Travel Nursing Companies

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Hey guys! I plan on starting travel nursing this June (six months from now). I was just curious as to any information on what's the best travel company to work for. All the information I've been looking at is from several years ago.

I've been a nurse for about 5 1/2 years, the last 2 1/2 in ICU. I've never traveled before. My priorities are good pay and a lot of job options (I want to go to Hawaii and Alaska at least once!). I'm also looking for a company that offers good health insurance for my husband and I. What are some good travel company options? Why or why not? Thanks!

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Here is a secret: there is no best agency for everyone. If there was, it would be the only agency.

The best indicator of travel success is your relationship with your recruiter(s). Call lots of agencies and pick several recruiters that you communicate well with and think you can trust.

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I have been working with two separate agencies (never a bad idea to compare and contrast package options) - just be honest with both companies and they will respect that and fight to get you better benefits.

Aya Healthcare is amazing & so is AMN (Medical Express) is great too.

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I'm glad that you like your agencies. As I mentioned above, no one size fits all. I'm not sure from your post though, have you actually taken an assignment with either agency?

As counterpoint, it is worth mentioning that Aya (formerly Access) has a horrible reputation among travelers.

American Mobile is the largest agency there is with over a billion dollars in revenue annually. As such, they are not in a position to adjust or fight for benefits for every employee separately, no matter how honestly you approach them. That is not a bad thing, and AM with their wide range of assignments is a good choice for new travelers if you get a good recruiter. They certainly can find a new traveler an easier first assignment than can a smaller agency if the recruiter is onboard with that.

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

NedRN, question for you related to this, somewhat ...

If I am actively working with a recruiter through American Mobile under a contract, do I need to work with a different recruiter if I want to work with an AMN subsidiary such as Medical Express? I know you said once AMN recruiters have access to all the jobs, but was just wondering in case I wanted to work with another AMN company such as MEx or say NursesRx. Thanks!

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Sorry, I don't know if you can work for another AMN company at the same time. You would have to ask them that question. I'm not sure how differentiated their agencies or recruiters are now.

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If you go on line yahoo or google and search travel nursing apply on their website they will call you they will promise you the world you MUST get a feel for the recruiter is this someone you like you trust and you want to partner with. If they just annoy you tell them you're not interested. Do not have them submit you to the same facility, and do not allow them to pressure you to take an assignment that you are not feeling. Good luck.

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Highway Hypodermics have listings of Travel companies and ratings. As well as the top travel companies. Via the magazine Travel Nursing, I have seen top travel recruiters. My suggestion is to pick 5 or so travel companies and call and interview them. Ask them why you should pick them over another company. Take in mind the ads for these travel companies always seem too good to be true, and they usually are. So ask questions. Free housing is never 'free'. It comes out of your paycheck. The insurance that will extend for 4 weeks after your assignment is up, will actually cost you extra money. So think of specifics you want to know and ask plenty of questions. And make sure you READ your contract well before you sign it.

Larger companies will have access to more hospitals in this country, but they may not always have the best pay or benefits. So again, good reason to ask a lot of questions and read a lot. You may find some travel companies who specialize more on the West coast and may have more to offer in places like Alaska and Hawaii. And as others have mentioned a good recruiter will listen to you and try to find you what you ask them. They should have your best interest at heart. If they are not calling you back, look elsewhere.

Best if luck. I have really enjoyed my travel nursing and thankfully do not have any horror stories. Yes, there is a learning curve, and each assignment gets a tad easier.

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Specializes in Psych, Critical Care, ER, Military.

I'm also headed into travel nursing. 5 years of nursing, last was ER. I'm currently considering the VA Travel Nurse Corps. However they want first assignment to be Augusta, Georgia. If I can get west of the Rockies for my first assignment I'll take it. I'm interested in west coast assignments mostly.

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Specializes in Psych.

I contacted the VA Travel Corps last year. They were very disorganized. I had to call for two weeks straight to talk to someone because they would not return my calls. They told me they offer nothing. Just straight pay. No travel, per diem, housing or any kind of benefits. Has that changed? One of my current companies, Nursesrx offered VA Travel jobs as well. There are a few companies out there that do I believe. If you don't mind me asking what did pay package look like for the Augusta gig?

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There are so many factors to consider..to the OP, there are most likely concessions and decisions that you may have to make eg. acceptable pay vs job availability, housing vs. stipend,etc.,etc... and trust no recruiter 100%- their primary goal is to make money for their company from your labor. If you are thinking about Hawaii...use an agency that has good ties with Focus One - they are the gatekeepers for the hospital systems in that state with regard to nurse travel agencies...otherwise your submitted profile will never make it's destination!...good luck in your travels!

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Do most travel companies pay for you to get your licensure in a different state?

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