First time traveler needs some advice

[CNOR11]

Hi all! So I'm thinking about traveling and my specialty is OR. I've done research about agencies and I get that there is no best agency/you have to put all the factors together etc. My question is this: can anyone recommend an agency just on pay? I don't need benefits or retirement so I just want to max out pay and not have to fight for the best rate all the time. Does anyone have an agency to recommend? TIA

[NedRN]

Sorry, you always have to fight for the best rate. Even if you are signed up with a rapid response company such as Fastaff or Health Source Global, you can find agencies that pay better on some contracts. Smaller agencies work on a smaller gross profit margin that larger agencies (and much smaller than rapid response companies), and depending, they may pay better on the same or different assignments. But have fewer assignments to pick from.

[OR_RN_2016]

I am interested in traveling as well and my specialty is the OR. I was a scrub tech for 5 years and look to begin traveling after about a 1.5 years in my nursing role, so roughly 4 months from now. How long have you been working in the OR. I would love to hear about your experience in finding a company and transitioning to your first assignment. Good luck and keep us updated.

[NedRN]

Scrub techs usually do really well as travel RNs from my experience, even with less than one year as RN staff. No one size fits all, but as OR RNs are scarce and in huge demand as travelers, you could probably cut the recommended two years short if you want.