Travel Nursing Agencies??

[guyjincj]

Hello fellow RN's, I'm a Critical Care RN, my floor is Intermediate Care (step down) at a large county hospital, however, most of our patients would be considered ICU patients at other hospitals. I am looking to get into travel nursing in a couple of years, I've read about different agencies and they all seem to be middle of the road (lots of pros and cons). Which agencies would you recommend? What should I look for in an agency? What should I ask the recruiters? What should I look for in my contract?

I appreciate your help!

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the Travel forum

[NedRN]

Check back in a couple of years. Agencies may change, but more importantly recruiters will change. They are more important than the agency brand and there is no way we can predict which one will work well with you. You have to call a dozen or so agencies and pick the five recruiters you connect with best.

If your hospital does not require a minimum of one nurse per two patients, those patients are not ICU at other hospitals. If you want to travel in ICU, you need to get ICU experience.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

I found the pay scale is similar between agencies,but always try to negotiate.

The recruiters are bound to agency policy, but some are more approachable and supportive.

Go with a facility that pays your return home, not just to another assignment.

Most important ask about the policies if you feel the assignment is not safe. Imagine ( if you will), you quickly realize you are assigned to an unsafe Hell hole. You have signed a 13 week contract!!

Good luck, what areas are you interested in?

[guyjincj]

Thanks! ICU for sure, planning on transferring to our Surgical-Trauma ICU this summer.

Btw been there, done that, I Love your Madonna icon!

[LadyTiger44]

I would suggest the website travelnursecentral.com. Every year they rank agencies in gold, silver, and bronze. I have been with AMN for 4 assignments, but I am looking to switch after this assignment. I have been talking to Travel Nurse Across America, RN Network, Medical Solutions, American Traveler and Trinity Healthcare-which is run by a former travel nurse. That website gives you sample questions to ask agencies in order to get the best fit for you! Good luck!

[guyjincj]

Ours is 3-1, Im not talking about the pt-rn ratio, but about the types of patients.

[guyjincj]

Thank you!