Canadian Travellers

Hi there! i'm about to graduate (May) in canada and i'll be working here, likely in a med-surg unit for about 12-18 months, but then i would really like to experience travel nursing in the states.

My questions are:

1) do any of the agencies place people in a longer term assignment (i feel that as i will only have 12-18 months expereince and none of it in the states it would be good to have a chance to get a feel for lay of the land before jumping in somewhere new every 13 weeks)

2) i have read on these threads about maintaining a 'home' for tax purposes. is it possible to claim your home in canada? or do i need to maintain an apt somewhere in the states while i travel?

thanks for any and all advice/suggestions/comments. god i can't wait to get started!!!!
vixen