Applying to a travel assignment directly through hospital?

[adventuRNurse]

I'm currently looking at hospitals who have posted openings for travel assignments in small towns near Glacier National Park, MT. I've been a nurse for 4 years in PA, and this would be my first time taking a travel assignment, so I'm a newbie at this. :)

Should I try applying to these openings that are posted on the hospital sites by myself with my resume or should I be finding an agency and going through them? I plan on finding my own housing etc. for the assignment, as the reason I want to work in this area is my boyfriend is an Environmental Scientist who is looking to take a seasonal position for the summer into the fall. I also have to get my MT nursing license. Do I wait to apply to the positions until I have the official license? Or is this where it would be better to use an agency who can help me with the license obtaining process?

[NedRN]

The vast majority of hospitals post only staff positions on their site. For the most part, seasonal jobs (analogous to travel assignments) are mostly found in Florida, Arizona, and ski areas of Colorado. So start interviewing agencies, and no you don't have to wait for a license. But having a license in hand will allow to to have a shot at fast moving desirable assignments (either location, money, prestige, or combination).

[Wolf at the Door, BSN]

^ in addition to Florida and Arizona...Texas also has seasonal jobs.

[adventuRNurse]

Thank you for the input and info! The hospital I'm looking at has a posted Travel SCU RN, FT position listed on their employment listing page. Just not sure if I should be taking the initiative applying myself or interviewing agencies to try and submit my name that way.

[NedRN]

Usually hospitals will pay more than a travel company. However housing is usually taxed so I would compare offers. Also, agencies may know of better paying assignments nearby or somewhere else you wouldn't mind going to. Shop around before committing.