Advice needed for the following companies

worked for HPO in the past, no problems then

Started with Travcorps who merged with Cross Country - been with them almost nine years....have no plans to change....nothing is perfect and they have always been great to work with, in ALL departments!

Like I said, I STARTED with Travcorps, and there was a reason I chose them.. Cross country was like the "in-laws" that come with the deal...but like any new job, everyone involved has to get to know each other and test the waters...remember that this is like a "partnership" and you will do your part and you will expect them to do theirs too... You have the skills they need and want....I have been a nurse for over 22 years and I can NEVER see myself ever going back to work for a hospital....when I started traveling there were not anywhere near the companies there are now, and agency was a rare thing...there have been bumps in the road, up & down, but I work hard and do a good job and I expect them to do the same for me....things are changing in nursing every day as well with travelers....a good nurse is priceless to them....I do suggest that if you and your recruiter seem to clash or dont see eye to eye ABSOLUTELY request someone else to work with...a god working relationship with your recruiter is too important....and a lot will depend on what you want or need from your company...is it benefits, money, placments,etc...what are your priorities..alot of people go with whoever can give them the most money...or a certain place they want to go...
CCTC has been VERY good to me all in all....GOOD LUCK

[quote=positivethinker]Hi

I've been trying to research different travel companies, but their our so many. I'm trying to narrow it down to at least two. Has anyone ever worked for the following companies and if so was the good and bad of your experience?

Bridgestaffing
Cross Country
HPO(onassignment.com)
Faststaff
RN Network <- these guys are now GHG Medical Staffing SLC, UT

(RNNet was sold)

Wife's worked for them for 1yr+. We live in FL, she works in CA, $43K/FL compares $79K/CA same job! PACU... They've been good, though, no complaints. But positions are drying up and most RN are specialty bound so you have to go with the flow. I'm in ADN @DBCC 1st sem, we couldn't support ourselves(+2teens) on the one FL salary. FL averages -$6/hr below national ave. So she travels. Yes, I really miss her! It's the new economy.

I traveled for a year and a half with American Mobile - I have heard some really bad things about them after I started and I never had any troubles. After talking with other travelers I think it comes down to your recruiter. I had a great one and thats probably what made the difference.

My wife traveled with a few companies. Cross Country, American Mobile and RN Network amongst them. For us RN Network seemed to be working best. Plenty of assignments in CA with the highest housing stipend (they paid for a two bedroom after a couple of assignments)as well as the best 401K ($ for $ matching with immediate vesting). That really helped living in L.A. as well as with putting away a good amount of money into retirement funds. The other two companies were ok as well but benefits were not as good for us. Depending on which area in the country you'll go, different companies might offer better assignments. You'll just have to check.

American Mobile, NursesRx, O'Grady-Peyton...all part of the same company. I've been with them almost a year, and minor issues, but all resolved quickly. HPO/On-Assignment always ALWAYS gets the highest compliments by it's nurses...great pay, great PRIVATE housing, airfare (even for a pet), rental car..fully furnished housing too. You don't realize what a pan in the backside that can be until you drive cross country with linens, pots and pans, cats..and get stuck in the frozen hell called TEXAS for 3 days..LOL Also--some companies pay weekly, some are q2weeks...KNOW how you want your pay to work out, then run with that. It will take you a few assignments and talking with other travelers to get the 'down-low' on each company. Do your homework. And don't feel like the lone ranger if you get screwed over your first few assignments. I promise you will make sure that never happens again once you are on the road a while! GOOD LUCK!

I have worked for both Cross Country and RNNetwork. Beware of Cross Country! They sent me to a hospital that was under review with the state and about to be closed down for poor practice. I was told the assignment was 4:1 PCU and they stuck me on a med/surg in charge with 20 pts, one LPN and a CNA! And didn't pay me for charge. They sad as long as I worked my unit (PCU) once a month then the hospital was fullfilling their obligation. They also denied knowing about the state investigation, but several other Cross Country travelers that were already there said they had told them way before I got there. They too were also fed up with Cross Country. I have been traveling for while now and can name 10 travelers that would never travel with them again to any 1 that says they will. On the other hand I have traveled with RNNetwork and had a great experience with them on several contracts. I would travel with them again without hesitation. My recruiter was Chrissi Pagi, and I loved her. Very honest and supportive company. I currently travel with Clinical one because their benefits are more tailored to my needs. They are a great comapany also. Hope this helps. LoriPRN