Any GOOD companies?

mewmeow · Mar 10, 2006

I'm with you ----- it is so confusing.

I am hoping to take my 1st trvel assignment in August and it is so overwhelming.

nursprl · Mar 10, 2006

what you can do is get in contact w/ some companies that you think you might enjoy working with and ask what types of benefits they are offering; what areas they send travelers mostly (all over vs a region); pay rate in the area you want to work, etc. you don't have to commit to a company and they aren't allowed to submit your application to a hospital without your consent. i submitted a blanket application on www.nursezone.com and received many emails and phone calls from different companies and just talked to a recruiters.

i'm with american traveler staffing professionals (not affiliated w/ american mobile at all) and have had no problems working with them. they sometimes pay a little less than some companies, but they offer free private housing (no sharing); decent benefits; and overall great customer service. i may be bias from others, but i think they are good.

just basically do some comparison shopping so to speak and go with whichever one you think works out for you. you can change companies later if you find out you don't like them.

good luck on your traveling career. let us know where you go or if need any other advice.

suzanne4, RN · Mar 12, 2006

What works well for one nurse may not work well for another. Depends on where you wish to travel to for the first thing, agencies do not have contracts in every single city. Then next, it depends on specialty, some agencies deal more with OR, some with ICU, etc. Then what exactly are your needs? Do you have a pet? Do you need a two bedroom apt? How much is the agency going to charge you for the difference? What do they pay? Do you wish to bring your car and drive? Or do you want to fly and have them provide a rental car?

There are many things that influence a selection. Make your list first and call a few agencies and see if they can meet your needs, not you meeting theirs.

And remember the most important fact, if it is not in writing in the contract, then it doesn't exist. Your recruiter can make all of the promises to you in the world, but if they are not included in the written contract, then they have not been approved by the administrators and just do not exist.

baydogrn · Mar 13, 2006

I likws RNNetwork, very professional and excellent infrastructure, but the medical insurance was difficult to use in rural areas and at home where I had established providers. My husband and I are both 50 and have some significant health problems, thus I needed to switch to a company w/BCBS or other major player. I had a wonderful recruiter, but she left, and I didn't care for the advice the new one gave me, so I went w/Millenia. I didn't get a job I wanted there, and they posted my profile to a hospital in another city and I stupidly didn't ask enough questions because I was so worried about getting a job before my insurance ran out. What a mistake--this facility, affiliated with a prestigious university, expected me to be able to care for 6 geriatric ER patients w/no techs, no EKG techs, some really questionable medical practices, and I felt the care was incredibly unsafe. Millenia found me another slot, I have 3-4 patients and run my butt off, but the nurses and MDs are for the most part very nice to work with and I am getting some OT. This company is small, and lacks the infrastructure of the larger companies, and not a lot of contracts to choose from, but the pay is comparable, and if they have a place you want to go, it's not a bad choice. I do wish they had a continuing ed perk as many do, as I have had to absorb the costs of all the ER specialty courses that I feel I need to be able to get into the higher paying positions and also to feel competent in my field. I would say, watch Onward Healthcare, they misrepresented the pay on 2 jobs in FL after I had gone to the expense of getting FL licensure, and avoid Intelistaff as well. Fastaff has a reputation for strikebusting, but the money is good, just know whether you're going to be a scab or not. Traveling is cool, you get to meet a lot of nice other travelers and regulars, and you can see areas that you might not ever see otherwise. So go for it!

spoiled28 · Mar 13, 2006

I am also looking to start travel nursing in Aug 06. All the information is helpful but so confusing. I have sent in two appliation with two companys, one says they pay is top but then I wonder from some of the reading about their benifits. thanks for asking.....

eastcoastgirl · Apr 16, 2006

There are quite a few good companies out there - you just need to have a list of what YOU are looking for!!! When interviewing companies just have a list and don't hang up until you get YOUR questions answered!!! :mad:

fergus51 · Apr 20, 2006

I'm with Emerald Health Services and I love them and my recruiter.

Puff RN · May 20, 2006

Hello, Today is my first day on this forum. I am taking my first travel assignment to Cottonwood, Az I start June 12th. You and I are the same age so feel a kinship of sorts. I am excited and anxious at the same time. Looking forward to a new adventure.