Help me please

NedRN · Feb 26, 2013

Aureus is not a good agency for beginners - or anyone in my opinion - but particularly not for new travelers. Large companies Cross Country and American Mobile (who owns ME) are often OK for beginners. They may or may not have good pay, but they certainly have the resources to give new travelers appropriate assignments. But forget about everything you've read about particular agencies. Decide what you want: big agencies with lots of resources, mid sized agencies that sometime have the best of small and large agencies, or small agencies where everyone knows you and pays well, but without the number of assignments that larger agencies have.

So with large agencies, you can pick one and stay with them. Smaller agencies you may have to be signed up with several to work steady and have decent choices. But you may want to sign up with several anyway as a beginner until you find out who is telling you the truth. It also gives you a way to find out market prices in an area, if you are receiving fair quotes. Shop around for everything in life.

So communication is key. If you are not communicating well with a particular agency/recruiter, move on. If you find someone you communicate well with and trust, well that is worth a couple bucks an hour.

kc87t, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Feb 26, 2013

I recommend Medical Solutions. I would refer them to anyone without hesitation. They might pay a little less, but you won't find a company that is more friendly and personable. I've never had a problem getting in contact with my recruiter when I've needed him. He's never dismissed my concerns or questions, and if he didn't know an answer...he would find out and get back to me within the same day. I know I could get paid more somewhere else, but it's comforting to know you have someone to help out if you need it when you're thousands of miles from home.

apr08 · Feb 26, 2013

hello i am a new traveler too, i have not started yet. Right now im signed up with FAstaff and American Mobile. I might go ahead and sign up with Medical Solutions also. I hopo you find a company that suits you.

Truckee · Feb 27, 2013

I'm with Medical solutions also, first assignment with them was great. I would also recommend them to anyone.

Best advise... Find a good recruiter, open communication with him/her is essential.

apr08 · Feb 27, 2013

Does Medical Solutions do alot of 8week contracts , 4 weeks/ 13 weeks. Im really looking for a 4 or 8 week assignment at first.

kc87t, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Feb 27, 2013

They do, it just depends on the needs of the hospital.

NedRN · Feb 28, 2013

If you have never done a travel assignment before, short 4 or 8 week contracts are not the way to start. Even more than regular 13 week contracts, they expect you to hit the floor running. Depending on your specialty and the hospital, orientation may take two weeks. Except for short contracts that is.

While any agency may get short contracts, those are really the purview of rapid response companies such as Fastaff, CRU48, or On Assignment. Such contracts should also pay more than normal, but they will expect movers and shakers. Or at least those who can put up with less than desirable assignments. It is likely that hospitals requesting rapid response will not take a first time traveler anyway.