Finding The Best Travel Nursing Agency For You

how do I find a good travel nursing agency

Travel nursing is an exciting career path that offers the opportunity to explore new places, boost your resume, and make a positive impact on communities in need of medical support. To get started, it's essential to find a reputable travel nursing agency that can help you navigate job placements and negotiate pay rates and benefits.

When choosing a travel nursing agency, it's important to consider your priorities, such as location preferences, competitive pay, or the opportunity to fulfil a specialized role. Additionally, you should evaluate the benefits offered by each agency, including housing options, travel reimbursement, insurance coverage, and retirement plans.

1. FlexCare Medical Staffing, known for its S1NGLEPOINT recruiter system, which provides a single point of contact for all your needs.

2. Atlas MedStaff, which includes a unique Atlas Adventure experience in each contract, allowing you to explore and enjoy your chosen destination.

3. Host Healthcare, offering 24/7 support and access to jobs in all 50 states, along with 401(k) matching and medical coverage.

4. Aya Healthcare, the largest travel nursing agency in the US, with a wide range of contracts across all 50 states and extensive benefits, including reimbursements and PTO.

5. AMN Healthcare, a leader in travel nurse staffing, with a vast database of high-paying travel nurse jobs and a dedicated team to support your credentialing needs.

Remember, the right agency for you will depend on your unique goals and priorities. Don't be afraid to explore multiple options and ask questions to find the best fit for your travel nursing journey.

Characteristics Values
Support 24/7 support, quick response times, mentorship programs
Housing Housing stipends, company-provided housing, assistance with finding housing
Benefits Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k), travel reimbursement, licensure reimbursement, employee assistance programs, credentialing assistance, tuition reimbursement, sick pay, wellness programs, completion bonuses
Pay Competitive pay, hourly wage, overtime, bonuses, per diem, stipend
Reputation Well-reviewed, highly-rated, award-winning
Flexibility Variety of assignment lengths and locations, ability to choose assignment
Specialties Ability to match with assignments based on specialty, interest, and skills

quartzmountain

Pay and benefits

Travel nurses are usually paid more than staff nurses due to the higher demand and transient nature of their work. The average salary for a travel nurse in 2023 was $114,591, compared to $86,070 for a staff nurse. Travel nurses are often paid a "total pay package" which includes an hourly base wage plus additional monetary incentives. These incentives can include sign-on or referral bonuses, travel reimbursements, stipends for housing, food, mileage, or job-related expenses. As these extra stipends are classified as reimbursements and not income, they are non-taxable, allowing travel nurses to take home a higher total pay.

Travel nurses can also expect additional compensation that staff nurses may not have access to, such as sign-on bonuses, housing and meal allotments, and compensation packages that include base salary, stipends, bonuses, and other payments. Travel nurses may also be reimbursed for expenses such as travel to their new assignment, scrubs, books, or nursing supplies.

Most travel nursing agencies offer health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as life insurance, short-term disability, 401(k), vacation time, and education reimbursement. Some agencies also provide perks such as free or reduced-cost continuing education courses, travel expenses, gym memberships, and completion bonuses.

When choosing a travel nursing agency, it is important to consider the pay rates, benefits package, housing options, reputation, specialty assignments, flexibility, and perks and discounts offered. It is also worth noting that travel nurses often work with multiple agencies simultaneously to find the best assignments and pay rates.

Exploring Travel: State-side or Abroad?

You may want to see also

quartzmountain

Housing options

There are two main options for housing when working with a travel nursing agency: agency-provided housing or a housing stipend.

With agency-provided housing, the agency will take care of all the arrangements and cover the costs. This is usually the more stress-free option, as you don't have to worry about security deposits, utilities, or furniture. Agencies often have access to discounts that are inaccessible to individuals. However, you may only be given a few housing options to choose from, and the agency will ultimately place you where it is most convenient and affordable for them.

If you choose the housing stipend, you will receive a set amount of money to find and pay for your own accommodation. This option gives you more control over where and how you live. You can choose to live in a fully furnished place that includes utilities, cable, and internet, or you can rent an unfurnished apartment and bring your own furniture. You can even live in an RV or try van life. Taking the housing stipend allows you to prioritize what is most important to you in terms of location and amenities. Additionally, if you find cheap housing, you can pocket the leftover money from the stipend. However, finding decent, inexpensive short-term rentals can be challenging, and you may have to spend time and effort searching for and vetting potential options.

Some travel nursing agencies, like Advantis Medical, only offer the housing stipend option to give travel nurses more control over their careers and assignments. The amount of the housing stipend varies depending on the location, typically adjusted based on the cost of living in that region. It is important to note that the stipend may not always cover all your expenses, and you might have to pay out of pocket for some things. On the other hand, in some cases, the stipend may be more than you need, leaving you with extra money.

When deciding between agency-provided housing and the housing stipend, consider your priorities and what will work best for you. Factors such as ease, safety, location, amenities, and cost should be considered. Additionally, if having a "personal touch" and a good relationship with your recruiter is important to you, this may influence your decision, as some agencies are known for their commitment to customer service and support.

quartzmountain

Reputation and reviews

When it comes to finding a good travel nursing agency, reputation and reviews are key. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Online Reviews and Ratings

Check online reviews and ratings from independent sources to understand the agency's reputation. Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and Facebook can provide valuable insights from real travel nurses who have worked with the agency. This will help you learn about their experiences and identify any potential red flags.

First-Hand Information

In addition to online reviews, talking to other travel nurses who have worked with the agency can provide valuable first-hand information. Their personal experiences will give you a more detailed perspective on the agency's reputation and the quality of their services.

Awards and Accreditations

Look for travel nursing agencies that have been recognised by reputable organisations or publications. For example, some agencies may have received awards for their excellence in customer service, work culture, or growth. Accreditations from industry organisations or magazines can also indicate a reputable and well-respected agency.

Specialisations and Certifications

Consider the specialisations and certifications of the travel nursing agency. For instance, some agencies may focus on specific nursing specialties, such as critical care or emergency room nursing. Others may offer certifications or continuing education programs to help nurses advance their careers. Working with an agency that aligns with your professional goals and interests can enhance your overall experience.

Relationship with Recruiters

The relationship you build with your recruiter is crucial. A good travel nursing agency will assign you a dedicated recruiter who is responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive. They should be committed to helping you find placements that match your skills, interests, and career goals. If you don't feel comfortable with your recruiter, don't hesitate to request a different point of contact or switch agencies.

Size of the Agency

Consider whether you prefer working with a large or small agency. Large agencies, such as AMN Healthcare and Aya Healthcare, have extensive resources and a wide reach, offering exclusive deals with top healthcare facilities and a diverse range of assignments. On the other hand, smaller agencies may provide a more personalised experience and closer relationships with recruiters.

Remember, the right travel nursing agency will depend on your individual priorities and career goals. Take the time to research and read reviews to make an informed decision.

quartzmountain

Flexibility and contract length

The length of a travel nursing contract can vary depending on the type of assignment and the options offered by the agency. While the standard length is 13 weeks, contracts can be as short as six to eight weeks or as long as six months to a year. Some agencies offer extensions, allowing nurses to stay longer at a facility.

Travel nursing agencies offer a variety of assignment lengths and locations, so you can choose an assignment that fits your lifestyle and preferences. For example, if you want to work short-term contracts, there are agencies that specialise in these, such as FastStaff.

The standard travel nurse hours are five 8s, four 10s, or three 12s, though this varies by facility and should be outlined in your contract.

It's worth noting that hospitals are the ones that determine shift requirements, so it's important to consider this when choosing an agency and assignment. Some hospitals operate with 12-hour shifts, some with 8-hour shifts, and others with a combination of the two or 10-hour shifts.

When it comes to contract length, most agencies handle assignments of 13 weeks or longer, and many will also accommodate eight-week contracts. Short-term contracts are less common and may result in a lower pay package for the nurse due to reduced revenue for the company.

If you're new to travel nursing, an agency with 24/7 support and comprehensive benefits can be a great option. For example, Host Healthcare offers access to jobs in all 50 states and provides day-one medical coverage that lasts up to 30 days between assignments.

Ultimately, the flexibility of contract length and location is one of the perks of being a travel nurse, allowing you to work as long or as little as you like and choose assignments that align with your lifestyle and career goals.

quartzmountain

Perks and discounts

Some agencies, like Aya Healthcare, offer wellness and nutrition plans, as well as discounts on wellness and fitness programs. This agency also provides discounts, as well as medical, vision, and dental benefits, for spouses and children.

AMN Healthcare, the largest travel nursing agency, offers discounts on things like computers, cell phones, hotels, car rentals, gym memberships, and more. They also have a mobile app that allows nurses to receive personalized job alerts, view time and pay details, and organize their credentials.

NursesUSA is a travel company that provides travel discounts and benefits specifically for nurses and other healthcare providers. They offer discounts on flights, hotels, rental cars, theme parks, zoos, ski resorts, and travel insurance programs.

Getaway is another company that offers nurses and other healthcare workers travel discounts of 15% off.

There are also third-party identification platforms like ID.me, which allow healthcare workers to prove their association and receive discounts on online purchases. ID.me offers travel perks like discounted flights, car rentals, and discounted event and leisure tickets.

Other travel companies that offer discounts for nurses include:

  • Heroes Vacation Club
  • Hotel Planner
  • Caesars and Harrah's
  • Cheap Caribbean Vacations
  • Motel 6
  • Hotwire
  • Priceline
Traveling on Christmas: A Guide

You may want to see also

Frequently asked questions

A travel nursing agency can simplify the process of finding travel nursing jobs and negotiating pay rates and benefits. They can also help you navigate job listings and compensation packages, and provide a point of contact for any questions or concerns.

You should look for an agency that provides the basics such as housing, benefits, travel reimbursement, staffing in your desired locations, and 24-hour customer support. It's also important to consider your own needs and priorities, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and the level of personal support you require.

When choosing a travel nursing agency, it's important to consider your own needs and priorities. Ask yourself questions such as: Do I need health insurance? How important is it for me to contribute to my retirement? Do I want the agency to find housing for me, or would I prefer to find my own housing and take a housing stipend?

Some questions you may want to ask include: What destinations do you serve? How are your pay packages broken down? What types of housing do you provide? What types of benefits do you offer? What types of extra work-related costs do you reimburse for? What are your missed and canceled shift policies?

You can start by researching and comparing different agencies online. Look for agencies that have positive reviews and ratings from real travel nurses who have worked with them. You can also ask for recommendations from other travel nurses or healthcare professionals.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment