Looking for a good travel agency.

NedRN · May 16, 2014

Dutch based Randstad has a superior reputation and in fact is so big worldwide that it is used generically in Western Europe for employment company (think Xerox for ubiquitous use). They were formerly called Clinical One in this country and the founder is still the CEO. Pay is perhaps lower than average, but on par for large agencies.

NursesRx was perhaps the oldest and first agency to historically have a bad rep by word of mouth pre-Internet, but since it was purchased by American Mobile long ago, it is just the same as American Mobile's overall rep, the largest travel company in the world.

Aya and Trustaff I would not recommend to anyone for cause. Other bottom of the barrel agencies (it is much easier to compose a do not use list than a recommended list) include all Cincinnati based agencies (besides Trustaff, there is RN Advantage and On Assignment) and Aureus in Omaha (Aureus is probably OK for allied health travelers but truly rotten for nurses).

However, reputation among travelers is somewhat meaningless except for the worst agencies. Even Aya and Trustaff have long time loyal travelers who will happily recommend those agencies to you. Curated lists such as Highway Hypodermics also have issues no matter the methodology. You will find more negative reviews of larger agencies, just because they have more travelers and ex-travelers than smaller agencies, which is not exactly trustworthy either based on volume.

Nope, finding an agency that works for you will take a lot of work on your part and even then there are no guarantees as you cannot determine an agency's mettle unless things go wrong.

The major determinant of traveler's success with an agency is the recruiter, not the brand usually. And your individual success with a particular recruiter (not someone else's) depends largely on the quality of your communication. So your best chance of success is to call 20 agencies or so, and pick the five best recruiters as judged by the conversations you have with them. Of course include other factors pertinent to you like size of the agency, relative pay, benefits, service, the (credible) story they tell, number of available or desirable assignments, and perhaps last, general reputation.

ButtaflyRN · May 16, 2014

thank you, I appreciate your input. I do like that NursesRX has all info up front in their handbook in terms of housing etc and job postings on their website. I will definitely do more research and will also appreciate any other info others wish to contribute!

AnthonyJivan · Jun 2, 2014

I agree that it really depends on the recruiter not the brand. I work at Aya and we have many extended nurses, the nurses that were unhappy that ive assisted from past recruiters were unhappy because the recruiter failed to complete their contract as stated, small mistakes etc. ive fixed them and made sure they got what they deserved and they continued on. Its all customer care, you are the product, the hospital has its bill rate and you should get what you deserve.

i would be happy to assist you in any questions you have or if you want to look at options. You are never obligated to work with any agency or recruiter, find one that works for you :)

LadyTiger44 · Jun 11, 2014

I have been with American Mobile the first time I was traveling, and did 3 assignments. After that I became staff; now I am back to travel nursing. I went with them for this assignment. Check out travelnursecentral.com. They have rankings with gold, silver, and bronze including 4 agencies each. I will probably be going with Travel Nurse Across America for this next assignment, but I am also talking to Medical Solutions, American Traveler, and Trinity Healthcare-which is run by a former travel nurse. I believe all of these companies are great, and so far I believe I will be getting more $ from Travel Nurse Across America. They offer points for every hour you work that can be cashed in, and for every extra shift you work at the end of your contract you receive either $125-$150 per extra 12 hour shift. Good luck!