Which agency do I travel with?!

NedRN · Nov 28, 2016

You only need to ask the same question once. Repeating it on new threads is considered spamming the forum. Your question is asked at least twice a week on average, it would also good if you would simply read a few threads before you ask basic questions. I've repeated my answer below from the other thread you posted it to:

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.

Oddobox · Dec 10, 2016

NedRN, thanks for that tidbit of wisdom regarding going for a good fitting traveler assignment on the first assignment! How true that should be for the newbie to focus on getting oriented to the challenges of travel nursing first!

NedRN · Dec 11, 2016

Certainly one reason is you don't have an assignment from hell first time out. It is likely to be your last. But a bigger reason is that without a successful first assignment on your work history, you are not as competitive as someone who has proven they can handle a travel assignment.

RN/WI, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Dec 14, 2016

The question is who are you best suited for? Literally thousands of companies to choose from! Your answer will come through trial and error, research companies and pay packages and choose one.

NedRN · Dec 14, 2016

Ha! More like 400 agencies give or take 30 that supply real travel contracts with housing. But even that is effectively a bottomless pool of agencies that even a really bad traveler who is terminated every 6 weeks could never exhaust. No traveler should think twice about dropping an agency with even one red flag.

Only way to get to thousands of assignments is including all strictly local agencies. Yes, most may be able to supply a contract with block booking but that is not the same (at least by my criteria).

RN/WI, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Dec 14, 2016

Ned, you seem very knowledgeable about travel companies. When I decided to take up travel, I contacted a local company. I've been with this company over 2 years now. My company even though its in my state gets me contracts wherever I wish to go. I've been to many different states.I have no complaints, but I do hear from some companies that their housing is free on top of the listed hourly wage,(fastaff lists this way). Do you know anything about this? Thanks-

NedRN · Dec 15, 2016

Free? Try getting housing without a work commitment. Not free.

Every single travel company offers housing. Whether it is "on top" of some other part of your compensation, or included in one figure is simply marketing. If you are maintaining a home residence in addition to your assignment housing, you are missing out big if you don't get a tax free housing/per diem/travel stipend. For regular travelers, it can be the majority of their compensation on some assignments.

I don't know how beneficial your agency is and neither do you! unless you start talking to other agencies. You won't find it out by talking to travelers online or on assignment either. Human nature, the complex nature of travel compensation, and competitive factors make it virtually impossible to compare your pay with anyone else.

RN/WI, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Dec 15, 2016

Oh I get a housing stipend for sure with assignment! Let me rephrase what I was saying, my company and every other one I have talked to provides a blended rate. Mine is broken down with housing separately as a stipend. Some companies advertise a large hourly wage and claim that the housing is seperate not a part of the hourly listed wage,(meaning not included as part of a blended rate) separate from the listed hourly wage. This is what I was asking, maybe someone can answer this that has worked with one of those companies ? I get calls and emails about 10 daily, just questioning if anyone personally knew. But you are correct that I probably will not get the answer I'm looking for without actually talking with the specific company and weighing the assignment. Thanks for the response!

NedRN · Dec 15, 2016

Marketing.

If you need help in comparing offers quoted differently, try PanTravelers calculator (free membership required).

You have probably done some sort of web signup with a marketing company. Chances are good that all responders will be large agencies who can afford such marketing ($25 to $50 per contact per agency) and must (usually) pay relatively less. I'd suggest changing all your contact info like phone number and email address and start over with you selecting agencies rather than vice versa. Block your caller ID when you call an agency, and don't give your number to them unless you want to work further with them. Turn down flat any agency that insists on you signing up fully before they tell you about open assignments in your specialty or compensation. Agency brand is almost completely irrelevant, what you are looking for is 3 to 5 recruiters you trust (least amount of BS) and that you communicate well with.

Wolf at the Door, BSN · Dec 22, 2016

Stay away from AMN and the 20 + companies in its umbrella. I'd pass on cross country also if I were you. Supplemental Health Bakersfield CA were posting fake high paying jobs Over the last few months...Total Bait and Switch..They get travel nurses interested and of course it was always filled once you inquired about it. They pretend to submit you and then get back with you in an hour oh its filled but, I have this crappy assignment and pay package for you. Beware of travel nursing.

Wolf at the Door, BSN · Dec 22, 2016

Avoid Parallon/HCA, Fast staff (they are known to staff really terrible hard to work places. )