best travel nurse agency reddit

9 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.

9 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

9 Insider Tips From A Travel Nurse Staffing Agent

When Travel Nursing Goes Bad – And How To Fix It

How To Choose The Best Travel Nursing Offer – Pros and Cons

6 Important Questions You Need to Ask A Potential Staffing Agency

Join the many nurses already traveling.

Don't miss out on your adventure..

21 Best Travel Nursing Agencies Ranked [Updated For 2024]

• Kimberly Hennerfeind
• Last Updated: April 17, 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 traveling 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.

Get The Latest Nursing News In Your Inbox

Stay on top of the latest word that affects your career., more to explore.

Per Diem Nursing: The Ultimate Guide For 2024

Per Diem Nursing may sound fancy, but it’s not as intimidating as it might sound. Learn what it is and if it’s right for you here!

Best Nursing Schools in Colorado: Top 15 Options For 2024

The Centennial State boasts lots of ADN, BSN, MSN, and DNP programs to choose form. Discover the best nursing schools in Colorado here.

It's time For the next step

Whether it's a new a job, or continuing your education, betternurse.org is your career partner..

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Digestive Health
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Diet & Nutrition
• Supplements
• Health Insurance
• Public Health
• Patient Rights
• Caregivers & Loved Ones
• End of Life Concerns
• Health News
• Thyroid Test Analyzer
• Doctor Discussion Guides
• Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer
• Lipid Test Analyzer
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer
• What to Buy
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Medical Expert Board

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

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 a variety of 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.

"Being able to explore other healthcare systems and connect with other providers can help give a travel nurse new experiences and perspectives," 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.

• 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)

Final Verdict

• Compare Providers
• Guide to Choosing

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.

Even though some agencies on our list require account registration to access pay rates, each one offers competitive benefits and wages. Triage Staffing is our choice for best overall travel nursing agency because of its positive reviews, superior customer service, and competitive wages. Day one 401(k) and tuition reimbursement are just a few ways it provides long-term support for travelers. 

Compare the Best Travel Nursing Agencies

Guide to choosing the best travel nursing agencies.

Travel nursing agencies are  staffing agencies  that place registered nurses and healthcare professionals in hospitals and clinics with short-term staffing needs. They often send individuals to national or international locations where there are nursing shortages.

Here are a few tips for choosing the best travel nursing agency to meet your needs.

Is a Travel Nursing Agency Right for You?

There are many advantages to working with a travel nursing agency in addition to the obvious benefit of being able to travel and explore new places. Some of the other advantages of working with a travel nursing agency include:

• Competitive pay: Travel nursing agencies offer competitive pay rates that are often higher than what you would make as a staff nurse and recruiters can help you find lucrative positions.
• Benefits : Health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits are typically included in a travel nursing agency's compensation package.
• Housing: Travel nursing agencies often provide housing or help nurses find housing in their assignment location.
• Specialty assignments based on nursing field: 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 an added 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 : Free or reduced-cost continuing education courses, travel expenses, gym memberships, completion bonuses, and other perks are often available through travel nursing agencies.

How to Choose a Travel Nurse Agency

Consider the following when choosing a travel nursing agency:

• Average pay rates: Pay rate varies by agency, location, and assignment. Travel nurses often work with multiple agencies at the same time to find the best assignments and pay rates.
• Benefits package: Make sure the agency's benefits are comprehensive and meet your needs. Benefits may include health coverage , dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, 401K, vacation time, and education reimbursement.
• Housing options: Determine if the agency provides housing or assists with finding housing. Some nurses prefer to find their own housing, while others prefer the convenience of having the agency secure housing for them.
• Reputation: Check out online reviews and ratings to get an idea of 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which travel nurses are most in demand.

Staffing agencies report that demand is high for critical care and medical-surgical nurses. Emergency room staff and labor and delivery staff are also in great demand.

Do Travel Nursing Agencies Pay for Housing?

Your agency will either have housing available for you or will reimburse you for your housing expenses. If you choose to secure your own 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.

How Long Are Travel Nursing Assignments?

Some travel nursing opportunities can be as short as eight weeks, while others can last for up to six months at a time. There are often options and offers to extend assignments, too.

What Experience Do You Need to Be Recruited by a Travel Nursing Agency?

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.

Can Travel Nurses Choose Where They Work?

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 in mind.

Methodology

We reviewed more than 20 agencies and studied hundreds of reviews from travel nurses around the country to identify the best travel nursing agencies. We then analyzed company quality and customer service scores across multiple sources to determine which companies are most reputable. Wages, housing options, and benefits were also a top priority. We reviewed the range of assignments, as well as the quantity and quality of each agency's listings in all 50 states.

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 .

Trusted Health Blog

Choosing Between Travel Nursing Agencies

So, You're Looking at Travel Nursing Agencies?

By the time you start thinking seriously about travel nurse agencies (or nurse staffing agencies), you’ve probably decided to give this “travel nursing” thing a shot. 

You may even have started a search for the "best travel nurse agencies"―many (if not all) of whom are now scrambling over one another to offer you travel assignments to apply for. Step one, score! ‍ While it’s exciting to be the center of attention, it’s probably a bit daunting, too.

• What’s the best travel nursing company to work for?
• Will your agency be able to secure the travel nurse jobs you're interested in (pay package, private housing, etc)?
• What are the highest paying travel nurse agencies?
• How do you know you’re getting top pay? What is good pay!?

Figuring out the answers to all these questions might leave you feeling stuck.   

We get it. We’ve been there! We’re dishing out the deets on the thinking points that you can use to find the best travel nurse agencies for you!

Compensation: Finding the Highest Paying Travel Nurse Agencies

Show me the money! But really .

Compensation is one of the most commonly cited reasons for traveling as a registered nurse. In fact, a recent BluePipes survey of travel nurses found that 82% of them ditched their full-time staff positions to work with nurse staffing agencies because of pay.

How much does travel nursing pay? A recent Staffing Industry Analysts study estimates that the average rate paid to travel nurses by travel nurse agencies nationwide is a little over $50 per hour, but that number varies widely depending on a whole host of factors. 

Higher pay was a major motivator in 82% of nurses who left their permanent staff positions to become travel nurses.

Usually, travel nurse agencies advertising open positions will have basic information, including location, unit type, and―you guessed it!―compensation up front to help you with your decision. Unfortunately, it's not that simple; the weekly dollar amount won’t give you the full story.

A bunch of factors―from the travel nurse agency's profit margins to employee insurance costs to travel and licensing reimbursement amounts will all affect the compensation packages that are ultimately presented to you.

Even then, travel nurse compensation packages are usually broken down into taxable income and nontaxable income. It’s a lot, we know. That’s why we’re breaking down some of the most important parts of working as a traveling nurse for you.

Heads up : the following information is for travel nurses who have and maintain a tax home, meaning that they’d qualify for tax free reimbursements. If you’re not sure whether this applies to you, take a peek at our guide to travel nurse taxes and have a chat with your friendly neighborhood IRS professional. (They don’t bite, we promise.)

When considering travel nursing salary, the first category of money to look at is the base rate. A base rate is the “normal” rate that you’re paid for each hour worked and typically reflects a variety of factors including the type of specialty required, the location of the assignment, and even the type of shift (day/night). This portion of your compensation package is taxable income. 

A base rate is usually front-and-center―especially for new travel nurses―but keep in mind that it’s far from the only factor that should go into consideration when you’re comparing compensation packages or trying to determine the highest paying travel nursing agencies.

Extra Hours Pay

If you’re planning on picking up extra shifts, you’ll want to understand how the policies at different nurse staffing agencies affect your pay as a travel nurse.

When it comes to overtime pay, some travel nurse agencies will make their compensation more competitive by offering a higher overtime rate than the law requires. Others will offer overtime rates closer to what the law requires and then include extra perks within your overall package.

Ultimately, regardless of what method is used to handle your overtime pay, you want to make sure that you’re paid fairly. Whenever travel nurses take on extra shifts, agencies get to charge their nurses’ respective healthcare facilities for those hours, so it’s only fair that they have a way to pass on some of those profits. Just be sure you understand what’s in your contract before signing.  

Reimbursements 

Another important consideration in choosing a travel nurse agency is the amount of reimbursement provided for lodging, meals, and incidentals while you’re on assignment. Beyond housing stipends, meals, and incidentals, different agencies may include reimbursements or stipends for other circumstances, from scrubs to continuing education courses .

Reimbursements are important because they typically make up a large chunk―and sometimes even the majority―of your take-home pay as a travel nurse. Remember, when you’re comparing different compensation packages, consider the reimbursement category in addition to taxable income. 

All this talk of money might have you curious about compensation for travel nurses nationwide. For more on this, check out or 2019 Travel Nurse Compensation Report .

How to Have a Seamless Application Experience

Don’t fall into the trap of simply assuming that the highest paying travel nurse agencies are the best agencies to work for... or always offer the highest pay rates, for that matter. Money can’t buy happiness, especially if you’re trying to maintain that happiness during the onboarding process. 

For peak happiness (and minimal stress!), you’ll want to work with staffing agencies that conduct business in a way that empowers their nurses to make the best decisions for themselves―both personally and professionally. That takes trustworthiness , integrity , and recruiters (or Nurse Advocates !) who genuinely advocate for their nurses in the job-search process. 

Here’s how to make sure that you’re getting all three. 

Word-of-Mouth

Websites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor have yet to really catch on in the healthcare space. What can you do to research travel nurse agencies in the meantime? Believe it or not, word-of-mouth remains incredibly powerful―and not simply in healthcare. As many as 50% of people use word-of-mouth as a major channel for finding new job opportunities. 

If you’re unsure of the reputation of a travel nurse agency, don’t be afraid to ask them for references from former nurses. Additionally, if you have any friends or past coworkers in the travel nursing sphere, reach out to them for their opinion on trustworthy travel nurse agencies. After all, if an agency is making its travel nurses happy, at least some of those nurses will be more than willing to vouch for them! 

If you aren’t able to receive references from travel nurses vouching for the agency, then hop online! Travel nurses from around the country have formed communities around their shared experiences (and challenges!) as travel nurses. There are travel nursing communities on Facebook, LinkedIn, and even Instagram! 

Some of our favorites include BluePipes , Highway Hypodermics , and the Gypsy Nurse Facebook Group . If you are a Trusted Nurse , you also have access to The Modern Nurse , a private Facebook group dedicated to providing the most relevant and timely job opportunities and information for travel nurses.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to individuals in these groups and ask for their advice on an agency’s reputation. Not only are they a source of knowledge on everything from traveler-friendly medical facilities to networking in a new city, but they’re free!

Finally, like all pieces of information you receive from individuals online, be sure to do your own additional research to confirm.

Travel Nurse Recruiters

Describing a travel nurse as “working with an agency” is a bit misleading. Most of the time, if someone’s using a travel nurse agency to help find a travel assignment, the vast majority of that time is actually spent working with a travel nurse recruiter. 

Travel nurse recruiters are the ones who’ll answer the brunt of your questions, let you know what assignments are available, and guide you through the application process. Because a lot of your experience with the travel agency will be through them, it’s important that you’re happy―no, elated ―with the recruiter you choose. 

Signs of an A+ Recruiter

A lot goes into making an awesome travel nurse recruiter―from experience and passion to a wealth of resources and contacts with account managers at different facilities. Here are some signs that you’ve landed a keeper. 

They listen (and act accordingly). 

Look out for travel nurse recruiters who remember details about you as an individual and incorporate that into helping you find your next assignment. For example, maybe after hearing you share your interest in learning how to surf, they send you some Hawaii travel options! Even remembering details as simple as what your significant other does for a living or asking how your kids are doing (if you have them) are good signs. 

A recruiter who listens to your requirements, concerns, and all the details in between is a promising advocate for you (not just in the short term, but the long term as well).

They’re responsive. 

As a nurse, your time off shifts is valuable. Don’t waste it trying to chase down an unresponsive recruiter for answers or next steps―there are way too many other recruiters out there who’ll happily be more attentive! Applying for assignments is a time-sensitive process: a slow response could cause you to lose a spot to another travel nurse whose recruiter was more on-the-ball.

They’re knowledgeable (and open about what they don’t know). 

Your travel nurse recruiter should answer your questions thoroughly and confidently. This often comes with a strong relationship between their travel nurse agency and the medical facility or prior experience helping travel nurses who’ve worked at that facility.

Most importantly, observe what your recruiter does if they don’t immediately have the answer. (If that never happens, be suspicious.) A good recruiter isn’t afraid to admit when they’re unsure of something and consult with qualified parties to clarify. 

They’ve got your best interests in mind. 

Do you feel like your recruiter is invested in finding the best possible assignment for you? If your answer to that question is “no” or even a hesitant “yes,” then it’s time to look for a new one. It shouldn’t be a shock that recruiters are working in their agencies’ best interests, but that’s no reason not to work in yours, too! 

In fact, your best interest is in the best interest of the travel nurse agency. 

Think about it: you work with a recruiter who quickly finds an assignment you love, helps you apply and onboard, and checks in with you throughout the duration of your assignment to make sure that you’re doing well. 

As a result, you’re a lot less stressed and more prepared, which makes it easy to do an awesome job. It’s a win-win(-win?) situation: you’ve had a great experience and are likely to return, the hospital is pleased with the quality of work provided, and the recruiter earns a great reputation with both you and the hospital.

Recruiter Red Flags

It’s just as important to spot red flags as it is to know when you’ve found an awesome recruiter. If you notice your recruiter doing any of these, then don’t be afraid to walk away. As Laura, head of Nomadicare, puts it: “Many times [recruiters] learn because we leave. You are a great teacher for them when you can set boundaries, practice great communication, and walk away with grace and kindness while you do it.” 

So what red flags should you be looking out for?

Being trigger-happy when it comes to job submissions.

Unfortunately, submitting your application without your permission is far too common a practice among recruiters in the healthcare staffing industry. Recruiters may claim that waiting until you review all the details before submitting wastes precious time that could cause you to lose out on the position. 

That thinking is dangerous . 

Not only does this kind of submission undermine your authority in deciding which applications are best for you, it also increases the chance you interview for a job that you aren’t truly interested in―a waste of everyone’s time. And while double submissions (when multiple recruiters submit you for the same position) aren’t the end of the world, they can create problems for you down the line.

Not having promises and agreements down in writing.

From charting to contracts, you’ve probably heard it before, and you’ll certainly hear it again: if it isn’t in writing, it doesn’t count. It’s easy to forget verbal agreements―especially if weeks have passed after the fact. 

Avoid a conversation that debilitates into a pointless he-said-she-said standoff by ensuring that all agreements are clearly outlined in both your contract with your travel nurse agency and your agency’s contract with your medical facility. If your recruiter isn’t on top of getting your asks in writing (or worse yet, is discouraging you from getting them in writing), watch out.

Guilt-tripping you for looking at multiple recruiters.

Working with multiple recruiters from different travel nurse agencies isn’t only normal, it’s recommended! Consulting with multiple recruiters broadens your application field, helps you identify unusually good (and bad) packages, and gives you a leg up in negotiations. Not doing so only puts you at a disadvantage. 

Thus, a recruiter should never try to corner you into working exclusively with them. Ultimately, as a travel nurse, you need to find the offer that works best for you―if an agency wants to guarantee your business, they should be taking a look at their compensation packages, not your “loyalty."

Here’s the bottom line: if you feel pressured, hurried, or otherwise unsupported by your recruiter, it's time to move on. Travel assignments may be temporary, but even 13 weeks can feel like an eternity if your recruiter (or your agency) doesn’t have your back.  

Onboarding Experience

Questions to ask: Is the process streamlined and efficient? Do you feel informed and empowered? 

Your application timeline will feature a dizzying array of different requirements and deadlines, which can make applying to your next travel assignment feel scary and overwhelming. What’s the best way to combat this sense of drowning in checklists, emails, and applications? 

A streamlined, simple -ish application and onboarding experience.

Why simple -ish ? Believe it or not, there’s never a guarantee that a travel nurse’s application and onboarding experience will go smoothly, and this isn’t always the fault of the travel nurse agency. Many individuals are involved in a travel nurse’s application process behind the scenes , and the relative lack of tech savviness in the industry doesn’t help the situation.

Nonetheless, the top travel nursing agencies (and most experienced travel nursing recruiters) out there try their best to provide a relatively seamless and cohesive application experience that supports, informs, and guides their nurses each step of the way―and those efforts are often clearly felt (and appreciated!) by the travel nurses they work with.   ‍

So be sure to do research into each agency’s application and onboarding process by asking questions such as:

• How does the agency keep track of tasks that you must complete, and how often do they communicate with their nurses on next steps?
• Will your travel nurse recruiter check in regularly throughout the application process, or must you be proactive in getting that information from them and completing the steps on your own?
• Will you receive the information you need to know in a flurry of emails sent to your inbox from different parties or neatly displayed on a checklist in your personal account?

The application and onboarding experience is often the best chance to get an early sense of how much support you’ll receive from the team at your agency. And you’ll need this support if hiccups come up during your application or even while you’re on assignment, or for any subsequent assignments. 

So, are you comfortable with the support that the travel nurse agency that you’re considering will provide? If your answer is anything less than an enthusiastic “absolutely!," reconsider working with them. 

After You Sign   

So, you've used the advice above to find the best travel nurse agency for your needs, scouted out a great recruiter, and breezed through a seamless onboarding experience. Are you done? Of course not! There’s still an entire travel nurse assignment to do!

One of the most overlooked and under-appreciated responsibilities that a travel nurse agency should embrace is taking care of their nurses through the duration of their assignment. It’s not uncommon to see nursing applications approached from a transactional lens―that is, once each of you are able to get what you want from the other, the relationship ends.

But let’s be real: your travel nurse experience (and work with agencies) doesn’t end with you signing your first (or tenth!) contract. What should you do if:

• there are hiccups during orientation?
• you’re facing a hostile work environment?
• you love the hospital and want to extend your time there? 

Make sure that your relationship with your recruiter doesn’t end once your shifts start. Check for signs that the agency and your recruiter continue to make you feel appreciated and empowered throughout your assignment. Some agencies host events for their nurses or send gifts on big work milestones, but the possibilities on this are almost endless!

Also, if your hosts networking events or meet-and-greets for its nurses, take advantage of the opportunity to meet some new friends!

Perks: Evaluating Your Travel Nurse Agency’s Benefits

No travel nurse agency’s package is complete without benefits. The most common benefits you’re likely to receive are insurance and lodging, but each company uses its own unique blend of ingredients to make its secret sauce.

We know... moving’s a hassle. Finding which neighborhoods are safe, researching the cost of living, figuring out what type of short-term housing will best suit your needs―all of these take time and energy. When it comes to travel nurse housing, there are usually two options:

(1) You have company-sponsored housing. This means that your travel nurse agency will have a place ready for you. While the convenience is definitely a plus, you should check ahead of time that the place where you’ll be housed is up to your standards, as not all company housing is made the same. When deciding on whether to make use of company-sponsored housing, remember to consider the distance to the facility and the amenities available. 

(2) You’ll have a stipend to purchase housing with. While this may be the less convenient option, it also allows you to personally ensure that you get a place you approve of. It also gives you a lot more flexibility in your living setup. Some nurses choose to travel around all 50 states in RVs instead of arranging hotels, motels, or AirBnBs.

Others are able to pool their money with other travelers to rent shared apartments. Regardless of your living preferences, receiving a housing stipend directly will allow you the most flexibility in making them a reality.

Not all travel nurse agencies offer both options, and not all company-sponsored housing and/or stipends will be the same, so make sure that you choose an agency that will allow you to live the way you want!

If moving wasn’t stressful enough! Like housing, you’re bound to run into variations in how travel nurse agencies handle insurance. And like housing, you shouldn’t be afraid to find an agency with an arrangement that works for you!

We’re diving into the two most common insurance arrangements below, but keep in mind that not all agencies offer both options. If one is especially important for you, make sure this option is available with the agency you want to work with.

Joining the Company’s Insurance

Your agency may offer a company-sponsored health insurance plan that you can join. Medical plans typically cost roughly $30-60 dollars per week. With this arrangement, organizing your insurance is a relatively hands-off process.

That being said, there are rules that you’ll want to be clear on beforehand. Some plans come into effect the day you begin your assignment, while others require a specific waiting period. Also, different plans vary around what happens to your insurance between assignments―you’ll want to clarify these aspects up front to avoid gaps in coverage. 

Buying Your Own Insurance

If your agency’s insurance plans do not offer the coverage you need (i.e. vision or dental insurance), or you’re wary of having to switch health insurance plans and providers each time you sign up for an assignment with a new agency, you can consider purchasing your own insurance. While the burden for securing health insurance is now on your shoulders, you also have more freedom to shop around for a plan that best works for you and your family.  

401(k) Options

Pensions are rare for nurses as is, and we’ve never seen one available for travelers. Retirement accounts are the next best thing, so getting access to one through your travel nurse agency is definitely a plus. For a simple crash course on retirement accounts (and how they can help you retire rich), check out this article about the ways in which nurses can actually retire wealthier than doctors . 

Long story short, if your agency offers a 401(k) program, take advantage of it. And if you’re lucky enough to have a 401(k) and an employer willing to match your contributions, you definitely have no excuse.

If your agency doesn’t offer 401(k) options, ask your recruiter whether it has any other programs available to help you save and plan for retirement. It only takes a few extra minutes to figure out, and your future self will thank you. 

Continuing Education Courses (and Credits!)

Ah, continuing education credits. Those contact hours that you find yourself scrambling to complete every couple of years ( depending on your state ). 

Did you know that some travel nurse agencies can help you get them? That’s right―some agencies secure partnerships with CE providers to secure classes or workshops that grant continuing education credits at little to no cost. And as a travel nurse, this can be a huge relief: frequently moving from facility to facility makes it difficult to take advantage of classroom courses as is. 

Inquire into whether your travel nurse agency sponsors or provides continuing education courses for its travel nurses. If you don’t, you may be missing out on an opportunity to save yourself some money on your education! 

Speaking of continuing education credits... check out this more detailed introduction to everything you need to know about CEUs .

And Don't forget to Remain "Non-Exclusive"

You should treat choosing a travel nurse agency like going on a first date―keep your options open! 

Having multiple travel nursing agencies searching for jobs on your behalf at any given time is good for many reasons. You widen your reach when it comes to finding assignments. You get a more comprehensive sense of the opportunities currently on the market. You give yourself more room for negotiation between yourself and the agency.

You can even use this to protect yourself in the case that your contract gets canceled at the last minute!

Ready to Browse Some of the Highest Paying Travel Nursing Jobs?

You can create a free Trusted profile and browse your job matches today!

Trusted Nurses are more than a resume. You have unique perspectives to share, ambitions to chase, new cities to explore, and experiences that can’t be summed up on a skills checklist. Let’s show the world how amazing it is to be a nurse.

Related Blogs

Celebrate Juneteenth & Addressing Health Inequity Head-On

Celebrating Father’s Day in Healthcare: Gifts for Male Nurse

Telemetry Unit: A Comprehensive Guide

Let's check in.

All you need to know about what’s going on in healthcare this week, delivered straight to your inbox.

By continuing to use our website, you are consenting to Cookies being placed on your device. If you do not want Cookies placed on your device, we suggest you exit our website

Comparing Travel Nursing Agencies: How to Find the Best Company

Table of Contents

Are you considering starting a travel healthcare career as a nurse, but don't know where to get started? Maybe you're having trouble comparing traveling nurse agencies. Below, we review how travel nursing agencies can help you with travel nursing placement and explore what to look for when comparing travel nurse agencies.

How Travel Nurse Agencies Help You

Traveling nurse agencies help you search and land travel nursing placement assignments . Whether you are first starting your search or looking for your next travel nursing placement, your travel nurse recruiter is there to guide you every step of the way. Your traveling nursing agency is the liaison between you and the healthcare facility where you are looking to land your travel healthcare job. Besides searching for travel nursing jobs, they will also help you find travel nurse housing, and advocate for a higher base rate, or average base salary.

Importance of Travel Nurse Agencies Today

As we mentioned before, your travel nursing agency is the link between you and the healthcare facility regarding your travel nursing placement. Travel nurses are a vital part of the healthcare system, as many times they help fill gaps in patient care. When hospitals experience a high influx of patients or higher acuity in patients, this is where travel nurses are able to help. They help hospitals decrease nurse-to-patient ratios, which leads to a better quality of care and patient satisfaction. It also helps staff nurses combat burnout with the demands of higher patient acuity or assignments.

What to Look for in a Travel Nurse Agency

There are several things you should look for in a traveling nursing agency.

First, your traveling nursing agency should offer exceptional customer service right from the start. As a rule of thumb, if you apply or show interest in any travel nursing assignments, a recruiter should contact you within 24 hours (as long as it doesn't fall over a weekend). With tons of top travel nursing opportunities out there, travel nurse companies are there to help you land your next travel healthcare job.

Next, look for a traveling nursing agency that has a robust job board that offers lots of travel nursing jobs. You want to have plenty to choose from! Their job board should be transparent with job descriptions, travel nursing pay, and the hourly wage paid weekly. This way, you can compare which travel nurse agency offers competitive pay rates or has a higher base rate or lower base rate. If their site lacks information, then you will need to get as many details as possible when you speak to a recruiter .

Also, make sure the agency you are interested in has assignments throughout the country. You don't want to be limited on assignment choices! If you decide you want to go with a smaller agency, keep in mind that you may have to switch companies for future assignments if they don't have many available.

Travel nursing companies oftentimes have great benefits to offer their travel nurses. Before receiving and signing your contract, your travel nurse recruiter should be reviewing these with you and what their travel nurse agency has to offer. Many travel nurse companies also offer 24 hour customer support, an employee assistance program, hourly wage paid weekly, and other benefits.

About Health Carousel Travel Nursing

When it comes to travel nurse agencies, Health Carousel stands head and shoulders above the competition. But don't just take our word for it.

Kelli, one of our more seasoned travelers, was gracious enough to take the time to score 45 different travel nursing companies. With over eight years of experience in domestic and international nursing, Kelli has a clear understanding of what factors are in a nurse’s best interest. Kelli started working with her recruiter, Cindi Greene, in April of 2014, and we were thrilled when Cindi informed us that we made the top 5!

Kelli began her research by accessing the 300 plus rated travel nursing agencies on Highway Hypodermics and Travel Nursing Central. From that point, she reviewed about 113 different rated travel nursing agencies to ultimately compile her list of 45. This list was based on the following criteria:

1. Benefits Provided by the Agency

2. The Agency’s Website Design and Navigability

3. The Number of Job Posting

4. Job Descriptions (Average Travel Nursing Salary/Dollar Range)

The scoring system is based on a 20 possible-point scale. One of the largest healthcare staffing companies, Health Carousel Travel Nursing (HCTN) was able to earn 16 out of 20 points. The highlights that contributed to our score include our ability to provide first-day insurance coverage, weekly direct deposit, vacation pay, 401k match, industry experience, and much more!

After providing this information to Cindi, Kelly stated, “It gives you the recruiter a perspective from a traveler as we look at comparing and contrasting different agencies in our quest to find the best!” We could not agree more with this statement, and we welcome such honest feedback from our travelers. Our team is constantly striving to provide our travelers with the best possible experience and gaining this valuable insight will further propel us toward that goal.

Besides the great benefits and nationwide travel assignments, HCTN offers competitive pay rates, exceptional customer service, an employee assistance program, and 24 hour customer support. They also have resources for travel nurses, such as their travel nursing blog and the full circle of support page. The full circle of support offers education on using their resources to further their careers and maximize their benefits.

Are you interested in pursuing a travel healthcare career? HCTN, a top-rated travel nursing agency, has a robust job board with plenty of top travel nursing opportunities to choose from. With our new On Demand app, you can easily search, compare, and apply for nationwide travel assignments. You can even upload your licenses and documents!

Frequently Asked Questions

Now let's review some frequently asked questions of travel nurses.

How do I compare travel nursing companies?

As we mentioned before, take into consideration what is important to you for your future assignment. Keeping in mind that your priorities can change with each different travel nursing placement. For example, maybe the location you are traveling to is one you've really wanted to mark off your bucket list, so you are willing to accept a lower average base pay.

Which travel nursing agency pays the most?

There is no one or many travel nurse agency that pays the most or has a higher base rate than others. When comparing travel assignments, you need to weigh factors, such as average base pay, overtime and guaranteed hours, and meal and housing stipends. Remember, just because a travel nurse agency offers a lower base rate, you can make up for this with higher stipends or travel reimbursements.

Why are travel nurses getting cancelled?

This is a myth, and top travel nursing companies are not routinely canceling travel nursing assignments. If the census is low or demand has changed for a particular healthcare facility, then they will cancel as a last resort. Typically, your recruiter and healthcare facility will work to resolve this issue before it arises. But, it is important to ask before signing your travel nursing contract to see if there is a cancellation clause and the details.

GET STARTED IN

Land your dream job faster when you travel with us. Get started with top local and national travel nurse jobs in On Demand.

Similar Posts

How can dialysis staffing enhance your team, choosing the right travel agency for dialysis nurses, finding your perfect dialysis travel nurse agency, view top jobs in.

Search, apply and be the first in line for your dream job today.

Apply to Top Jobs in

Get Started in

Take Control of Your Career with

Today in the chart

What’s it really like to be a travel nurse here's eight pros and cons..

For nurses who work on the same floor every shift, travel nursing might seem like a mysterious and magical career choice. And in some ways, it is all it’s cracked up to be — but in others, it’s not.

Travel nursing might seem like a mysterious and magical career choice for nurses who work on the same floor every shift. And in some ways, it is all it’s cracked up to be — but in others, it’s not.

At least, that’s the perception of one travel nurse, Duffy McCaughan, BSN , who’s worked in Pennsylvania and California throughout his career. McCaughan began travel nursing almost two years ago and went through the agency American Mobile , which has placed him at several Kaiser hospitals along the West Coast. He’s worked in telemetry, the ICU, pre- and post-cardiac catheterization, among others.

McCaughan sat down with us to discuss the pros and cons of his experience so far.

Pros of Travel Nursing

While hourly rates of travel nurses can be lower, McCaughan says he’s making about double what he did at his previous employer, one of the area’s best-compensating hospitals. How? The stipend you receive as a travel nurse for your housing, food, and more isn’t taxed, so all that money goes into your pocket.

More Autonomy

Travel nurses get to pick their assignments, so even though McCaughan recommends first-timers take the first thing they’re offered, once you build up your resume, you can choose the gig that feels best for you. With that freedom, you can also see the parts of the country that appeal to you, and McCaughan says that brings him a sense of happiness that translates into his work.

Meeting New People

You can grow your nursing network, which McCaughan feels has been central to his career. You also learn different styles of nursing and are exposed to new ways of performing critical tasks.

You Learn a Ton

This is perhaps the most important upside! Switching environments so often hone your communication skills and adaptability. As McCaughan explains, “When you’re not traveling, you just know the culture and flow of your floor — you don’t think twice. Traveling, you learn to ask questions, be flexible, and not be stubborn about how you think something should be done.”

Cons of Travel Nursing

Frustration.

Part of being exposed to new environments, McCaughan says, is that you’ve seen different — and often seemingly better — ways of running a healthcare system. Of course, McCaughan adds that you never do anything unsafe, but at times, it can be challenging to leave behind your tried-and-true approach.

Not seeing the same people for more than a few weeks — McCaughan’s contracts have been about three months each — can create a sense of isolation. On top of that, you might get switched to a different floor, where the faces are entirely new, in the middle of a shift.

Working With Lots of Personalities

The more places you work, the more people you deal with. The other side of advancing your communication skills is that each batch of new people poses a different set of potentially exhausting demands and quirks, McCaughan explains.

Less of a Relationship With the Hospital

As a travel nurse, McCaughan says you exist “to fill” the hospital’s personnel holes. “It took getting used to, but now I know my role, and that’s what it is.”

Ultimately, McCaughan has enjoyed his experience and would recommend it to fellow nurses interested in seeing the country and who love being active. Just remember to make friends, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and do the best job you can. “That way,” he advises, “you’ll have even more options.”

Related posts

Surgical Smoke Dangers in the OR

Nurse Reimbursement: The Missing Piece to Nursing’s Future

What Nurses Need to Know: the Love n’ Leary Podcast

Words as Weapons? Nurses Fight Back (Calmly)

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Editorial Policy

The Best Travel Nursing Companies 2022

The best travel nursing companies for 2022 are here! To determine our list, we evaluated over 380 travel nursing agencies by aggregating over 108,000 reviews from 6 leading review sources. We selected the 20 highest rated companies based on our transparent scoring system which we describe in detail below.

This is our sixth year of spending massive amounts of time aggregating review scores for hundreds of travel nursing agencies to surface the highest scoring agencies. We are compelled to do this each year for several reasons.

Why It’s Important and Difficult to Find the Best Travel Nursing Agencies

First, we have a deep appreciation for how important and difficult it is for travel nurses to find the right agencies to work with. Travel nurses rely on agencies to provide a robust and impactful set of services. Therefore, the service, or lack thereof, can have a profound impact on both a nurse’s career and personal life.

Increase in Number of Travel Nursing Agencies

Meanwhile, it’s become exceedingly difficult in recent years to find the best travel nursing companies on your own. The pandemic driven boom in the travel nursing industry has resulted in a massive increase in the already large number of agencies.

Increase in Best Travel Nursing Agency Lists

The boom has also brought increased attention to the travel nursing industry. As a result, there are now tons of different “best travel nursing company” lists. Unfortunately, these lists are often subpar and sometimes completely meaningless.

For example, this year we see lists of “The Best Travel Nursing Companies of 2022” that are unchanged from 2021 and even 2020. Basically, the websites created a list several years ago and now they just update the year on the list in order to trick Google into thinking the article is new because they know Google will rank it higher as a result.

Find your next travel healthcare job on BluePipes!

Of course, this behavior is a major disservice to the entire travel nursing industry. There is even one list on page one of Google’s search results that includes travel nursing companies that don’t even exist any longer!

We’ve also seen other lists that rely on a relatively small number of reviews. For example, one list purveyor boasts a survey of ‘the nation’s largest travel healthcare community”. That sounds awesome! However, only a couple thousand community members actually respond.

This might sound like a lot. However, it’s actually a relatively small number all things considered.

Uneven Review Distribution for Travel Nursing Companies

That’s because there are so many travel nursing agencies. Moreover, travel nurses are unevenly distributed among the agencies. For example, some sources estimate that 50% of all travel nurses work for one of the 25 largest travel nursing companies. That means that the remaining 50% work with the remaining 350+ travel nursing agencies.

Meanwhile, there are tons of different review sources. As a result, reviews are unevenly distributed such that it can be difficult to find a reliable sample size of reviews on any one review source.

How we Determine the Best Travel Nursing Agencies for 2022

For these reasons, we aggregate the review scores from 6 leading review sources for every travel nursing company we can find. To clarify, each year we enter the review counts and scores from each review source for each company into an Excel spreadsheet.

Once we have entered all the data, we program the spreadsheet to run a bunch of calculations to ultimately determine an aggregate score for each company. We compare this year’s scores to last year’s scores and issue bonuses or penalties based on score increases or declines. This way, we award companies that have truly outperformed over the last year.

Our scoring system is quite complex. In the interest of transparency, we provide a complete scoring breakdown for one company at the end of this article.

Here are the 6 review sources we collect scores from:

Rating Services We Aggregate

• Highway Hypodermics
• Travel Nursing Central

Highway Hypodermics has been publishing their own “Top 10 Travel Nursing Companies” list since at least 2005. Their annual list is based on reviews they collect on their own website. We highly recommend reviewing the list for 2022 here . And we highly recommend submitting your own reviews here.

Discover the ultimate travel nursing pay calculator.

We counted a total of 3,633 reviews from HH this year. That’s an increase of 511 from 2021. We should point out that HH only counts scores from the last 5 years in their totals. This way, they keep the review scores fresh which is a really nice touch because it helps travelers understand how a company is performing now.

It’s fair to say that companies are performing well now. The aggregate average score for all companies on HH is 17.96 out of a possible 20. That’s an increase from last year’s 17.71. It’s also an average of 89.8% which indicates that travel nurses are very happy with their travel nursing agencies.

We counted 11,753 reviews from Travel Nursing Central this year. That’s an increase of 580 from 2021.

The aggregate average score for all companies on Travel Nursing Central this year was 86.47. That’s an increase from last year’s 86.04. This is another indication that travel nursing companies provided exceptional service over the last year.

We counted exactly 8,800 reviews from FaceBook this year. That’s an increase of 1,546 reviews from the previous year.

The aggregate average score on FaceBook decreased from 4.83 in 2021 to 4.58 in 2022. However, FaceBook’s reviews were a mess in 2021. For example, FaceBook was showing that some companies had zero reviews when the companies actually had hundreds of reviews. FaceBook was showing that some companies had a negative number of reviews, which is impossible. It was also showing that some companies had “5 stars” even though those companies had tons of negative reviews. The point is that we simply can’t glean anything from FaceBook’s 2021 data because it was riddled with inaccuracies.

We included 42,063 reviews from Indeed this year. That’s an increase of 5,813 from the previous year. Indeed now has by far the most employer reviews of any of the six services we track. We find this dumbfounding given that Indeed offers among the worst and most horrifying job search experiences for travel healthcare professionals. Check out our job board for a much better experience.

The aggregate average score for all travel nursing agencies on Indeed increased ever so slightly from 3.73 in 2021 to 3.74 in 2022.

GlassDoor came in with 28,801 reviews this year. That’s an increase of 8,045 from last year.

The aggregate average score for all travel nursing companies on GlassDoor was 3.87 this year. That’s a slight increase from 3.81 last year.

We counted 13,475 reviews from Google this year. That’s an increase of 6,537 from last year. That’s almost a 100% increase. Google is growing reviews at a very fast pace.

The aggregate average score for all travel nursing companies on Google was 4.57 this year. That’s an increase from 4.46 last year.

Interesting Observations on the Overall Numbers

There are a couple of interesting observations in this year’s overall numbers and the list of best travel nursing companies these numbers resulted in. First, we find it absolutely amazing that the aggregate average score for all companies was up from 2021 to 2022. Please note that we collect the scores during the last 2 weeks of May. Therefore, this year’s list covers June of 2021 through May of 2022.

Travel Nursing Agencies Provided Good Service During Covid

This is a period that saw both the Delta and Omicron hospitalization spikes. This means that agencies were employing record numbers of travelers. The agencies’ operational systems like credentialing and payroll were definitely stressed this past year. Despite this, agencies clearly performed well.

The original Universal Profile and Credential Management for travelers.

It’s also a period that saw a huge draw down in hospitalizations. This resulted in contract cancellations , bill rate reductions and other unsavory circumstances. Here again, agencies appear to have handled these issues well.

“Recruiterless” Services Still Absent from the List

Second, we find it interesting that over 6 years into the “recruiterless” healthcare staffing experiment, not one “recruiterless” staffing agency has made our list…ever.

To be fair, this isn’t to say that any of these companies has horrifyingly bad reviews. It’s just that none of them have great reviews despite their promises of transformational service, demonization of recruiters and traditional healthcare staffing, and absolutely massive capital expenditures and losses.

The highest that any of these companies ranked on our list this year was at number 57. All 20 companies on our list continue to employ a traditional high-touch approach. It would seem as though travel nurses still highly value this type of service.

That said, we should point out that one company on our list does have a very powerful “self-service platform”. That company is Stability Healthcare and they ranked number 4 on this year’s list.

Why You Should Consider ALL The Best Travel Nursing Companies

We realize that 20 seems like a large number for a “best of” list. However, we have very good reasons to include 20 companies on our list and we strongly encourage you to consider all of them. Here is why.

Fist, all of these companies deserve to be on a “best of” list. Every single one of them has an aggregate average score of greater than 90 out of 100. This is exceptionally high for employment satisfaction. In fact, these scores would be high enough to get them on GlassDoor’s annual list of the best companies in the nation to work for.

Second, service offerings vary dramatically from agency to agency. Organizational structures also differ. We want you to be able to find the right fit all in one place.

Free eBook: How To Negotiate Travel Nursing Pay

Finally, different companies have access to different jobs . Every experienced traveler will tell you that must work with multiple agencies . Also, you should ask agencies about their access to the job markets you’re most interested in so you can find the agencies that can get you jobs where you want to go.

Therefore, we highly recommend working a minimum 4 agencies. In fact, we think 7 agencies is even better.

Use BluePipes to Land Jobs with the Best Travel Nursing Agencies

Of course, this might sound like a ton of work. But that’s why we created BluePipes . You can communicate with nearly every company on this list through our platform. You can apply to jobs with many of these companies on our powerful travel nursing job board .

We have the original universal profile builder which includes a free travel nursing resume builder , document storage, skills checklists and more. We even have the industry’s most powerful travel nursing pay calculator . Select the button below to join over 100,000 healthcare professionals who are simplifying their careers and maximizing their pay with BluePipes.

BluePipes Best Travel Nursing Companies 2022

Without further ado, here are the best travel nursing agencies of 2022:

About the Best Travel Nursing Agencies 2022

Below we provide some basic information about each company on our list.

1. Axis Medical Staffing

Axis Medical Staffing continues to perform like a rock superstar. Since 2017, Axis has made our list at number 5, 9, 3, 2 and 5. Now, they are number 1 with an absolutely amazing year!

Axis’s aggregate average score increased from 95.63 last year to 96.16 this year. They now have 803 total reviews, an increase of 247 reviews from the previous year.

Axis’s scores increased on Travel Nursing Central, Highway Hypodermics, Facebook, Glassdoor and Google. Their Evaluation Score on Highway Hypodermics is 19 out of 20 which is extremely difficult to achieve given the volume of reviews they’ve racked up there.

Make no mistake, Axis Medical Staffing values service above all else. Axis’s leadership team is comprised of world-class customer service providers. They take great care in hiring internal staff members who share their commitment to exceptional service.

Axis Medical Staffing is based in Seattle, Washington. They staff travel nurses and travel allied professionals nationwide.

2. AHS NurseStat

AHS NurseStat comes in at number 2 on our list this year after placing number 6 last year. AHS’s aggregate average score increased from 90.94 last year to 95.38 this year with 245 new reviews. This brings their total number of reviews to 555.

AHS NurseStat is part of AHS Staffing which also operates RenalStat, PharmStat and MedStat. As the names imply, each division focuses on different set healthcare modalities.

Through all of their divisions AHS Staffing works diligently to place medical professionals of all types in travel healthcare jobs nationwide. All of AHS’s divisions have solid reviews which demonstrate that all of their divisions provide exceptional service.

AHS Staffing is based in Edmond, Oklahoma. Highway Hypodermics included them on their list of the “Top Ten Travel Nursing Agencies” in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

3. Host Healthcare

There is no question that Host Healthcare is one of the best healthcare staffing agencies in the nation. They have the second highest aggregate average score of all the companies on our list. To top it off, they have 2,949 reviews which is over 800 more than the next closest agency on the list.

Host Healthcare has been on our list every year since 2017. They were number 1 in 2020. They are number 1 on Highway Hypodermics’ list for 2022 as they were in 2021.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about Host’s world class performance is they’ve maintained it through a period of exceptional growth. In other words, they are not only scaling their service performance, but they are improving it while they scale.

Host Healthcare is based in San Diego, California. They staff nursing and allied health professionals nationwide.

4. Stability Healthcare

Stability Healthcare comes in at number 4 on our list for the second year in a row. At 97.09, Stability has the third highest aggregate average score of all the companies on our list. They added 400 new reviews this year, bringing their total to 515.

As mentioned above, Stability Healthcare has a powerful “self-service” platform with a “high touch” service approach. This means that Stability’s software platform has everything healthcare professionals need to “submit themselves” without really speaking with anyone. But, at the same time, you’ll always have a recruiter at the ready with world-class service.

Stability Healthcare is based in Los Angeles, California. They staff nursing and allied professionals nationwide.

5. Cynet Health

Cynet Health comes in at number 5 in their debut appearance on our list. They actually have the highest aggregate average score of all the companies on our list at 97.68. We counted 1,287 new reviews for them this year. That brings their total 1,335.

Cynet Health is based in Sterling, Virginia. They staff nursing and allied professionals nationwide.

6. Travel Nurse Across America

Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) moves up to number 6 on our list this year. They were on our list in 2018, 2019 and 2021. They’ve been on Travel Nursing Central’s list every year since 2014. They were number 4 on Highway Hypodermics list this year!

TNAA has a great website that includes job listings with pay quotes. They also have a lot of cool compensation offerings like paid sick leave and fully guaranteed hours on many contracts.

TNAA has a high volume of jobs nationwide for nurses, techs and respiratory therapists. TNAA is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.

7. CrossMed Healthcare Staffing Solutions

We’re excited to see CrossMed on our list for the first time as a newer company founded in 2019. We counted 129 new reviews for them this year. Their aggregate average score is an impressive 96.84.

Don’t let their newness as a company fool you. CrossMed is led by a team of highly experienced industry veterans. They also have a very high volume of jobs available for a company of their age. They pride themselves on treating all their employees like family.

CrossMed is based in Omaha, Nebraska. They staff nurses and allied professionals nationwide.

8. Trusted Nurse Staffing

Trusted Nurse Staffing debuts on our list at number 8 this year. We counted 503 new reviews for them this year. They have a highly respectable aggregate average score of 96.63. They’ve racked up 347 reviews on Google with an average score of 4.9.

The reviews describe Trusted Nurse Staffing and their recruiters as responsive, patient and diligent. The company is based in Buffalo, New York. They staff travel nurses nationwide.

9. Premier Healthcare Professionals (PHP)

Premier Healthcare Professionals (PHP) has an aggregate average score of 91.09. That’s an increase of 5 points over last year’s score. This came largely from their excellent performance on Google where they added 128 new reviews and have an average score of 4.9.

PHP has been on Highway Hypodermics’ list every year since at 2014. They are number 3 there this year.

PHP is based in Cummings, Georgia. They’ve been in business since 1986. They staff nurses and allied professionals nationwide. They also have some international opportunities.

10. Coast Medical Service

Coast Medical Service debuts on our list at number 10. Their aggregate average score is 95.66 on 154 total reviews. The vast majority of their reviews, 136, are on Google where they have an average score of 4.9.

Coast’s Google reviews describe a service that is informative, thorough, transparent and responsive. Coast Medical Service is based in Hermosa Beach, California. They staff medical professionals of all types nationwide.

11. Fusion Medical Staffing

Fusion Medical Staffing has made our list 5 out of the last 6 years. They have an aggregate average score of 92.74 on 1,367 reviews. They got bonus points this year for increasing their review scores on Google and Glassdoor.

Fusion has access to a very high volume of jobs which is great because they can get you into a lot of different locations. They also have an excellent job board where you can view and apply to jobs with pay rates.

Fusion Medical Staffing is based in Omaha, Nebraska. They staff medical professionals of all types nationwide.

12. Cariant Health Partners

Cariant Health Partners made our list at number 11 in 2020. Here they come in at number 12 with an aggregate average score of 92.84 on 157 reviews. That’s a score-increase of 2.16 on 46 new reviews.

Cariant was founded by a married couple who are a Physical Therapist and a nurse. They have a large number of jobs available nationwide for medical professionals of all types.

13. FlexCare Medical Staffing

FlexCare is an amazing company! They’ve been on our list every year since 2017. They’ve been on Travel Nursing Central’s lists every year since 2014.

FlexCare has 2,004 reviews with an aggregate average score of 93.63. They increased their average score slightly from last year with 153 raving reviews.

FlexCare is a larger company with tons of jobs nationwide for nurses and allied professionals. They have an awesome career portal where you can search jobs with pay by signing up.

FlexCare offers the highest pay package they can on all jobs as matter of company policy. They have an organizational policy called “Single Point” that mandates that your recruiter will always be your single point of contact with the company to ensure continuity of service.

FlexCare was founded in 2006. They are based in Roseville, California with offices in Charlotte, North Carolina.

14. Atlas MedStaff

Atlas MedStaff has been on our list now 5 out of the last 6 years. Their aggregate average score increased to 91.75 on 45 new reviews this year. This year, their scores increased on GlassDoor and Google.

Atlas MedStaff’s reviews describe a company that is fun-loving, responsive, fair and diligent. They have a high volume of jobs and large team of recruiters to ensure that travelers are well taken care of.

Atlas is highly active on social media and they pump out a ton of great information about the industry and fun stuff to do on the road. For example, their YouTube channel has more than 1,600 videos!

Atlas is based in Omaha, Nebraska. They staff healthcare professionals of all types nationwide.

15. Greenstaff Medical

Greenstaff Medical debuts on our list at number 15. They have an aggregate average score of 94 with 222 reviews. 166 of their reviews are on Google where they have an average score of 4.8.

Greenstaff’s reviews describe a company that is highly responsive, caring and organized. Many reviewers express their satisfaction for the company’s onboarding process.

Greenstaff Medical is based in Plano, Texas. They staff travel nurses nationwide.

16. Marvel Medical Staffing

Marvel Medical Staffing debuts on our list at number 16. They have an aggregate average score of 93.63 on 192 reviews. 142 of their reviews are on Google where they have an average score of 4.8.

Marvel places healthcare professionals of all types nationwide. They have an abundance of jobs for nearly all modalities. They are based in Omaha, Nebraska and began in 2019. They have grown very quickly. Their reviews describe a company that is energetic, inspiring and well organized.

17. Medical Staffing Solutions, Inc.

MSSI makes our list for the third time in 6 years coming in at number 17 this year. MSSI has an aggregate average score of 92.87 on 269 reviews.

MSSI received 27 new reviews on Google in the last year. Every one of them was from a traveler and every one of them was 5 stars. The reviews describe a company that is highly accessible, organized and high paying.

MSSI is based in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. They staff nursing and allied professionals nationwide.

18. USSI an Aequor Company

USSI earned their way back on our list for the fourth time with 63 new and glowing reviews in the last year. That brings their total number of reviews to 309. Their aggregate average score is 91.40.

USSI has a very high volume of jobs available for nurses and allied professionals nationwide. They also have a lot of direct contracts and unique opportunities available.

19. White Glove Placement, Inc.

White Glove Placement, Inc. is back on our list with an aggregate average score of 90.96. They have 2,139 reviews which makes them the second most reviewed company on our list.

White Glove Placement, Inc. staffs travel nurses and therapists nationwide . They have a huge footprint in the Northeast. They offer Per Diem opportunities in the area as well.

White Glove Placement, Inc. was founded in 1995. They are based in Brooklyn, New York and are known for their amazing customer service.

20. Gifted Healthcare

Gifted Healthcare has been on our list 5 out of the last 6 years. They came in at number 3 in 2020. They have 486 total reviews with an aggregate average score of 91.70.

Gifted was founded by an RN in 2006. Their leadership team is stacked with healthcare professionals. Their reviews describe a company that is succeeding to put healthcare professionals first.

Gifted is based in Louisiana. However, they have multiple satellite offices. They staff travel assignments nationwide. They also have a large per diem offering in many locations throughout the country.

Background Info on Best Travel Nursing Companies List

If you consider all 20 companies on this list, then we are confident that you’ll find many that can meet your every need. That said, we want you to have confidence that our list is legit. Therefore, we’ll spend the rest of the article discussing issues you should be aware of and providing a detailed breakdown of our scoring system.

Review Sources and Score Collection

First, we do not use reviews from our own website. We also do not accept any money whatsoever in exchange for placement on the list.

Instead, we collect review-counts and scores from 6 leading review sources for every company we can find on any of those sources. We enter the scores into a spreadsheet and run the calculations as we describe below.

We only use publicly accessible review sources. This means that anyone is free to leave a review in accordance with the guidelines. This also means that we do not use “pay to play” review sources.

The websites we use are below:

Internal Staff and Travel Nursing Reviews

Only travel healthcare professionals can leave reviews on Highway Hypodermics and Travel Nursing Central. The other review sources accept reviews from both internal employees and travelers.

Some argue that this allows staffing agencies to stack reviews from internal employees on every review source in an effort to make it look like the company is amazing. To counter this, we require a minimum of 50 total reviews from travel healthcare professionals and a minimum of 15 within the previous year in order for a company to qualify to be on our list.

Moreover, we believe it’s useful and important to include reviews from both internal staff and travelers. Here’s why.

First, Google, FaceBook, Indeed and GlassDoor each receive way more traffic than the industry specific websites. That means that these services have more reviews for more companies. Additionally, it means that more people actually see these reviews so their impact is more far reaching. Therefore, we get a clearer picture of how these companies are perceived if we use these review sources.

Perhaps more importantly, we strongly believe that happy internal employees are good for travel nurses. Happy employees have lower turnover which means a more cohesive and experienced team for travel nurses.

Fake Reviews and Review Solicitation

We understand that fake reviews exist. As a result, we thoroughly check the reviews of each company that qualifies for our list. Over the years, we’ve discovered fake reviews for several companies. We permanently ban those companies from ever being on our list.

Create your free Travel Healthcare Resume on BluePipes!

We also know that “review solicitation” exists. We do not think this is a problem unless the company pays for reviews. We believe it’s normal for companies to ask customers and staff to leave them reviews. If we see that companies pay for reviews, then we disqualify them.

Sample Size and Minimum Requirements

We also have minimum requirements for companies to make it on the list and receive bonuses or penalties. These requirements help solve problems related to sample size.

First, we require a minimum of 50 reviews to make it on the list. We also require a minimum of 15 reviews from healthcare professionals within the last year. We have similar requirements for bonuses and penalties.

We do this to ensure that we have adequate sample sizes. For example, if a company has ten 5-star reviews, then they would have a score of 100 which is really high. However, ten is a very small sample size so it doesn’t necessarily tell us that the company provides 5-star service to their travelers.

We realize that these rules make it very challenging for the smallest healthcare staffing companies. Despite this, we’ve had many very small agencies make our list over the years. Moreover, we believe it’s important for a company to be large enough to handle the volume of inquiries that comes with being listed as one of the best travel nursing agencies in the nation.

Sample Breakdown of our Best Travel Nursing Agency Scoring System

Next, we provide a complete breakdown of the scoring for one of the companies on our list so you can see exactly how it works. We’ll use Travel Nurse Across America’s scores. TNAA is number 6 on our list this year.

Meeting the Minimum Requirements

First, we collect the review-counts and review scores from the 6 review services and enter them into our spreadsheet. Next, we add the number of scores together to get the total number of scores across all review sources. At this point, 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.

Again, these requirements ensure that we have an adequate sample size.

TNAA has 2,114 total reviews. Therefore, they meet our minimum requirement of 50.

Next, we look to determine if they have 15 reviews from healthcare professionals within the past year. We counted 221 total new reviews in the last year for TNAA. They had 1 new review on Travel Nursing Central and 11 new reviews on Highway Hypodermics. That’s 12 reviews from healthcare professionals right there. We need to find at least 3 more.

Search over 50,000 travel nursing jobs on BluePipes!

We recognized that TNAA received a majority of their new reviews, 165, on Google this year. Therefore, we checked the reviews on Google and easily found 3 from healthcare professionals there. In fact, the vast majority of TNAA’s new reviews on Google were from healthcare professionals extoling the virtues of their amazing TNAA recruiters.

Calculating the Aggregate Average Score

After we enter all the review scores into our spreadsheet, we’re ready to calculate the aggregate average score.

To do so, we must convert all the scores to a common scoring scale. That’s because the review sources use three different scales between them. 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 are the scores we collected for TNAA this year:

Next, we add the number of reviews together 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 TNAA in 2022.

Finally, we divide the weighted aggregate total by the total number of reviews to get the aggregate average score. Here is TNAA’s calculation for 2022:

Aggregate Difference Score

With the aggregate average score for 2022, we can now calculate the “aggregate difference score”. This score rewards or penalizes a company based on the difference between this year’s aggregate average score and last year’s aggregate average score.

We follow the following guidelines for the aggregate difference score:

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 plus or minus 5 points per company. This qualification also works to ensure some modicum of adequate sample size.

Let’s take a look at this score for our sample company. TNAA’s aggregate average score for 2021 was 92.10824089. Their aggregate average score for 2022 is 92.90736045.

So, we subtract 92.10824089 from 92.90736045. We are left with + 0.79911956.

Therefore, TNAA receives a bonus of + 0.79911956 added to their aggregate average score for 2022. 92.90736045 + 0.79911956 = 93.70648001.

And yes, all those decimal places are necessary. For example, our number 10 and 11 companies are separated by less than .08 of a point.

The Individual Difference Score

Finally, we calculate an “individual difference score” for each rating service. This score is 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 content farms and other rapscallions can’t easily reproduce our scoring system.

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

Wow, that was a lot of nerdy number crunching! Are you still awake?! If so, 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!

Related posts:

• 5 Better Questions to Ask Travel Nursing Companies It’s crucial for travel nurses to know what questions to...
• Travel Nursing Companies – Their relationships with hospitals matter, Part 2 In our last blog post, we discussed how a travel...
• 9 Points of Debate Between Travel Nursing Companies over the MSP Model The debate over Managed Service Providers in travel nursing and...

Popular on BluePipes Blog

Discover Jobs

• Travel Nursing Jobs
• Travel Therapy and Tech Jobs

© Copyright 2012-2022 BluePipes, Inc

50 Useful Travel Nursing Tips for First-Timers in 2024

Are you an experienced nurse looking for some excitement and a change but not sure what options are available? Do you enjoy traveling? Does meeting new people and learning about new cultures excite you? If so, have you considered what it would be like to become a travel nurse? Perhaps you are wondering how to get started or asking, "What are some useful tips for first-time travel nurses?” If this sounds like you, the 50 useful travel nursing tips for first-timers in 2024 featured in this article are just for you!

WHAT ARE SOME USEFUL TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME TRAVEL NURSES?

1. learn about travel nursing and what it involves., 2. determine your availability to work as a travel nurse., 3. consider working as a float nurse at your current nursing job., 4. consider getting a compact nursing license., 5. update your resume., 6. make sure all licenses and certifications, and immunizations are current., 7. create a medical records portfolio and keep it up to date., 8. gather necessary documents., 9. get excellent letters of professional reference., 10. don't burn bridges., 11. choose the type of transportation you want to use., 12. take care of the tiny details, so you don't feel overwhelmed later., 13. do your research., 14. consider getting a recruiter or agency representative., 15. prepare for the interview., 16. be honest with recruiters and potential employers., 17. ask questions., 18. read the fine print in your contract., 19. create a budget., 20. find out what the early cancellation penalty is., 21. ask if you will be reimbursed if the hospital cancels your contract., 22. consider getting a personal liability insurance policy., 23. think about health insurance., 24. be flexible., 25. plan for housing., 26. don’t pack your whole house, 27. get to know other travel nurses., 28. don’t forget about your fur-babies, 29. be confident about your knowledge and skills., 30. try not to take things personally., 31. if you have a recruiter, stay connected with them., 32. accept assignments with an open mind., 33. don’t forget self-care, 34. arrive in your new town a few days early, if possible., 35. be early for work., 36. find a mentor., 37. learn coping mechanisms to help reduce stress and promote a positive outlook., 38. develop friendships with your new coworkers., 39. enjoy your new town, 40. embrace opportunities to learn and master new skills., 41. create a healthy work-life balance., 42. leave work at work., 43. don’t limit yourself to one agency., 44. remember, travel nurse agencies and recruiters work for you as much as you work for them., 45. consider earning a certification., 46. get experience in different specialty areas., 47. never stop learning, 48. be committed., 49. prepare for your next assignment., 50. have fun, useful resources to help prepare for your first ever travel nursing assignment, youtube videos, • travel nursing 101: what to know before you travel (don’t get played on your 1st contract) -, • travel nurses who left staff jobs reflect on newfound freedom -, • behind the scrubs: the travel nurse experience -, • atlas all access- travel nursing where you belong -, • hitting the road: a guide to travel nursing, • the truth about travel nursing, websites/blogs, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. is it a good idea to start as a travel nurse right out of college, 2. will travel nursing look good on my nursing resume, 3. when can i start applying for my first travel nursing assignment, 4. what do i need to make sure of in my first travel nurse contract, 5. as a first-time travel nurse, can i choose where to go, 6. i'd prefer to drive to my first travel nursing job. can i do that, 7. what if i get my first travel nursing assignment and i hate it, 8. as a first-time travel nurse, can i make my own schedule, 9. do first-time travel nurses get health insurance and 401k, 10. as a first timer, can i negotiate my pay with my travel nurse recruiter, 11. as a first-time travel nurse, how much will i make, 12. will my first travel nurse stipend be taxable, 13. can first-time travel nurses travel on international assignments.

• Privacy Policy

Travelers Plans How to Travelers Plans in The World

Best travel nurse companies reddit.

If you’re a travel nurse, finding the right company to work with can make all the difference. With so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, Reddit can be a great resource for finding recommendations and advice from other travel nurses.

What Is a Travel Nurse?

A travel nurse is a registered nurse who takes short-term assignments in different locations. These assignments can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Travel nurses are typically employed by staffing agencies that work with healthcare facilities to fill temporary staffing needs. As a travel nurse, you’ll have the opportunity to work in different clinical settings and gain valuable experience. You’ll also have the freedom to explore new places and meet new people.

How to Choose a Travel Nurse Company

Choosing a travel nurse company can be overwhelming, but there are a few key factors to consider:

• Pay rates and benefits
• Location options
• Housing options
• Travel reimbursement
• Licensure and credentialing assistance
• Supportive staff and resources

Reading reviews from other travel nurses can also be helpful in making your decision. Reddit is a great place to find honest opinions and recommendations from other healthcare professionals.

Best Travel Nurse Companies on Reddit

Here are some of the best travel nurse companies that users on Reddit recommend:

Keep in mind that everyone’s experience may vary, so it’s important to do your own research and choose a company that aligns with your priorities and goals.

To become a travel nurse, you need to be a registered nurse with an active license. You’ll also need to have at least one year of experience in your field.

Travel nurses typically make more money than staff nurses, but it varies depending on the location, specialty, and company you work with.

Many travel nurse companies offer housing options for their employees, but you can also choose to find your own housing and receive a stipend instead.

Travel nurse assignments can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the facility’s staffing needs and your own availability.

Many travel nurse companies allow you to choose your own assignments based on your preferences and qualifications.

Choosing the right travel nurse company can make all the difference in your experience as a travel nurse. By reading reviews and doing your own research, you can find a company that aligns with your priorities and goals. Whether you’re looking for high pay rates, supportive staff, or extensive resources, there’s a travel nurse company out there for you.

The Best Housing Sites for Travel Nurses

by Trusted Nurse Staffing | Feb 6, 2024 | News

You are a travel nurse looking for housing in a new city.

There are hundreds of housing sites for travel nurses, and you’re tired of sifting through listings that don’t match your needs or preferences.

If you have to find a new place to live right away, there is hope.

In this guide, you will get some insight into choosing the best housing sites for travel nurses to help you find your home away from home.

Table of Contents

The 15 best sites for travel nurse housing.

• 4 Benefits of Using a Travel Nurse Housing Site

Tips for Using a Site to Find Housing as a Travel Nurse

Trusted nurse staffing: helping you find your next travel nurse assignment and supporting you every step of the way.

As a travel nurse, finding housing can be one of the most difficult and stressful parts of the job.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Several websites are available to help you find the perfect place to stay, no matter where you’re going.

Not interested in doing the leg work? You can count on Trusted Nurse Staffing to provide agency-placed housing for the duration of your assignment. We are pleased to offer our nurses furnished accommodations within proximity to their chosen facility. 

For more information about agency-placed housing and the many other benefits offered by Trusted Nurse Staffing, visit our website or check out the current job listings on Pronto .

Airbnb allows you to search for properties around the world. You can see photos and descriptions of the properties and make reservations if you want to stay in them. 

Airbnb allows individuals to list their homes or rooms for rent, while Airbnb takes a commission from each rental transaction. You’re also able to communicate with your host directly through the app.

Airbnb allows travel nurses to find:

• Both affordable and convenient housing
• Housing close to amenities and attractions
• Safe and comfortable living areas

Airbnb also lets you book hotels, rental cars, and other types of accommodations with its partner sites.

#2: Apartments.com

Apartments.com is a website that helps people find apartments for rent. The site features a search engine and a variety of filters to help people find the perfect place to live. 

How does Apartments.com work?

• Create an account on the website.
• Browse through listings of apartments for rent in your area.
• Filter by price, number of bedrooms, and more.
• Save your favorite listings for later reference.

Apartments.com allows travel nurses to find:

• Affordable housing without sacrificing quality
• Locations in a safe and secure environment; and
• A variety of homes from single-family homes to complexes, with a range of amenities

Apartments.com is also trusted by millions of renters around the world and has been featured in publications like The New York Times and Forbes magazine.

Vrbo is one of the most popular online platforms for finding and booking leases and home rentals. It allows renters to browse a variety of properties and read reviews from other travelers before making a decision.

Vrbo is really easy to use. Once you enter what you’re looking for, all you have to do is choose the listing that interests you and click the “Book This Property” button.

Vrbo allows travel nurses to find:

• Affordable rental properties
• Options for full or partial access to a home; and
• Locations near hospitals or other medical facilities

Vrbo also has an extensive safety report feature that allows renters to review reports from previous guests about any problems they may have encountered while staying at the property.

#4: FurnishedFinder.com

FurnishedFinder.com is a website that specializes in finding furnished housing, which is especially helpful for travel nurses. On the website, travelers can search for furnished housing by location, type, or price range.

How does FurnishedFinder.com work?

• Create an account and start searching for furnished housing by location, type, or price range.
• Filter the results by specific amenities, such as pets allowed, parking, or close to a hospital or other medical facility.
• Click the “Request a View” button to visit the location.
• Submit your application online if you decide to book.

FurnishedFinder.com allows travel nurses to find:

• A variety of furnished apartments to choose from
• A range of services, including rental assistance and moving services; and
• Updated inventory to ensure you are getting the best deals on furnished apartments

FurnishedFinder.com offers a money-back guarantee so that renters can be sure they are getting quality furniture and appliances in their rental homes.

#5: Tripping.com

Tripping.com is a website that allows users to search for various types of accommodations, such as hotels, RV parks , and room rental services. Users can browse through listings by location or category, and make reservations directly from the website. 

Simply enter your destination city or zip code, select your dates, and choose the short- and/or long-term housing of your choice.

Tripping.com allows travel nurses to find:

• Affordable and convenient short-term leasing and rental options
• Housing options, including apartments, houses, and VRBO rentals
• A variety of amenities and features, such as access to kitchen appliances and pool privileges

Tripping.com also offers a variety of features that make the booking process easier, such as personalized recommendations and instant confirmation messages.

#6: Extended Stay America

Extended Stay America offers temporary lodging to people who are looking for a place to stay while they are away from home. The company has over 1,000 locations to choose from, including major cities and rural areas.

With Extended Stay America, all you have to do is choose your length of stay, the type of accommodations required, and your budget.

Extended Stay America allows travel nurses to find:

• Affordable housing options for people who need temporary housing
• Housing options that include apartments, homes, and dorms
• A variety of amenities, including 24-hour security, fitness centers, and pool areas

In addition, Extended Stay America frequently offers discounts on food and entertainment, which makes it an ideal option for travel nurses who want to explore a new city without breaking the bank.

#7: Facebook Housing Groups

Facebook Housing Groups have been formed to help people find housing and connect with others who are looking for the same thing. 

Some of the most popular housing groups are for travel nurses, which can be helpful because there is often a high demand for rental homes in certain areas.

How do Facebook Housing Groups work?

• Join a Facebook Housing Group by clicking the link provided in the group’s profile.
• Start or join discussions on the group’s topics and make new friends.
• Search within the group to see relevant pictures and videos from others living in a particular city or community.

Facebook Housing Groups allow travel nurses to find:

• Affordable housing options
• Proximity to hospitals or other healthcare facilities; and
• Feedback and support from other members during the housing search process

Since many travel nurses are relatively new to the job market, connecting with others who have experience can be very helpful.

#8: Hotpads/Padmapper

Padmapper and Hotpads are mobile applications that allow people to search for apartments, rental houses, and real estate. The app also lets users call or inquire about properties right from their phones.

With Hotpads and Padmapper, all you have to do is:

• Enter the location you are looking for a room or house.
• Type in the city or zip code you are looking for housing.
• Click on the “search” button.
• Receive a list of housing options that match your search criteria within a certain radius of that address.

Hotpads and Padmapper allow travel nurses to find:

• An affordable option for people who are looking for a place to live
• A variety of housing options, including apartments, condos, and homes; and
• Housing preferences by filtering search results by price, location, and type of accommodation

Hotpads and Padmapper have a wide range of features, such as search tools and detailed information about each property.

#9: Homestay

Homestay offers travel nurses places to stay that are affordable, convenient, and a little different. Why, you ask? Because Homestay focuses on connecting independent travelers with a local who may be offering long or short-term accommodations. This arrangement can be beneficial to travel nurses for the following reasons:

• Cost-effective: Homestay typically offers more affordable places for travel nurses to stay in comparison to hotels, traditional rentals, and Airbnbs. 
• Local experience: Staying with locals offers a unique opportunity for travel nurses to immerse themselves in the local culture.
• Flexible terms: Since travel nurses have assignments of varying lengths, flexible leasing terms align with the dynamic nature of the profession.
• Homey atmosphere: Travel nurses may feel more at ease staying somewhere that already feels like a home.
• Safety and security: At first, living in a new place can be intimidating. Homestay hosts are invested in creating a secure environment.

#10: Landing

Landing offers long and short-term housing in more than 375 cities across the United States, making it an excellent housing site for travel nurses. Their high-quality, furnished apartments allow travel nurses to show up in their new city and feel settled immediately.

With affordable options, starting at only $1,295 per month, and the flexibility to stay as long as you want, Landing is one of the preferred sites for travel nurses who may decide to extend their contract and don’t want to worry about making new living arrangements.

Kopa may be the ultimate in flexibility and variety when it comes to travel nurse places to stay. Their rentals range from unfurnished studios to fully-equipped luxury apartments and are available for any length of stay between 1 to 12 months. 

With more than 20,000 places to stay in over 100 cities and towns across the U.S., Kopa has something for everyone. You can choose the amenities that are important to you within a budget that works for you.

Looking for a roommate? Kopa can help with that, too! 

If you’re a travel nurse looking for a quality place to stay during your assignment, Kopa may be the answer.

#12: Transplant Housing

Transplant Housing caters to travel nurses by matching properties to nurses who need them. With rental properties across the entire U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, Transplant Housing may be one of the top choices for travel nurses looking for accommodations during their assignments.

Some of the amenities offered by Transplant Housing include:

• Fully furnished
• Pet-friendly options available
• Common kitchenware items included
• Some small appliances included (like toasters and microwaves)
• All basic utilities, including gas, water, electricity, WiFi, and more
• Budget-friendly homes that suit your short-term needs

Searching for a rental with Transplant Housing is simple. All you have to do is enter the city you want to search within, and you can even narrow it down by price, radius, property type, pet-friendly, and more.

#13: Blueground

Blueground is a platform that offers furnished apartments for various purposes, including short to long-term stays. Offering flexibility and value that’s hard to surpass, travel nurses can save 30-50% over other serviced apartment operators.

Here are a few of the perks travel nurses may enjoy when dealing with Blueground:

• Flexible contracts starting at just one month
• Centrally located apartments near major hospitals
• Dedicated guest app with maintenance support
• On-demand bill payment handling

Some of the best housing for travel nurses can be found on Bluegroud, simply because they tend to cater to short-term stays.

#14: Booking.com

Booking.com has long been considered a site for vacationers and explorers, but travel nurses are catching on to their unique search parameters that make it easy to narrow down and weed out any properties that wouldn’t be suitable.

Some of these helpful filters include:

• Type of accommodation
• Specific neighborhoods
• Property rating
• Facilities, such as parking, pet-friendly, fitness centers, etc.
• Room facilities, such as laundry, kitchenette, air conditioning, etc.

While Booking.com may be considered a little on the pricier side, it does offer some unique places to stay for travel nurses.

#15: Zillow

Zillow is one of the country’s top real estate search sites, but it may also be beneficial to travel nurses looking for temporary housing. The one downside is that you cannot filter for short-term rentals, but you could use the keyword search tool to try and narrow down the available listings.

Zillow has also recently added a search filter to the type of accommodation so that renters can search “rooms for rent”, rather than focusing only on entire places. This could be perfect for travel nurses who prefer to share a space for the duration of their contract.

With a little bit of leg work, it is possible to find excellent travel nurse places to stay on Zillow, and maybe even save a little money over choosing the sites that generally cater to vacationers.

4 Benefits of Using a Travel Nurse Housing Site 

You may wonder if using a travel nurse housing site is the right choice for you. 

Whether you decide to use agency-placed housing or stipend pay, there are many benefits to using a travel nurse housing site.

Let’s look at four benefits you may experience with using a travel nurse housing site.

#1: Choices, Choices, Choices

When you find your own housing, you have choices.

Think about it.

For every housing site, more housing choices are available to you.

Then, on each site, you can search for housing by city, state, or zip code, filtering your results to find exactly what you’re looking for.

For example:

• Need a furnished apartment? No problem. 
• Need an apartment that’s pet-friendly? No problem. 
• Want to live downtown or by the beach? You can choose.
• Want to live in a quiet neighborhood? It’s possible.

When you find your own housing as opposed to agency housing, you can choose where you want to live.

#2: Saving Money

A travel nurse housing site can help you save money on your next assignment. 

With so many travel nurses looking for housing, there is a lot of competition for rooms, which can lead to higher prices.

But with a travel nurse housing site, you can find affordable housing options that fit your budget.

Did you know? If you choose to find your own housing, your agency will likely give you a housing stipend. 

But what if you find housing that is cheaper than the stipend?

At Trusted Nurse Staffing, we let you pocket the rest and use it for other expenses while on assignment, however you choose — even expenses for some fun or relaxing activities after work.

So if you’re looking to save money on your next assignment, be sure to check out Trusted Nurse Staffing.

We would love to help you find the perfect place to stay that won’t break the bank.

Many travel nurse housing sites offer perks and special rates for nurses who stay in a specific area.

For example, you may receive:

• Housekeeping services
• Discounted car rentals rates; and
• Daily complimentary breakfast

If you want to have some extra accommodations while on assignment, be sure to check out the housing sites for travel nurses that offer perks for users.

#4: Flexibility

When you choose your own housing with a travel nurse housing site, you’ll have more control over when and where you live — especially with moving in or moving out for your travel nursing assignment.

With agency-placed housing, your place may not be available until days before your assignment starts, which can make settling in difficult.

When picking a housing site, be sure to use filters to ensure that your particular time frame and other individual needs can be met.

As a travel nurse, you may be wondering how to find housing that is both comfortable and affordable. 

Many housing sites for travel nurses can help you find a place to stay, but it is important to know how to use them effectively. 

Here are some tips for using a website to find housing as a travel nurse:

• Check out the site’s search capabilities by using specific keywords.
• Narrow your search results by filtering by zip code, accommodation preferences, and rental costs.
• Compare rental prices by taking notes on your research from various sites.
• Read reviews from other past and present travel nurses.
• Find contact information to ask questions of the property owner or manager.

Finally, narrow down your results to book your stay online or in person.

At Trusted Nurse Staffing , we can help you find your next travel nurse assignment and support you every step of the way — including securing your housing.

We are a leading travel nurse staffing agency that specializes in finding nurses the perfect assignment by:

• Considering your work and lifestyle preferences
• Working with you to find an assignment that meets your needs; and
• Ensuring you have access to a recruiter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Once we find an assignment that you are interested in, Trusted Nurse Staffing will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. 

We will also be there to support you during your assignment, ensuring that everything goes smoothly. 

Did you know that Trusted Nurse Staffing also provides a housing stipend when you sign a contract to work in another city?

If you are a nurse looking for your next travel assignment, check out our job listings on Pronto today.

Recent Posts

• Travel Nursing and Student Loans: Repayment and Forgiveness Options
• Overcome New Travel Nurse Anxiety With These Helpful Tips
• How To Improve Leadership Skills in Nursing and Take Your Career to the Next Level
• 10 Nursing Career Goals That Can Advance and Enrich Your Future
• Weighing the Pros and Cons of Being a Pediatric Nurse: Job Satisfaction, Requirements, Pay, and More