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Michael makes a very good point and I'm glad he chimed in. I worked for 2 agencies in the past year -- one good and one bad. I signed on with the first agency (local) because they promised me the world, i.e., great pay, unbelievable benefits, any shifts I wanted, etc. I felt like they understood me because both the owners were nurses. Well I learned very quickly that although I had a high rate ($45/hr), it was almost impossible to get paid. And when I did receive a check, there was usually a problem with it. I quickly understood why most of these "mom-and-pop shops" have a short life-span. They simply did not have the bankroll to pay us when the hospitals didn't pay them for a couple of months. Learning from my mistake, I signed on with a nationwide company with 250 offices in the U.S. I've been with them for 9 months now. While the rate is lower ($40/hr), I usually get more shifts that I want. And I can receive daily pay from this company, probably due to the fact that they have a large, supportive corporate office. I haven't had any problems with payroll, but I'm sure if I did they would straighten it out. I would have to say that I am happy where I'm at. So basically, I think that the truth lies somewhere in between what WyomingRN was saying earlier and what Michael is saying here. It's probably true that the bigger companies make more money than the "little guys," but I think that is what helps keep them around. It's probably also more appealing to hospitals to work with an established company than a startup. And I've seen it firsthand that the bigger companies are able to pay correctly and on time. The smaller companies may offer more pay, but I think you are sacrificing stability with them. In my opinion, I prefer the more established company that pays me fairly and operates their business efficiently. I try not to get all wrapped up in what they're billing the hospital and paying me. If they have a good enough reputation and can get the hospital to pay them $80/hr for my services, then I say more power to them -- just pay me correctly!

Thanks for clearing that up, Suzanne4. I thought I was missing something!

Is everyone talking about mileage for travelling to and from their travel assignment????? I wasn't aware that agencies were paying us to drive to and from work after they covered all our expenses to move to a certain area of the country. Is this true????? How can agencies afford this because I know from experience in working at one that agencies barely make any money off a nurse who travels because hospitals don't want to pay any more than a per diem nurse and we expect all of our expenses paid. Some areas of the country, like the one I'm in (SF Bay area), are pretty expensive to live in. What's up with the mileage reimbursement?????

I feel the same way. I'm currently looking for an agency in Northern Cal. and I don't know who to work for. From calling around, it seems like most of the agencies are offering the same thing in terms of pay, benefits, etc. What do you value most when working agency? Should I trade a couple of bucks in pay rate for an agency that can get me out on the most shifts? What about beneifts? Should I expect PTO? And what rates are reasonable for a Telemetry nurse like myself in this area? I know I ask a lot of questions, but I'm just trying to get used to the area. :rotfl: