Best Travel Nursing Agencies: Top Picks For Your Career

Travel nursing is an exciting career path that allows nurses to explore different parts of their country or even the world while gaining new experiences and perspectives. Working with a travel nurse agency can make it easier to find jobs, negotiate pay rates and benefits, and navigate job listings and compensation packages. But with so many agencies to choose from, how do you know which one is the best? Well, it depends on your needs and priorities. Some agencies offer higher pay, while others provide more comprehensive benefits packages or greater flexibility in assignment length and location. It's important to do your research and read reviews from other travel nurses to find the right agency for you.

Housing options

When it comes to housing, there are two main options for travel nurses: agency-provided housing or a housing stipend. Some agencies offer both options, while others only provide one. It's important to consider your preferences and needs when choosing an agency, as this can significantly impact your experience and finances.

Agency-Provided Housing

Many travel nursing agencies offer the convenience of arranging housing for their nurses. This option typically includes fully furnished accommodations, often in the form of a one-bedroom apartment, for the duration of the contract. This can be a great choice if you want the peace of mind of having a safe and comfortable place to stay without the hassle of searching for housing yourself.

Some agencies, such as AMN Healthcare, pride themselves on providing seamless relocation assistance and ensuring your comfort throughout the process. They may even offer pet-friendly housing options. It's worth noting that agency-provided housing is usually contracted for a specific period, and extending your stay might not always be guaranteed.

Housing Stipend

Alternatively, some travel nurses prefer to take a housing stipend and find their own accommodations. This option gives you more flexibility in choosing the type of housing that suits your needs and budget. You can decide to rent a room, an entire house, or share a place with coworkers. You also have the freedom to choose the location of your housing, whether it's close to the hospital or in a downtown area.

The housing stipend amount varies depending on the city and can sometimes be more than the rent you end up paying, allowing you to pocket the extra cash. However, finding short-term furnished housing on your own can be challenging, and you may need to cover deposits upfront. Additionally, extending your contract might lead to uncertainties with your landlord.

Factors to Consider

When deciding between agency-provided housing and a housing stipend, consider your personal preferences, budget, and the level of effort you're willing to put into the housing search. If you're travelling with pets or family, you'll need to ensure that your housing accommodations can accommodate your specific needs.

It's also important to review the housing options provided by different agencies. For example, Axis Medical Staffing covers pet deposit costs, while Aya Healthcare provides company-secured housing. Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) offers a combination of both options, allowing you to choose based on your preferences.

Ultimately, the decision between agency-provided housing and a housing stipend depends on your individual circumstances and priorities.

Benefits packages

When it comes to travel nursing agencies, there are a plethora of options to choose from. However, the right choice depends on your priorities and needs. Here is a detailed overview of the benefits packages offered by some of the top travel nursing agencies:

RNNetwork

RNNetwork is known for its comprehensive benefits package, which includes day-one benefits. This means you get access to benefits from the very first day of your contract. Here are some of the advantages they offer:

• Zero-premium health insurance with dependent and life partner coverage.
• No-deductible prescription drug coverage.
• 100% coverage for preventive dental services and children's orthodontic treatment.
• Vision benefits that cover lenses, glasses, frames, and eye exams across the nation.
• Access to free and unlimited continuing education courses to help you further your skills.
• Credentialing assistance, providing support and cost coverage for licensing and certifications.
• Employee assistance program that offers expert advice on financial, mental, behavioural, and legal issues.
• Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance of $50,000, which does not require enrolment in a medical plan.
• Teladoc, providing 24/7 physician consultation services over the phone.
• Sanvello, a mindfulness app for stress, anxiety, and depression relief, is available for free.
• Talkspace, giving you 24/7 access to licensed online therapists.

Host Healthcare

Host Healthcare is known for its robust support system, providing 24/7 access to recruiters. They also offer a variety of benefits, including:

• Day-one medical coverage that lasts up to 30 days between assignments.
• Travel reimbursements to ensure your travel expenses are covered.
• A dedicated housing support team to assist you in finding suitable accommodations.
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as life insurance.
• 401(k) with company matching contributions.
• COVID-19 quarantine pay in the event of exposure or illness.

Triage Staffing

Triage Staffing provides a higher hourly wage and more frequent bonuses compared to its competitors. They also offer an extensive range of perks, such as:

• Tuition reimbursement to support your educational goals.
• 401(k) availability from day one, allowing you to start saving for retirement immediately.
• Health insurance provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
• Dental insurance, so you can maintain your oral health.
• Vacation time, giving you opportunities to relax and recharge.
• A 401(k) plan to help you save for the future.

Aya Healthcare

Aya Healthcare stands out for being one of the largest and most talked-about travel nursing agencies. They offer an impressive range of benefits, including:

• Sick pay, which begins accruing on the first day of your assignment and can be used after 90 days.
• Comprehensive benefits, including medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your dependents from day one.
• Company-matched 401(k) plan, helping you save for retirement.
• Wellness, nutrition, and employee assistance programs to support your overall well-being.
• Tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness options to help with your educational expenses.

Axis Medical Staffing

Axis Medical Staffing is known for its exceptional customer service, offering around-the-clock support 365 days a year. They provide a wide array of benefits, such as:

• Healthcare coverage to take care of your medical needs.
• Company-matched 401(k) plans to help you save for the future.
• State license reimbursement, ensuring your professional expenses are covered.
• Transportation stipends to assist with travel costs.
• Continuing education opportunities to further your knowledge and skills.

Agency reputation

When it comes to choosing a travel nursing agency, reputation is key. You want to ensure that you're signing up with a reputable company that has a proven track record of success. This is important for several reasons. Firstly, a reputable agency is more likely to have established relationships with healthcare facilities, which can lead to more job opportunities for you. Secondly, a reputable agency is more likely to offer competitive pay and benefits packages, as they have the resources and industry connections to do so. Finally, a reputable agency is more likely to have a larger support system in place to help you navigate the challenges of travel nursing.

So, how can you assess an agency's reputation? One way is to look at online reviews and ratings from independent sources. Websites like Glassdoor and Indeed offer valuable insights from real travel nurses who have worked with these agencies. You can also check out industry-specific platforms, such as BluePipes, which recognised FlexCare Medical Staffing as the "most decorated travel nursing agency of all time". Additionally, awards and accolades are a good indicator of an agency's reputation. For example, Triage Staffing was recognised by Inc. Magazine and Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) in 2023.

Another aspect of agency reputation to consider is their specialisations and connections. Some agencies have strong relationships with specific healthcare facilities, such as government agencies, which can open up unique job opportunities. Others may focus on certain specialisations, like critical care or emergency room staffing. If you're looking for a particular type of assignment, ensuring the agency has a good reputation in that specific area is crucial.

When evaluating an agency's reputation, it's also beneficial to look at their size and history. Larger agencies, such as AMN Healthcare, often have more resources and job opportunities due to their market share and established connections. However, smaller agencies may offer a more personalised experience and closer relationships with recruiters. It's important to decide which aspects are most important to you and your career goals.

Lastly, don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Talking to fellow travel nurses who have worked with different agencies can provide invaluable first-hand information about their experiences. They can offer insights into the agency's reputation, work culture, and overall job satisfaction. This can help you make a more informed decision about which agency is the best fit for you.

Remember, while one agency may be perfect for someone else, your ideal agency should align with your unique needs and priorities as a travel nurse. Take the time to research, read reviews, and seek out personal recommendations to find the agency that suits you best.

Pay rates

When it comes to pay rates, no one travel nursing agency stands out as the highest-paying across the board. The highest-paying agency for you will depend on your location and contract type. For example, travel nurses have a much higher earning potential in states like California and New York compared to Arkansas or Kentucky. Additionally, a more specialised nursing role will typically pay more than a general RN role.

That being said, some agencies are known for their competitive pay rates and comprehensive benefits packages. RNNetwork, for instance, provides day-one health insurance and 401(k) options, as well as virtual therapy and medical care access. Aya Healthcare, America's largest travel nursing agency, is also known for its competitive pay, with clinicians praising its pay, benefits and locations.

Fusion Medical Staffing is another agency with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits. The company is also transparent about the pay, terms and benefits for each opportunity on its website.

For those looking for high pay rates, Fastaff Travel Nursing and Krucial Staffing are worth considering. These agencies specialise in "Rapid Response" healthcare staffing, placing nurses in facilities in desperate need, often within 48 hours. While these assignments tend to be more difficult, nurses are compensated accordingly.

If salary is your top priority, Prime Time Healthcare is another good option, as their travel nurse salary tends to be above average.

When deciding on an agency, it's important to consider not just the pay rate but also the benefits package on offer and whether the agency can meet your other needs and priorities.

Flexibility

The best travel nursing agencies offer a range of assignment lengths and locations, allowing nurses to choose options that fit their lifestyles and preferences. This flexibility is a key advantage of working with an agency.

When considering flexibility, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. Firstly, look for agencies that offer a variety of contract lengths. Some agencies offer assignments as short as eight weeks, while others may last up to six months or more. The ability to choose the duration of your assignments can help you better plan your schedule and accommodate any personal commitments or preferences.

Secondly, consider the locations served by the agency. Some agencies operate nationwide, providing opportunities across all 50 states. This can be advantageous if you wish to explore different parts of the country or have specific locations in mind. Other agencies may also offer international placements, allowing you to work and travel globally.

Additionally, some agencies provide opportunities for skill-building and career advancement. They may offer on-the-job training, assignments that broaden your skillset, or access to continuing education resources. This flexibility can help you develop new expertise and enhance your career prospects.

When choosing a travel nursing agency, it's important to consider your priorities and what matters most to you in terms of flexibility. Do you prefer shorter or longer assignments? Are you interested in domestic or international opportunities? By considering these factors, you can select an agency that aligns with your goals and provides the flexibility you desire.

Remember, the right agency will empower you to design your ideal travel nursing career, allowing you to explore new places, gain diverse experiences, and create a schedule that suits your needs.

Frequently asked questions