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How can I find the best travel nursing agency?
What should I look for in an agency, such as pay, benefits, and also reputation?
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4 answers
Updated
sanjay’s Answer
find the best travel nursing agency, research reputable agencies, check online reviews and testimonials, compare benefits and compensation packages, and consider your personal needs and preferences.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Research Reputable Agencies:
Start with reputable sources:
Look at websites like The Gypsy Nurse and BluePipes for lists of top-rated agencies.
Consider these agencies:
Aya Healthcare, Triage Staffing, FlexCare Medical Staffing, Medical Solutions, Host Healthcare, and Fusion Medical Staffing are often mentioned as top choices.
Check for accreditation:
Look for agencies accredited by organizations like The Joint Commission or the National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations (NATHO).
2. Evaluate Agencies Based on Reviews and Testimonials:
Read online reviews:
Check platforms like Travel Nursing Central and Facebook for insights from other travel nurses.
Ask questions:
Join travel nursing communities like The Gypsy Nurse Facebook Group to ask questions about specific agencies.
Trust your gut:
Ultimately, choose an agency that feels like a good fit for your needs and values.
3. Compare Benefits and Compensation:
Assess your needs: Determine what's important to you, such as health insurance, retirement plans, housing stipends, and travel reimbursements.
Compare packages: Don't just focus on pay, but also consider the overall benefits package.
Negotiate: Don't be afraid to negotiate your contract with the agency.
4. Consider Your Personal Needs and Preferences:
Think about your goals: What kind of assignments are you looking for?
Consider your lifestyle: Do you prefer to find your own housing, or do you want the agency to handle it?
Think about the long-term: What kind of support and resources do you need from the agenc
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Research Reputable Agencies:
Start with reputable sources:
Look at websites like The Gypsy Nurse and BluePipes for lists of top-rated agencies.
Consider these agencies:
Aya Healthcare, Triage Staffing, FlexCare Medical Staffing, Medical Solutions, Host Healthcare, and Fusion Medical Staffing are often mentioned as top choices.
Check for accreditation:
Look for agencies accredited by organizations like The Joint Commission or the National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations (NATHO).
2. Evaluate Agencies Based on Reviews and Testimonials:
Read online reviews:
Check platforms like Travel Nursing Central and Facebook for insights from other travel nurses.
Ask questions:
Join travel nursing communities like The Gypsy Nurse Facebook Group to ask questions about specific agencies.
Trust your gut:
Ultimately, choose an agency that feels like a good fit for your needs and values.
3. Compare Benefits and Compensation:
Assess your needs: Determine what's important to you, such as health insurance, retirement plans, housing stipends, and travel reimbursements.
Compare packages: Don't just focus on pay, but also consider the overall benefits package.
Negotiate: Don't be afraid to negotiate your contract with the agency.
4. Consider Your Personal Needs and Preferences:
Think about your goals: What kind of assignments are you looking for?
Consider your lifestyle: Do you prefer to find your own housing, or do you want the agency to handle it?
Think about the long-term: What kind of support and resources do you need from the agenc
Updated
Yoga Dwi’s Answer
How to Find the Best Travel Nursing Agency
Finding the right agency is crucial for a successful travel nursing career. The best agencies offer competitive pay, strong benefits, and a good reputation. Here’s how to evaluate and find the right one for you:
1. Research & Compare Agencies
Read Reviews – Look at sites like BluePipes, Highway Hypodermics, Facebook groups, Reddit (r/travelnursing), and Indeed for agency ratings and nurse experiences.
Ask Other Travel Nurses – Networking with experienced travelers can help you find trustworthy agencies.
Check Agency Longevity & Reputation – Established agencies often have better contracts and support.
2. What to Look for in a Travel Nursing Agency
💰 Pay & Compensation
High Base Pay – Look for agencies that offer competitive pay per contract, not just the highest advertised rates.
Tax-Free Stipends – Ensure stipends for housing, meals, and incidentals are reasonable for the location.
Guaranteed Hours – Some contracts offer guaranteed hours even if shifts are canceled.
Overtime & Bonus Pay – Some agencies pay extra for overtime, completion bonuses, or sign-on bonuses.
🏥 Benefits & Insurance
Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance – Some agencies offer coverage, but check if it starts immediately or after a waiting period.
Retirement Plans (401k) – If they offer 401(k), check if they provide employer matching.
Liability & Malpractice Insurance – Some agencies cover this, but having your own is wise.
Sick Pay & PTO – Not all agencies offer PTO, so check their policy.
📍 Housing & Travel Support
Housing Stipend vs. Provided Housing – If they offer housing, ask about quality and location. If they offer a stipend, ensure it covers reasonable rent in your assignment city.
Travel Reimbursements – Check if they pay for flights, mileage, rental cars, or licensing fees.
📑 Contract Transparency & Job Availability
Variety of Contracts – Some agencies specialize in certain regions or specialties.
Contract Clarity – Make sure pay breakdowns, cancellation policies, and contract details are clear before signing.
👩⚕️ Support & Recruiter Quality
Dedicated Recruiter – A good recruiter should be responsive, transparent, and work to find contracts that meet your needs.
Emergency Support – Some agencies provide 24/7 assistance for issues on assignment.
3. Best Ways to Evaluate & Choose an Agency
✅ Make a List of Your Priorities – High pay? Best benefits? Certain locations? Rank agencies based on what matters most.
✅ Interview Multiple Agencies – Speak with at least 3 recruiters to compare their offerings.
✅ Request Sample Pay Packages – Get detailed breakdowns of potential contracts, including pay, stipends, and deductions.
✅ Check for Hidden Fees or Penalties – Some agencies have penalties for contract cancellations or early termination.
✅ Start with a Short Contract – A 4- to 8-week contract is a good way to test an agency before committing long-term.
4. Recommended Travel Nursing Agencies (2025)
Here are some agencies consistently rated highly by travel nurses:
AMN Healthcare – Large agency with a wide range of assignments.
Aya Healthcare – Offers a user-friendly job search platform and competitive pay.
TNAA (Travel Nurse Across America) – Great benefits, especially for new travelers.
Medical Solutions – Offers personalized support and good insurance options.
Nomad Health – No recruiters; allows nurses to apply directly to jobs online.
Triage Staffing – Known for high pay and strong recruiter support.
Finding the right agency is crucial for a successful travel nursing career. The best agencies offer competitive pay, strong benefits, and a good reputation. Here’s how to evaluate and find the right one for you:
1. Research & Compare Agencies
Read Reviews – Look at sites like BluePipes, Highway Hypodermics, Facebook groups, Reddit (r/travelnursing), and Indeed for agency ratings and nurse experiences.
Ask Other Travel Nurses – Networking with experienced travelers can help you find trustworthy agencies.
Check Agency Longevity & Reputation – Established agencies often have better contracts and support.
2. What to Look for in a Travel Nursing Agency
💰 Pay & Compensation
High Base Pay – Look for agencies that offer competitive pay per contract, not just the highest advertised rates.
Tax-Free Stipends – Ensure stipends for housing, meals, and incidentals are reasonable for the location.
Guaranteed Hours – Some contracts offer guaranteed hours even if shifts are canceled.
Overtime & Bonus Pay – Some agencies pay extra for overtime, completion bonuses, or sign-on bonuses.
🏥 Benefits & Insurance
Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance – Some agencies offer coverage, but check if it starts immediately or after a waiting period.
Retirement Plans (401k) – If they offer 401(k), check if they provide employer matching.
Liability & Malpractice Insurance – Some agencies cover this, but having your own is wise.
Sick Pay & PTO – Not all agencies offer PTO, so check their policy.
📍 Housing & Travel Support
Housing Stipend vs. Provided Housing – If they offer housing, ask about quality and location. If they offer a stipend, ensure it covers reasonable rent in your assignment city.
Travel Reimbursements – Check if they pay for flights, mileage, rental cars, or licensing fees.
📑 Contract Transparency & Job Availability
Variety of Contracts – Some agencies specialize in certain regions or specialties.
Contract Clarity – Make sure pay breakdowns, cancellation policies, and contract details are clear before signing.
👩⚕️ Support & Recruiter Quality
Dedicated Recruiter – A good recruiter should be responsive, transparent, and work to find contracts that meet your needs.
Emergency Support – Some agencies provide 24/7 assistance for issues on assignment.
3. Best Ways to Evaluate & Choose an Agency
✅ Make a List of Your Priorities – High pay? Best benefits? Certain locations? Rank agencies based on what matters most.
✅ Interview Multiple Agencies – Speak with at least 3 recruiters to compare their offerings.
✅ Request Sample Pay Packages – Get detailed breakdowns of potential contracts, including pay, stipends, and deductions.
✅ Check for Hidden Fees or Penalties – Some agencies have penalties for contract cancellations or early termination.
✅ Start with a Short Contract – A 4- to 8-week contract is a good way to test an agency before committing long-term.
4. Recommended Travel Nursing Agencies (2025)
Here are some agencies consistently rated highly by travel nurses:
AMN Healthcare – Large agency with a wide range of assignments.
Aya Healthcare – Offers a user-friendly job search platform and competitive pay.
TNAA (Travel Nurse Across America) – Great benefits, especially for new travelers.
Medical Solutions – Offers personalized support and good insurance options.
Nomad Health – No recruiters; allows nurses to apply directly to jobs online.
Triage Staffing – Known for high pay and strong recruiter support.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kathy !
To become a Nurse that will qualify you as a travel nurse you would need to first obtain your Associates Degree in Nursing or a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. You will need to be a Registered Nurse and hold a state nursing license. When you are in nursing school, you will be certain as to which agencies to apply to and based on your preferences at that time you finish nursing school. You'll be familiar with the profession.
You will need at least two years experience or more working as a nurse before you can apply to the travel nurse agencies. Keep in mind that being a travel nurse means that the agency places you where you are needed. That may mean at your local hospital or a different town or city in your state or overseas. It's not a holiday travel venture, you'll be working and maybe not placed in the most luxurious places so you need to really think about it but by the time you become a nurse with experience, you'll know what you'd want to do.
You'll start to learn what the going rate of pay is and the reputation of the agencies on an accurate up to date level while you are in nursing school, once you graduate and when you are working as a nurse. The important thing is to become a nurse and establish your mission for being in the medical field. There are many opportunities for nurses and being a travel nurse is just one. You will have to be open-minded, flexible, comfortable with all populations and focused on healthcare to be a successful nurse in any arena.
It's not about finding the best agency that will serve you, it's about being a nurse who wants to be where he or she is needed to serve patients.
To become a Nurse that will qualify you as a travel nurse you would need to first obtain your Associates Degree in Nursing or a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. You will need to be a Registered Nurse and hold a state nursing license. When you are in nursing school, you will be certain as to which agencies to apply to and based on your preferences at that time you finish nursing school. You'll be familiar with the profession.
You will need at least two years experience or more working as a nurse before you can apply to the travel nurse agencies. Keep in mind that being a travel nurse means that the agency places you where you are needed. That may mean at your local hospital or a different town or city in your state or overseas. It's not a holiday travel venture, you'll be working and maybe not placed in the most luxurious places so you need to really think about it but by the time you become a nurse with experience, you'll know what you'd want to do.
You'll start to learn what the going rate of pay is and the reputation of the agencies on an accurate up to date level while you are in nursing school, once you graduate and when you are working as a nurse. The important thing is to become a nurse and establish your mission for being in the medical field. There are many opportunities for nurses and being a travel nurse is just one. You will have to be open-minded, flexible, comfortable with all populations and focused on healthcare to be a successful nurse in any arena.
It's not about finding the best agency that will serve you, it's about being a nurse who wants to be where he or she is needed to serve patients.
Updated
Susana’s Answer
Hello Kathy, thanks for the question.
Finding the best travel nursing agency can make a huge difference in your experience, pay, and career growth. Here’s a breakdown of how to find a great agency and what to look for:
1. What to Look for in a Travel Nursing Agency
Pay & Compensation
Competitive Pay Rates: Compare hourly rates, overtime pay, and shift differentials.
Tax-Free Stipends: Look for housing, meals, and travel stipends (common in travel nursing).
Weekly vs. Biweekly Pay: Weekly pay is a plus for managing expenses.
🩺 Benefits
Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision should be available from day one or after a short probation.
401(k) Matching: Some agencies offer retirement plans with employer contributions.
Bonuses: Check for sign-on, referral, and completion bonuses.
License Reimbursement: Top agencies will cover costs for licensure in other states.
Housing Support
Agency-provided housing or housing stipends (you choose where to stay).
Be clear about what the stipend covers vs. actual rent in the area.
Assignment Variety & Location
Wide selection of locations across multiple states and specialties.
Flexibility in assignment duration and ability to extend.
Recruiter Transparency & Support
You should feel respected and valued, not pressured.
A good recruiter:
Answers all your questions
Is honest about facility details
Helps you navigate licensing and onboarding
Reputation & Reviews
Read reviews on trusted platforms:
Gypsy Nurse
Highway Hypodermics
Blue Pipes
Facebook travel nurse groups & Reddit communities (like r/travel nursing)
Ask other nurses about their experiences with agencies.
Joint Commission Certification
Agencies with JCAHO (Joint Commission) certification meet high-quality healthcare staffing standards.
2. How to Find the Best Travel Nursing Agency for You
Start with a short list of highly rated agencies (see list below).
Contact multiple recruiters – compare how they treat you and the offers they provide.
Request sample contracts – review the fine print, including cancellation policies, sick days, and extensions.
Ask about specific assignments – even if you’re not ready to accept one.
Join nurse communities online – real talk from nurses is the best resource.
Top-Rated Travel Nursing Agencies (as of 2025)
Agency Name Highlights
Aya Healthcare - Large job network, great pay & housing options
Fusion Medical- High transparency, solid support, positive reviews
Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) - Reputation for excellent recruiter support
Flex Care Medical Staffing- "S1NGLEPOINT" recruiter model, competitive pay
Triage Staffing- Friendly recruiters, honest communication
Medical Solutions- Strong support, lots of assignment options
Final Tip:
Create a spreadsheet to compare agencies based on:
Pay rate
Stipends
Benefits
Recruiter contact
Reviews/ratings
Finding the best travel nursing agency can make a huge difference in your experience, pay, and career growth. Here’s a breakdown of how to find a great agency and what to look for:
1. What to Look for in a Travel Nursing Agency
Pay & Compensation
Competitive Pay Rates: Compare hourly rates, overtime pay, and shift differentials.
Tax-Free Stipends: Look for housing, meals, and travel stipends (common in travel nursing).
Weekly vs. Biweekly Pay: Weekly pay is a plus for managing expenses.
🩺 Benefits
Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision should be available from day one or after a short probation.
401(k) Matching: Some agencies offer retirement plans with employer contributions.
Bonuses: Check for sign-on, referral, and completion bonuses.
License Reimbursement: Top agencies will cover costs for licensure in other states.
Housing Support
Agency-provided housing or housing stipends (you choose where to stay).
Be clear about what the stipend covers vs. actual rent in the area.
Assignment Variety & Location
Wide selection of locations across multiple states and specialties.
Flexibility in assignment duration and ability to extend.
Recruiter Transparency & Support
You should feel respected and valued, not pressured.
A good recruiter:
Answers all your questions
Is honest about facility details
Helps you navigate licensing and onboarding
Reputation & Reviews
Read reviews on trusted platforms:
Gypsy Nurse
Highway Hypodermics
Blue Pipes
Facebook travel nurse groups & Reddit communities (like r/travel nursing)
Ask other nurses about their experiences with agencies.
Joint Commission Certification
Agencies with JCAHO (Joint Commission) certification meet high-quality healthcare staffing standards.
2. How to Find the Best Travel Nursing Agency for You
Start with a short list of highly rated agencies (see list below).
Contact multiple recruiters – compare how they treat you and the offers they provide.
Request sample contracts – review the fine print, including cancellation policies, sick days, and extensions.
Ask about specific assignments – even if you’re not ready to accept one.
Join nurse communities online – real talk from nurses is the best resource.
Top-Rated Travel Nursing Agencies (as of 2025)
Agency Name Highlights
Aya Healthcare - Large job network, great pay & housing options
Fusion Medical- High transparency, solid support, positive reviews
Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) - Reputation for excellent recruiter support
Flex Care Medical Staffing- "S1NGLEPOINT" recruiter model, competitive pay
Triage Staffing- Friendly recruiters, honest communication
Medical Solutions- Strong support, lots of assignment options
Final Tip:
Create a spreadsheet to compare agencies based on:
Pay rate
Stipends
Benefits
Recruiter contact
Reviews/ratings