2023

The Best Travel Nursing Companies 2022

Finding the Best Travel Nursing Companies is Difficult

It’s difficult to find the best travel nursing companies for several reason. It’s important to consider these reasons so you don’t get burned during your search process.

Reviews Differ Across Review Resources

First, there are tons of review services. We have researched as many as we can. That process has taught us that reviews sometimes vary dramatically from one service to the next.

Find your next travel healthcare job on BluePipes!

A company may have a 5-star average on one service and a 2-star average on another. Therefore, travel nurses should check all review sources to get the full picture.

Watch Out for Fake Travel Nursing Reviews

Travel nurses must also consider the trustworthiness of a review source. In recent years, we’ve discovered several review sources that clearly have fake reviews.

We see a new review resource pop up. Suddenly, each travel nursing company has hundreds of reviews despite the fact that the website itself doesn’t even get that many visitors in that amount of time. The reviews have poor grammar and they quickly cease accruing.

People commonly refer to this as “review seeding”. Shady eCommerce companies and unscrupulous Silicon Valley startups commonly utilize this dishonest tactic as a “growth hack”.

So Many Travel Nursing Companies to Review!

Another problem with reviews is that the travel nursing industry is highly asymmetrical. The top 43 companies account for 70% of the industry’s annual revenue. That means that the remaining 250+ companies split the remaining 30%.

That’s not a problem in and of itself. The problem is that a significant number of companies have relatively few travel nurses working for them.

As a result, it’s much more difficult for them to get reviews. Moreover, the reviews they do receive are spread across the large number of review sources. Therefore, it’s often difficult for travel nurses to find a meaningful number of reviews on any one review source.

How We Determined the Best Travel Nursing Companies for 2020

That’s why we’ve been aggregating the reviews of travel nursing companies from trusted review sources since 2017. Each year, we start the process by entering the number of reviews and the review score for each company into a spreadsheet.

We do this for each review source. Here are the 6 review sources we used this year:

Rating Services We Aggregate

• Highway Hypodermics
• Travel Nursing Central

Next, we run a calculation that aggregates the scores into one weighted average score. In doing so, the calculation converts all the scores to a 100-point scale.

Then, the spreadsheet calculates two “Difference Scores”. These difference scores compare the current year to the previous year.

This way, we can reward companies that achieve score increases from one year to the next. On the flip side, we also penalize companies with score decreases.

These penalties and bonuses have a major impact on the final rankings. That’s by design. We want our list to illustrate how the companies performed over the last year.

The original Universal Job Application and Credential Management for travelers.

Our scoring system is actually quite complex. We’ve included a detailed sample at the end of this article.

Insights from Travel Nursing Company Ratings and Reviews for 2020

This year, we collected all the data between May 18, 2020 and May 31, 2020. Of course, with all this information in one place, there are many interesting insights we can glean. Let’s take a look.

Quick Observations

• Our 2018 article on the “Best Travel Nursing Companies” has been viewed more than 138,000 times. It’s our 5th most viewed article of all time.
• Our 2019 “Best Travel Nursing Companies” article has been viewed more than 77,000 times. It’s on pace to get more views than the 2018 article.
• We aggregated 79,671 scores for 324 travel nursing companies this year. Last year, it was 67,364 scores for 305 companies. That’s an increase of 12,307 new scores and 19 new companies. It’s important to note that some of the companies are now defunct. That’s a ton of reviews for this small industry!
• The weighted average of all scores for all agencies was 78.19 in 2020. That’s up from 78.13 in 2019. Travel nursing companies continue to perform exceptionally well relative to other industries.

Travel Nurses added 740 new reviews on Highway Hypodermics (HH) in the last year. That’s more than double the number of reviews they added the year before! Highway Hypodermics now has 3,501 total reviews.

The weighted average score of all reviews on HH is 17.54 this year. That’s an increase of .15 from the previous year.

That’s an average score of 88%! That indicates that travel nurses are very pleased with the service they receive from travel nursing companies. It’s important to note that HH accepts reviews only from travelers, not internal staff.

Travel nurses submitted 1,444 new reviews on Travel Nursing Central (TNC) in the last year. That brings the total number of reviews on TNC to 10,355. TNC also accepts reviews only from travelers.

The weighted average score of all the reviews on TNC this year is 85.38 out of a possible 100. That’s an increase of 1.22 from the previous year. That’s another indication that travel nursing companies are delivering exceptional service.

On a side note, we’ve heard rumors that TNC is no longer owned by staffing firm Medical Solutions. The website was offline for several days in March before coming back online.

When TNC came back online, the site had a new logo that looked exactly like The Gypsy Nurse logo except it had Travel Nursing Central as the name. That logo has since been replaced by the original TNC logo.

We counted 584 fewer reviews of travel nursing companies on Facebook this year. That is not a mistake. We saw many instances where companies have fewer reviews on Facebook this year compared to last year.

However, it’s not the companies’ fault. Facebook changed how they do reviews last year. It was a mess last year and it seems it’s still a mess this year.

Nonetheless, the travel nursing industry loves Facebook. The total number of reviews for travel nursing companies on Facebook is now at 7,339.

The weighted average score of all travel nursing company reviews on Facebook is 4.53. That converts to 90.6% on a 100-point scale. That’s really good! However, it marks a slight decrease of .2% from last year.

We counted 6,997 new reviews for travel nursing companies on Indeed this year. However, 3,011 of those reviews were for Randstad and Fresenius. Both companies are massive with very small travel healthcare divisions. If we remove them from the mix, then there were 3,986 new reviews on Indeed this year.

That brings the total number of reviews on Indeed to 37,737. If we remove Randstad and Fresenius, then the total is 17,958.

Meanwhile, the weighted average score for all travel nursing companies on Indeed is 3.69 this year. That comes to 73.8% on a 100-point scale. That’s a reduction of .6% from last year.

However, if we remove Fresenius and Randstad from the weighted average, then the weighted average score for the remaining travel nursing companies increases to 3.75. That equates to 75% on a 100-point scale. We’re noting this here because we will completely remove these companies from our calculations next year.

Glassdoor came in with 2,293 new reviews for travel nursing companies this year. That brings the total number of reviews on Glassdoor to 16,052.

The weighted average score for all travel nursing companies on Glassdoor was 3.66 this year. That equates to 73.2% on a 100-point scale which is an increase of 2%. That’s a really big increase!

We tallied 1,417 new reviews for travel nursing companies on Google this year. That brings the total number of reviews on Google to 4,687.

The weighted average score for all companies on Google dropped from 4.44 in 2019 to 4.42 in 2020. That’s the equivalent of 88.4% on a 100-point scale which is really good.

Why We Include 20 on Our List of the Best Travel Nursing Companies

We are often asked why we include 20 companies on our list of the best travel nursing companies instead of the customary top 10. We include 20 companies for several reasons.

The first time we did this in 2017, we immediately recognized that there were well more than 20 companies that had an average score above 88. Why is that important?

Well, Google, widely considered one of the best companies in the US to work for, has an average score of 88 (4.4) on Glassdoor and 86 (4.3) on Indeed. This indicates to us that any company with similar scores deserves recognition.

Moreover, we’re huge proponents of working with multiple companies . Additionally, the companies with the highest ratings tend to be mid-sized companies who typically have access to fewer jobs than the largest companies in the industry.

That makes it even more important for travelers to work with a higher number of these agencies. In fact, we urge you to work with as many of them as you can. You can use our agency management tools to simplify that process .

Finally, with over 300 travel nursing companies, 20 represents roughly 6% of the industry. That’s a relatively small number of companies for travelers to consider given what’s at stake.

Connect with the Best Travel Nursing Companies on BluePipes

The great news is that 19 of the 20 companies on this year’s list have an active company page on BluePipes. That means you can connect with them using our powerful career management platform developed specifically for travel healthcare professionals.

11 of the companies on this year’s list have active recruitment subscriptions on BluePipes. That means you can find their recruiters, apply to their jobs and more on BluePipes!

Discover why travel nurses call BluePipes their “secret weapon” by selecting the button below.

BluePipes’ Best Travel Nursing Companies 2020

We encourage you to consider every company on this list. Their reviews indicate that they all provide exceptional service.

That said, each company has unique benefits and services. Additionally, they may have access to different jobs. They may also differ with respect to their job offerings by region of the country.

Free eBook: How To Negotiate Travel Nursing Pay

Ultimately, the companies you choose should be those that can meet your unique needs.

Here is our list of the best travel nursing agencies of 2020.

Best Travel Nursing Companies in Detail

Let’s take a look at each of the companies in detail. As we mentioned above, we urge you to consider each company on the list. They’re all highly rated and you never know which one might be the perfect fit for you.

1. Host Healthcare

Host Healthcare might have had the most amazing year we’ve seen to date. We tallied 357 new reviews for them this year. Their aggregate average score increased from 95.46 to 96.59.

But here’s the thing – their average score on TNC went from 94.9 to 95.6 because they received 99 new reviews with an average score of 98. Additionally, their average score on both Facebook and Glassdoor increased from 4.9 to a perfect 5.0. This truly exemplifies that they put the needs of their Travelers first with the highest Traveler reviews in the industry.

From the moment Travelers begin with Host Healthcare, they are given the highest level of care and attention from recruiters, receiving tailored job searches and pay packages. The traveler-recruiter relationship is woven throughout the Traveler’s assignment, with ongoing direct access to his or her recruiter.

Host Healthcare also offers Travelers dedicated Travel Experience Specialists to make their Travelers’ lives easier with housing and travel experience support and recommendations. Plus, Travelers receive medical coverage from day one.

Host Healthcare was number 3 on Highway Hypodermics list of top travel nursing companies for 2020. Moreover, they’ve been on HH’s, TNC’s and BluePipes’ lists of the best companies every year since 2017. They’ve won a  litany of other awards and even launched a policy guaranteeing pay for Travelers quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19 while on assignment.

Host Healthcare is based in San Diego, CA and was founded in 2012. The company has accomplished a ton in a very short period of time and has clearly demonstrated that Host Healthcare is Travel Healthcare that puts you first.

None of this comes as a surprise to anyone who knows Host Healthcare’s founders. They’re an exceptional group and they’ve surrounded themselves with an exceptional team. Kudos to Host Healthcare on an awesome year!

2. Axis Medical Staffing

Axis Medical Staffing had yet another awesome year. We counted 156 new reviews for Axis this year. Their aggregate average score increased from 92.83 to 94.97.

Axis received 59 new reviews from travel nurses on TNC with an average score of 97. They got 77 new reviews on HH and improved their average evaluation score from 18.1 to 18.9. That’s the highest evaluation score of any company on HH!

This is Axis’s fourth straight year on our list. They were number 3 in 2019. They received glowing reviews from travel nurses this past year.

Axis is based in Seattle, WA. They were founded in 2004 and have built a reputation for honesty and integrity. They’re also a super fun group to work with!

3. Gifted Healthcare

Gifted Healthcare is nurse owned and operated. In fact, RNs comprise nearly all of Gifted’s top level management team. They’ve been providing exceptional service since 2006.

We tallied 84 new reviews for Gifted this year. That brings their total number of reviews across all 6 platforms to 365.

Gifted’s aggregate average score increased from 89.91 last year to 91.78 this year. They received 14 new reviews on TNC with an average score of 98! Their score on HH increased a full point to 18.3. They also went from 4.7 to 4.9 out of 5 on Glassdoor.

In addition to staffing travel nurses nationwide, Gifted also does a lot of PRN staffing in Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. That is a great combination for nurses in 2020’s difficult employment market.

Gifted was on our list of best travel nursing companies in 2017 and 2019. They’re passionate about taking care of their clinicians and it shows!

4. Triage Staffing

Triage Staffing is becoming one of the most decorated companies in the industry. If you read their reviews, then you’ll see the lengths they go to in order to keep their travelers happy, safe and informed.

Triage’s aggregate average score is 95.83 on 985 total reviews. Their scores increased year over year on TNC, Indeed and Google.

Triage was number 2 on our list in 2017, number 3 in 2018 and number 4 in 2019. They’ve also been on HH’s list for the last 2 years. Moreover, Inc Magazine recognized them as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation for 3 years running.

Triage started in 2006 as a boutique staffing agency focused on placing Radiology professionals. They’ve grown to staff healthcare professionals of all types. More importantly, it’s clear that they continue to deliver the exceptional service that got them here.

5. United Staffing Solutions (USSI)

United Staffing Solutions, Inc (USSI) has an average aggregate score of 90.40 on 247 total reviews. This year, their scores increased from last year on TNC, HH, Glassdoor and Google.

USSI has been on our list of the best travel nursing agencies 3 out of the last four years. They were on TNC’s list in 2018 and 2019.

If you read USSI’s reviews, you will find that they are appreciated for their honesty, transparency and responsiveness. These are all extremely important qualities in a travel nursing company.

6. Ventura Medstaff

Ventura MedStaff bursts on to our list for the first time at number 6! We say that because they opened for business in late 2018.

But, don’t let their recency fool you. This is a team of highly experienced industry vets who are passionate about delivering world class service. The leadership team boasts 100+ years of combined experience. Many on the team have 10 or more years in the industry.

Speaking of “world class”, I should mention that they are one of the few agencies to have international travel healthcare options as well. Ventura Medstaff is comprised of 4 divisions, all of which work in conjunction with each other. Those divisions are Nursing including LPN, Cath Lab, Therapy and International.

Ventura has amassed a total of 118 reviews with an aggregate average score of 96.87. They also made it on HH’s list of the top travel nursing companies for 2020.

Ventura’s diverse ownership includes Women, Minorities, Veterans, and Nurses. If you read their reviews, you’ll see that travelers love them for their accessibility, responsiveness, honesty, compassion and fun-loving nature. We expect them to be a regular on such lists moving forward.

7. Core Medical Group

Core Medical Group had a great year. They increased their average score on Facebook, Indeed and Glassdoor. Their aggregate average score increased more than 5 points on 84 new reviews. That brings their total number of reviews to 350.

Core Medical Group was founded in 1989. They’re based in Manchester, New Hampshire. Core staffs healthcare professionals of all types in both travel and permanent positions.

8. AB Staffing

AB Staffing had a huge year with their reviews. They nearly doubled their total number of reviews by adding 230 new reviews to bring their total to 475 reviews.

AB Staffing’s aggregate average score increased significantly to 87.47. They received the bulk of their new reviews on Facebook, Google and Glassdoor. Their average scores increased on all three platforms.

AB Staffing was founded in 2002 and is based in Gilbert, Arizona. While AB Staffing is known for their work with Indian Health Services (IHS) and the VA, they have recently branched out into the private market as well, working with state and county facilities.

9. Tailored Healthcare Staffing

Tailored Healthcare Staffing (THS) is a regular on lists of the best travel nursing companies. This is their 4 th straight year on our list. They were on HH’s list in 2016 and 2018 and they were an honorable mention in 2019. They were on TNC’s list in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

THS’s average aggregate score increased to 91.08 on 130 new scores this year. They earned bonuses for score increases on TNC, HH and Google.

THS is based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They were founded in 2004.

10. Advantis Medical

This is Advantis Medical’s second straight year on our list. That makes them 2 for 2 since they were founded in late 2018.

But, don’t be fooled by the recency. Advantis is run by a group of staffing industry vets with expertise in building world-class teams.

Advantis is passionate about providing exceptional service. They have an average aggregate score of 96.49. That’s one of the highest aggregate scores of all the companies we measure.

11. Cariant Health Partners

Cariant Health Partners makes our list for the first time with an average aggregate score of 91.17. They received a bonus because their score improved on Indeed. Cariant received 75 new scores this year to bring their total number of scores to 97.

Cariant Health Partners is based in Omaha, Nebraska. They were founded in 2001. They staff both nurses and therapists.

Cariant’s parent company, RehabVisions, was started by a married couple, one of whom was a Physical Therapist and one of whom was a Nurse.

12. Next Travel Nursing

Next Travel Nursing added 79 new reviews this year. That brings their total to 233. Nearly all of their new reviews came from TNC and HH. That’s great because both services accept reviews only from travelers.

Next Travel Nursing’s aggregate average score increased to 87.63. Their scores were up on TNC, HH and Glassdoor.

They were on TNC’s list in 2017 and 2019. They were an honorable mention on HH’s list in 2019.

13. Convergence Medical Staffing

Convergence Medical Staffing has 156 total reviews. 136 of those reviews come from HH and TNC. They received 18 new scores on TNC this year with an average score of 97.9. That’s awesome!

Their aggregate average score is 90.10. Their scores increased on TNC and HH this past year.

Convergence was founded in 2013 and they’re based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Convergence was on our list in 2017.

14. Medical Solutions

Medical Solutions is one of the largest travel nursing agencies in the industry. The reason we point this out is that the other large companies in the industry rarely stand a chance of making it on these lists due to their low review scores.

However, Medical Solutions has an aggregate average score of 85.58 on 1,559 reviews. This means that they’ve been able to maintain exceptional service as they’ve grown. That’s tough to do.

It’s also a great combination for travel nurses. They’re bigger, so they have access to a lot of jobs. Plus, you get great service!

Medical Solutions increased their scores on HH, Indeed and Glassdoor this year. They also increased their aggregate average score. All of this is tough to do when you have a high number of reviews.

Medical Solutions is based in Omaha, Nebraska and was founded in 2001. They were on TNC’s list of best travel nursing companies every year from 2014 to 2018.

15. Fusion Medical Staffing

Fusion Medical Staffing added 243 reviews this year. That brings their total to 1,176. Their aggregate average score is 93.91. That’s really high given the number of reviews they have.

Fusion Medical Staffing was on our list in 2017 and 2018. They were on TNC’s list in 2016, 2017 and 2018. They were on HH’s list in 2018 and they were an honorable mention in 2019.

Fusion Medical Staffing is based in Omaha, Nebraska, and was founded in 2009. Fusion staffs a variety of specialties in the following fields: Nursing, Long Term Care, Cath Lab, Therapy, Laboratory and Radiology. In the fall of 2019, Fusion launched their Cardiopulmonary division, and most recently in June 2020, a Home Health division.

16. Premier Healthcare Professionals (PHP)

PHP has a total of 186 reviews across all 6 services we track. 124 of those reviews are on Highway Hypodermics. They’ve made it on HH’s list of top travel nursing companies every year since 2014 at least!

This year, PHP’s aggregate average score increased to 85.16 which gave them a bonus in our scoring. They also got a bonus because their score increased this year on HH.

PHP was founded in 1986! They staff nationwide and internationally. They work with RNs, LPNs, and CNAs.

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17. Talemed

Talemed is a regular fixture on the best travel nursing company lists. They were on our list in 2017 and 2019. They’ve been on both TNC’s and HH’s list every year since 2014!!

Talemed added 194 new reviews this year. That brings their total number of reviews to 1,067. They have an average aggregate score of 90.01 which is down slightly from last year.

Talemed is based in Loveland, Ohio and was founded in 2006.

18. FlexCare Medical Staffing

It’s no surprise that FlexCare Medical Staffing is on our list. We’ve referred to them as the most decorated travel nursing agency of all time.

FlexCare has amassed a whopping 1,727 total reviews. That makes them the company with the most reviews on our list. They have an aggregate average score of 92.76.

FlexCare has been on our list every year. They’ve been on TNC’s list every year since 2014! They’ve been on HH’s list 10 times including this year!!

19. Medical Staffing Solutions, Inc

Medical Staffing Solutions, Inc (MSSI) has 226 total reviews. They have an average aggregate score of 91.71.

174 of MSSI’s reviews come from TNC. They have an average score of 94.3 on TNC. They’ve been on TNC’s list numerous times since 2014 including multiple Gold place finishes.

20. Health Providers Choice

Health Providers Choice has a total of 177 reviews. 127 of those reviews are from Highway Hypodermics. They have an aggregate average score of 89.43 across all review sources we measure.

Health Providers Choice has been on HH’s list of top travel nursing companies every year but one since 2014. Moreover, they have multiple first place finishes on the list!

About BluePipes’ Scoring System for the Best Travel Nursing Companies 2020

Again, our scoring system is fairly complex. Therefore, we think it’s important for us to provide details on how it works.

The Sources We Use to Determine the Best Travel Nursing Companies

We collect scores for each company from 6 review sources and enter the scores into a spreadsheet. Here are the 6 sources we collect scores from:

Traveler vs. Internal Staff Reviews

Each of these review sources is unique in its own way. However, HH and TNC allow reviews only from healthcare professionals. The others allow reviews from anyone.

We include the other sources for several reasons. First, we believe that if a travel nursing company is good for travelers, then it’s also good for the internal staff and vice-versa. If you look at the actual reviews, then you can see that this is actually true in most cases.

Second, we use the other review sources because so many people rely on them as a source of reviews. Therefore, we wouldn’t get a clear picture if we excluded them.

Discover why travel nurses are calling us their “secret weapon”.

Finally, the other review sources have tons of reviews because the services simply get more traffic. At the pace the other review sources are growing, they will surpass the niche review sources within a couple of years if they have not already.

Review Solicitation and Fake Reviews

Anyone who relies on reviews to evaluate goods and services must be aware that “review solicitation” exists. Note that we’re not talking about “fake reviews”, which are a different problem.

Review solicitation is when reviewees solicit reviews from their employees and/or users. For example, some agencies may share links to review the agency with their travelers and/or employees. We’re okay with that because the results could go both ways.

Fake reviews are reviews from people who do not have experience using the service they are reviewing. For example, the reviewee might purchase reviews from a third-party service. We’re not ok with fake reviews.

Controlling for Problems

That’s why we check for fake reviews. We also have a host of other rules and guidelines designed to ensure against other problems like small sample sizes and annual surges in the number of review scores for individual companies.

After we enter all the scores and run the calculations, we check each of the top companies to make sure they meet our guidelines. Each year, many companies do not qualify.

Most of the time, they don’t qualify because they did not meet the minimum requirements. Every once in a while, we disqualify companies because we suspect they engaged in foul play.

Sample Breakdown of a Score from the List of Best Travel Nursing Companies

With all that in mind, let’s take a look at a detailed sample breakdown of our scoring. We’ll use Triage Staffing’s scores. They are number 4 on our list this year.

Minimum Requirements

First, we find the number of reviews and the average score for each rating service and enter them into our spreadsheet. Our minimum requirements are as follows:

Minimum Requirements for Best Travel Nursing Companies

• A company must have a minimum of 50 total reviews across all platforms. That’s not 50 for each platform, but 50 for all platforms combined.
• A company must have a minimum of 15 new reviews from healthcare professionals in the last year.

Both of these requirements are designed to ensure that we have an acceptable sample size. For example, it wouldn’t be very useful if a company could make our list with 5 5-star reviews. It also wouldn’t be very useful if a company made the list with 100 reviews from their internal staff and none from their travelers.

Our sample company, Triage Staffing, has 958 total reviews. Therefore, they meet our minimum requirement of 50 total reviews.

Additionally, they had 304 new reviews this year. They received 68 new reviews on TNC and 32 new reviews on HH. Therefore, they definitely had more than 15 reviews from travelers in the last year.

The Aggregate Average Score

Next, we calculate the “Aggregate Average Score”. This is a weighted average of all the scores from the 6 review sources.

To accomplish this, we must use a common scoring scale. You see, different rating services have different scoring scales.

TNC uses a 100-point scale. HH uses a 20-point scale.  The others use a 5-point scale.

We convert them all to a 100-point scale. Here’s exactly how we calculate the Aggregate Average Score.

We begin with the scores.

Next, we add the number of reviews to arrive at the total number of reviews.

Next, we calculate the weighted total for each review source. This is also where we convert all the scores to a 100-point scale. To do so, we multiply the scores by 20 for the rating services that use 5-point scales. We multiply by 5 for the rating service that uses a 20-point scale.

Here is how that breaks down for Triage Staffing.

Finally, we divide the weighted aggregate total by the total number of reviews. Here is what we got for Triage Staffing:

Aggregate Difference Score

Now that we have the average score, we can calculate the “aggregate difference score’. This score rewards or penalizes a company based on the difference between this year’s and the previous year’s aggregate average score.

Simply put, we subtract last year’s average score from this year’s average score. If the result is positive, then the company gets a bonus. If the result is negative then the company gets a penalty.

The aggregate difference score has the following guidelines:

Minimum Requirements for the Aggregate Difference Score

• To qualify for this score, a company must have had more than 50 total reviews in the previous year. This qualification ensures some modicum of adequate sample size.
• We cap this score at 5 points per company. This qualification also works to ensure some modicum of adequate sample size.

For example, Triage Staffing’s aggregate average score for 2019 was 95.6802752. Their aggregate average score for 2020 is 95.82505219.

So, we subtract 95.6802752 from 95.82505219. We are left with + 0.144776963.

Therefore, Triage Staffing receives a bonus of + 0.144776963. We add that bonus to their aggregate average score for 2020. 95.82505219 + 0.144776963 = 95.969829153.

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And yes, all those decimal places are necessary. For example, our number 6 and 7 companies are separated by less than .04 of a point.

The Individual Difference Score

Finally, we calculate an “individual difference score” for each rating service. It’s similar to the aggregate difference score. However, in this case, we give bonuses or penalties based on the difference between last year’s score and this year’s score for each rating service.

The Individual Difference Score has several guidelines and qualifiers. We choose to keep this scoring mechanism private to ensure that our scoring system cannot be easily copied.

However, please contact us if you are a traveler our staffing agency who would like a full breakdown of everything. We’ll gladly reveal and discuss all the calculations, guidelines and qualifiers.

That was a lot of wonky number crunching! If you’ve made it this far, then you’re probably ready for a nap!! But, you’re an expert on our scoring system.

As always, we hope you found this information useful. Please contact us with any questions or concerns about our ranking system. And, join BluePipes for free so you can manage your travel healthcare career with ease!

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