In-house traveler programs?

[cosmicmama, BSN, RN]

Which hospitals have in-house traveler programs that you know of? I know about Banner. In your experience, do these pay better, worse, or about the same as going through an agency?

What are the pros and cons of these programs over using travel nursing companies?

[ukjenn231]

I know of Baycare and Florida Hospital in Tampa that do "mobile pools." Baycare offers housing and contracts, I am not sure of Florida Hospital.

In my experience, it pays better than using an agency. In fact, I wanted to go to another area and when I told them what I was making at Baycare per hour + housing, none of the agencies could match it. (I do tele, so it is one of the lower paid travel assignments though).

I think the pros are that you are given more comprehensive training - I still only got one shift on the floor, but I had a week of orientation with nursing orientation and computer training. Also, since you are an employee of the system, you are not really seen as an outsider.

The cons are that some in house systems don't offer housing, and there may be more comprehensive benefits with a travel agency. The only benefit I am eligible for here is retirement, and agencies are able to offer health insurance, reimbursement for travel and license, etc.