Reviews of Aureus for a first time traveler...

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/CVICU.

I am currently talking with a recruiter from Aureus and preparing to begin my traveling adventure. I've read mixed reviews about the company... There are SO MANY companies and everyone has an opinion. Quite overwhelming for a new traveler....any advice would be appreciated!

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Aureus is a company I wouldn't recommend to anyone much less a first time traveler, it is literally the bottom of the list. Experienced travelers with a great assignment, maybe. Any agency would be better. Try exploring PHP, PPR, Cross Country, American Mobile. I can't guarantee a great first assignment, but all of these are companies that usually do better than average for new travelers.

Good luck! If you stay with Aureus, you might be OK, but it is only three months in any case.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/CVICU.

I notice they're not a favorite among the boards on this site. What specifically about the company makes them bottom of the barrel?

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Low balling, especially new travelers. Sleazy recruiting tactics including cold calls to hospital floors. Not following through on promises. And worst of all, filing lawsuits against their travelers as a tactic. There is a story of a pregnant traveler on PanTravelers who could have been arrested for going to work for another agency and dragged out of a hospital.

Need more?

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/CVICU.

You seem to be knowledgable about the traveling world. What is the general pay? Best areas to travel? I have 7 yrs ICU experience.

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There is no general pay, and can vary as much as a factor of 2 for total compensation. It depends on specific facility needs, where they are located, your specialty experience and travel experience, and the agency involved and your relationship with them, and your knowledge of the industry and negotiating skills. Take home pay after those variable can still vary based on housing and benefits.

Very generally, pay runs from $20 to $50 plus supplied housing.

Best areas to travel are very personal. I haven't found one I've hated in 20 years of traveling. Something of value anywhere you go if you are open to it.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/CVICU.

If you don't mind me asking, what company do you use? Feel free to send it in a message if posting it is against guidelines.

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It is not against guidelines unless you are shilling for one agency, just working for one and saying you like them is OK.

In any case, I'm special. Or so my mom tells me. I do direct contracts - in effect acting as my own agency. Advanced practice if you will. So I don't use other agencies. I do know a lot of agencies and travelers so I do keep up on the industry.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Dialysis, Plasmapheresis.
It is not against guidelines unless you are shilling for one agency, just working for one and saying you like them is OK.

In any case, I'm special. Or so my mom tells me. I do direct contracts - in effect acting as my own agency. Advanced practice if you will. So I don't use other agencies. I do know a lot of agencies and travelers so I do keep up on the industry.

Simply put, how difficult was it for your to transition into direct contracts? Do you work with established relationships with departments that you have developed over the years? Is there a lot of legalities that would have to be established, requiring tons of time and research? I have looked into it very minimally and it seems like a numbers and tax nightmare for me! Would need a personal tax or business assistant!

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The easiest way to start is a manager you've worked with wants you back. That give you a strong hand to get a contract past HR. Travel nursing has what is called in business "a low barrier to entry", meaning it is easy. That is why you see so many new agencies every year. You can start with no investment other than insurance. Google my name and IC and you should find an online FAQ. But starting your own business is not just reading a manual, you will still need the aptitude.

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Okay so I need major help guys. I am looking into travel nursing(it will be my first time and I have 1 year of experience) I have so many recruiters reaching out to me, how do I pick who is best? I've had people from Aureus, pro touch, medical staffing network, maxim, travel max, vital health care staffing. Which one is best?!

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Best for whom? You presumably. No way for us to know. Every single agency has fans and detractors but given human nature, you will find more gripes than accolades.

The best predictor of your success as a traveler is the relationship between you and your recruiter(s). Forget about the agency brand and go with recruiters you click with and trust. Don't chase the money your first assignment, go for a good fitting traveler friendly assignment that will be successful.

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