is anyone else experiencing this?

I'll expand a bit on mattsmom81's post... though this may not be exactly how her agency does it, just kinda assuming (sorry if I'm off base MM).

It was explained to me when I hired on with my agency that those who've been here longer and have done a good job get calls for shifts first. "They've made a long term commitment to the agency, and we do everything to do our part right back," they said. While I wasn't thrilled about having to take the back seat for a while, I understood and respected the policy. Now, I am one of those people who've made "a long term commitment", and I fully expect them to deliver right back and not give that new hire my shifts. It works for me. It just meant I had to pick up some less desirable shifts for the first few months to "get in". Now, I just call my agency a few times a week and tell them what I want, and they call me back with the shifts I requested. It was worth the initial sacrifice, and now I am very glad that this is their policy. I still do late calls here and there, but now more out of choice than needing the cash.

I'm finding the same as you Eddy. Now starting my third month with this agency and it's true that once we've 'paid our dues' the tune changes a bit.

Now that I have demonstrated 'my worth' so to speak, and facilities love me and ask for me, my agency calls now calls and asks ME "What will it take to get you out there ?"

I am finding I have negotiating power. But the first few months, I went everywhere and anywhere to get my reputation established. It was worth it.

Yes there are slow times but overall I'm very happy with my choice to work agency and call my own shots.

After years of being 'under the thumb' of facilities, I am gratified to feel this free.

When I was doing agency work, I kept signed up with about 3 agencies at same time so that when one slowed down, I could get work with the others.

You guys have more energy and patience than me...LOL! I am hounded by my one agency constantly to work more hours than I want...I would go NUTS getting calls from more than one agency!

Of course I'm of the older generation that doesn't like living with a cell phone permanently attached to my ear...LOL!

My son laughs at me cuz I HATE carrying a cell, but for his generation (and my young office recruitors) cell phones 'rule'.