Hospital vs. Nursing Agency?

I think you want to know that agency nursing is typically travel nursing (assignments of usually 13 weeks duration) or working at local hospitals for varying amounts of time (a "staffer", but an employee of the agency). In both of these examples you are not an employee of the hospital where you are working, and only work there while assigned there by your employer, the agency. When you apply directly to the hospital, you are applying for a permanent job at that hospital only. Don't know what your friend means by getting "endorsed" by an agency, unless they are referring to the agency is acting as the go between and you don't have to worry much about selling yourself to the hospital. But this is not entirely true. Even when referred by an agency, the hospital may interview you and accept or reject you. Same as if you were to apply for a permanent position with them.