Travel Nursing

Nothing has changed for me in the last 25 years. I choose assignments based on location and/or pay.

Which companies do you use to travel with? 

Sorry, no agency recommendations. None are great, if otherwise there would be only one agency. Your best bet is to call lots of agencies and pick the best 3 to move forward with. Take notes. This is also the best way to learn about the industry and separate the bull from straight shooters. Your relationship and communication compatibility with your recruiters is the best indicator for successful travel.

I do not travel full time.  I work in my hometown at my rural hospital and clinics between assignments.  But when I do travel (which is where I am at right now - on assignment), I choose my jobs based upon location and then, I research what they are paying for the contract and then searching the area for housing before I sign on the dotted line.  IMO, it does me NO good if I cannot find affordable housing that won't use up my entire housing stipend.  If financially it makes sense, then I will submit for the job.  

I've not noticed any decrease in pay, but pay for positions are vastly different from state to state, city to city or even health systems within the same area, same with specialty.  Granted with the increase in rental costs, gas, food and general inflation, I get less to put away after everything is paid for, but it is what it is.  I research each job, city, location and pay before I will sign that contract.