I have been nursing for over 10 years. I float to different areas other than ICU, OR and PACU. I am not sure if it is better to do a travel assignment or per diem through a hospital or agency. Recently the rates that I've been quoted from travel agencies are really low, such as 44/hr. With the company not reimbursing for travel and no meal or housing stipend. Does anyone have any information on: per diem rates in Northen CA, realistic expectations of travel companies, agencies with the best packages/rates, or any hospitals that have direct travel assignments. Also besides CA what other states have good per diem rates?