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Ranked #1 by travel nurses across the nation.

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Aya's website has been the easiest for me to use and they consistently offer more competitive pay rates than other agencies for the same position.

I'm a single mom and was able to take care of my family on my own, which is awesome. I've also gained some great experiences and wonderful friends.

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21 Best Travel Nursing Agencies Ranked [Updated For 2024]

• Kimberly Hennerfeind
• Last Updated: April 17, 2024

Looking to start your journey as a travel nurse and want to explore all of the best travel nursing agencies? Then we’ve got you covered!

While there are an overwhelming number to choose from, we aggregated data from Indeed and Glassdoor in order to determine the top-rated travel nursing agencies for 2023/2024. Best of all, the ratings on these sites come from real travel nurses who have actually worked with these companies.

So, in this post, you’ll see the top-rated travel nursing agencies and learn a little more about each one. If you want to explore an agency further, just follow the links to read our full, in-depth reviews.

We’ll also start with some recommendations based on our research to help you find companies with the best benefits, support, and more.

By the end, you’ll have a good idea of what each company offers, so you can choose the right travel nursing agency for your career goals.

Table of contents

What is the best travel nursing agency, best travel nursing agency for support, best travel nursing agency for benefits, biggest travel nursing agency, 1. axis medical staffing, 3. triage staffing, 4. fusion medical staffing, 5. travel nurses inc., 7. prime time healthcare, 8. medical solutions, 10. onestaff medical, 11. aya healthcare, 12. fastaff travel nursing, 15. travel nurse across america, 20. trustaff, what is the highest-paying travel nursing agency, start working with the best travel nursing agencies.

Axis Medical Staffing is the best travel nursing agency based on ratings from travel nurses on Indeed and Glassdoor.

However, always remember that while one agency may be a perfect fit for one travel nurse, it may be a different story for someone else.

For example, while one travel nurse may value a close relationship with their recruiter, another might be more concerned with salary or benefits.

Host Healthcare is the best travel nursing agency for those looking for robust support from recruiters. As soon as you start working with this company, you’ll have access to 24/7 support.

So, anytime you have a question or concern, you can call, text, or DM to get a quick answer. This makes it a great option for those who are new to travel nursing and might need a little extra guidance.

Of course, whether you’re a new travel nurse or a seasoned pro, there will always be times when you need to get in touch with your agency quickly.

Additionally, Host gives you access to jobs in all 50 states. All you need to do is select your desired contract location, and the company will help you find placements.

If you’re looking for a travel nurse agency with great benefits, you should check out RNNetwork . The company offers Day One benefits, meaning you’ll have access to them on the first day of your contract.

They offer a host of benefits including:

• Zero-Premium Health Insurance: Fully paid by RNnetwork, with dependant and life partner coverage.
• Prescription Pay: No-deductible for medications.
• Dental Plan: 100% coverage for preventive services and children’s orthodontic coverage.
• Vision Benefits: Coverage for lenses, glasses, frames, and exams nationwide.
• Continuing Education: Access to free, unlimited courses and licensure assistance.
• Credentialing Assistance: Full support and substantial cost coverage for licensing and certifications.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to expert advice for financial, mental, behavioral, and legal issues.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: $50,000 coverage without requiring enrollment in a medical plan.
• Teladoc: 24/7 physician consultation services over the phone.
• Sanvello: Free access to a mindfulness app for stress, anxiety, and depression relief.
• Talkspace: 24/7 access to licensed therapists online.

We discuss some of the other reasons to choose RNNetwork later on in the complete rankings.

The largest travel nursing agency is AMN Healthcare . In fact, they owned nearly 20% of the entire market share of the industry according to a report from a few years ago.

Working with the largest agency comes with a number of advantages, like the number and diversity of available job opportunities. Additionally, you’ll receive robust support and comprehensive benefits, like free housing, 401(k), and life insurance.

Given that AMN is such a big company that’s been around since 1985, you also know they have an established reputation. The company even has exclusive deals with healthcare facilities, giving you access to even more jobs.

Overall, AMN healthcare is a option for those looking for a large travel nursing agency with access to lots of resources.

21 Best Travel Nursing Agencies Ranked

Below we ranked the best travel nursing agencies based on reviews left on Indeed and Glassdoor. In instances where there was insufficient data on these sites, we substituted Facebook reviews.

Axis Medical Staffing earned the title of best travel nursing agency for 2023 based on our aggregated data from ratings by travel nurses.

This agency was founded in 2004 and boasts lots of benefits, including:

• Assignment opportunities in every state
• A “personal touch” unrivaled by other agencies
• A nice payment structure

Though it’s a highly-rated company and travelers are eligible for healthcare benefits the first of the month following their date of hire but it is something to be aware of as there is a month wait. If this is key in your decision, there are other options that offer day-one benefits.

However, if you’re in it for the adventure, this is a great agency to work with.

2. Host Healthcare

We mentioned earlier that Host Healthcare is one of the best travel nursing agencies when it comes to support. You can contact them with questions 24/7, and their recruiters will try to find your ideal placement.

However, Host offers a number of other great benefits too. For example, the company provides access to thousands of exclusive contract positions all across the country. Some other amazing benefits they provide include:

• Day one medical coverage that lasts up to 30 days between assignments
• 401(k) matching
• Travel reimbursements
• A dedicated housing support team

Overall, because Host Healthcare offers such comprehensive support, it’s a great option for those who are new to travel nursing. However, experienced travel nurses can also benefit from working with them.

Triage Staffing operates by the motto of “real and ready.” There are tons of great reviews from their employees, and they emphasize clear and open communication.

If you’re looking to build long-term relationships and communicate with your recruiter regularly, this may be a perfect option.

Just keep in mind that they do promote a more fun and casual culture, which may not be suitable for everyone.

Also, you’ll need two years of experience if you want to work with them. However, if you don’t have the experience yet, they still encourage you to get in touch and build a relationship while you gain that experience.

Fusion Medical Staffing is the next company on our list of best travel nursing agencies.

It began as a small business in 2009, but since then has grown rapidly. They’ve even won awards for being one of the fastest-growing companies and having an excellent workplace culture.

Some of the reasons to choose Fusion include:

• They accept new graduates and provide a mentorship program
• An emphasis on social responsibility and volunteering
• An inclusive culture; for example, participating in LGBTQ+ pride events, disability fundraisers, and more

While the company does hire new graduates, the information on their website isn’t all that thorough. This can be a little scary for new travel nurses, so make sure you ask the right questions so you can decide if Fusion meets all of your needs.

Travel Nurses Inc. has been in business for over 30 years and features 24/7 clinical support. They also won the ClearlyRated Best of Staffing in both 2021 and 2022.

The agency has a robust job board, and even features a “Furnished Finder” tool that allows you to book housing options right on their website.

They provide day-one healthcare coverage and make contract transparency a priority. Your recruiter will schedule a review of your contract before you begin an assignment, ensuring all your needs are met.

While the ratings for this company on Indeed and Glassdoor are a bit sparse, this agency has lots of glowing reviews on Facebook and Google that are worth checking out.

The only thing to keep in mind is that you will need one year of experience to work TNI.

6. Atlas MedStaff

Atlas MedStaff is next in our rankings of the best travel nursing agencies, and has been around for over three decades. They place a focus on working closely with travel nurses and tailoring their contracts to fit their needs.

For example, each contract includes an “ Atlas Adventure ,” which is a unique experience that could include anything from skiing to going to see your favorite professional sports team.

Other reasons to work with this agency include:

• Great insurance and benefits options
• Paid private housing options
• Transparent and long-term relationships

Just make sure you get set up with and develop a good relationship with your recruiter. As with many other of the best travel nursing agencies, this could make or break your experience.

Prime Time Healthcare has been recruiting healthcare professionals for over 15 years.

If salary is a top priority, this may be a good agency to work with. Their travel nurse salary tends to go above average and offer great secondary perks, like:

• An excellent range of benefits
• Referral bonuses
• Paid travel

Keep in mind that Prime Time tends to work with elite-level healthcare professionals.

Also, this agency doesn’t only find placements for travel nurses. They also fill positions for per diem nursing and permanent positions.

If you want an agency solely focused on travel nursing, you may want to look somewhere else. However, if you want to build a long-term relationship with a company and eventually move out of travel nursing, this could be a perfect fit.

Medical Solutions is an agency that focuses on custom-tailored contracts for their travel nurses.

In fact, before a nurse agrees to a contract, a consultant from the agency will speak with them about what is most important to them.

While each contract will be different depending on the needs of each nurse, you can expect:

• An excellent 401(k) plan
• Loyalty bonuses
• Health benefits
• Employee assistance program

While the contract flexibility and customization can be great for travel nurses who know exactly what they want, all the options could be overwhelming if you’re not sure.

If you’re new to travel nursing, it may be better idea to go with an agency offering standard contracts that have been tried and tested by lots of nurses before you.

9. RNnetwork

RNnetwork ranks number four on our list of best travel nursing agencies.

This agency gives you the best of both worlds. While they have a personal and friendly approach to working with travel nurses, they also have the resources of a huge staffing company. This is because they are owned by a parent company called CHG Healthcare Services.

Other benefits of working with RNnetwork are that they:

• Only focus on travel nursing
• Provide great compensation and benefits
• Have an easy-to-use job search platform

Just be wary of the fact that your experience may vary depending on the recruiter you are matched with. The wrong recruiter could leave you with a subpar experience.

OneStaff Medical boasts experienced recruiters and dedication to the nurses they work with.

If you choose this agency, you’ll be able to contact a representative 24/7, 365 days a year. This way, if any problems come up, you can start finding solutions immediately.

They also provide communication on assistance with career goals and help in meeting your travel expectations.

Like most of the agencies on this list, you’ll have access to standard benefits and plenty of housing options.

However, OneStaff tends to work with travel nurses with at least two years of experience.

There have also been complaints of lack of cooperation between the agencies’ departments. Though they may be isolated instances, it’s a good idea to be wary.

Aya Healthcare is one of the biggest and best-known travel nursing agencies in the United States.

Due to their size and reputation, they feature a huge selection of assignments to choose from.

Other advantages of working with this agency include:

• Day-one benefits
• Credentialing and paperwork support
• Scholarships and education assistance

If you want to work with an agency with lots of resources, you should definitely consider Aya.

However, just remember that their size may mean you can’t build the same type of relationship you could with a smaller agency.

If having a “personal touch” is important to you, this may not be the best option.

Fastaff Travel Nursing specializes in “Rapid Response” healthcare staffing. This means they staff facilities in desperate need of nurses during times of crisis, like environmental disasters or extreme staffing shortages.

This agency offers some of the highest pay rates to travel nurses. However, this is largely because the assignments tend to be more difficult given their “Rapid Response” specialization.

If salary is top priority, this may be just the agency for you.

However, keep in mind that you’ll likely need to be ready to start working within 48 hours of accepting a position.

These more difficult assignments also tend be a better fit for more experienced nurses. Their culture is more professional and less friendly because of the urgent nature of most of their placements.

We mentioned earlier in this article that AMN is the largest travel nursing agency, giving you access to a bigger pool of exclusive jobs and resources.

However, there are lots of other great things about this travel nursing agency too. For example, they offer a host of benefits, like:

• Free and high-quality private housing
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and flex spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Free continuing education courses
• Discounts on things like computers, cell phones, hotels, car rentals, gym memberships, and more

Perhaps most noteworthy is their mobile app. With the AMN Passport app, you can receive personalized job alerts, view time and pay details, and organize your credentials.

Overall, AMN is likely best for travel nurses with a bit of experience under their belt. However, if you’re looking for an agency with robust resources and great benefits, this could be the right fit.

14. Aureus Medical

Aureus Medical has been around for over 35 years, and they promote a highly-personalized approach to travel nursing.

Every nurse has a dedicated recruiter. However, if the recruiter is unavailable, there is always someone to offer support 24/7.

The agency also boasts:

• Long-standing relationships with healthcare facilities
• A dedicated housing and travel department
• Robust benefits

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the agency is rather large. So, despite having a dedicated recruiter, you may have to deal with a number of different staff members.

Unfortunately, this means information can sometimes slip through the cracks, meaning you may have to repeat yourself if your information isn’t passed along by their staff members.

Travel Nurse Across America has been around since 1999. They’ve often been featured in top ten lists for travel nursing agencies, and they’re considered one of the most reputable in the nation.

The agency boasts great relationships with its client facilities and a clear and transparent company culture.

One of the best things about TNAA is their benefits. They send an Assignment Benefit Summary before each assignment begins.

If you’re looking to put in some extra hours, you may also be able to take advantage of “TNAA Boost Pay.” This is a special rate you receive if you work an extra shift.

The agency also features other typical benefits, and even pay protection if one of your shifts gets cancelled.

While the company does boast a robust job board, it doesn’t publish pay rates on third-party sites when promoting job opportunities. This could be frustrating when looking for a position that fits your compensation needs.

16. Krucial Staffing

Krucial Staffing specializes in staffing healthcare facilities in urgent need of nurses.

This means the assignments tend to be in more high-risk, emergency areas. It also means you’ll typically need to be ready to start working within 48 hours.

While these assignments are certainly more challenging, you’ll also be compensated for that extra difficulty.

Additionally, you’ll receive:

• Extra benefits through Krucial’s partnerships
• Excellent housing options

If you’re up for a challenge and want access to a wide variety of assignments that tend to be shorter in length, this may be the right option for you.

NuWest has been around for about 25 years and prides itself on the quick deployment of travel nurses. In fact, they typically send nurses to an assignment within 72 hours.

This agency has a smaller feel and a more personal touch. It also offers competitive pay rates and all the benefits you’d expect from a travel nursing company.

The downside is that they have a smaller number of available assignments compared to some other agencies. They mainly staff facilities in:

However, if you’re a travel nurse looking to work in one of these states and you’re prepared for quick deployment, NuWest may be a good fit.

18. TotalMed

TotalMed Staffing provides healthcare facilities travel nurses and helps nurses find local jobs.

If you’re a travel nurse looking to cover all your basics, this agency may be a good option. They have a large network and robust online job board, meaning you’ll have lots of assignments to choose from.

The company also provides:

• Day one benefits
• Credentialing and paperwork assistance
• Educational and professional support

One thing to be wary of is that some nurses have complained about a long onboarding process. However, for most nurses, the process has not been a problem.

Maxim Healthcare Staffing has been around for over three decades. In addition to travel nurses, they also staff for home healthcare and wellness services. The company employs more than 65,000 healthcare professionals in the United States.

The agency offers competitive pay rates and placements at some of the best facilities in the country.

Like some of the other travel nursing agencies on this list, a lot of the travel nursing assignments tend to be in high-stress, high-volume areas.

While this will earn you a higher paycheck, it may not be the best fit for newer nurses.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the agency has been a bit slow to resolve paycheck issues in the past. While the problems were always resolved, it could add more stress to an already stressful placement.

Trustaff has been matching travel nurses with hospitals for over two decades.

One thing that makes this agency stand out is their superb communication and helpful staff. They have an active support line with people ready to help you out.

They offer everything you’d expect from a travel nursing company, including:

• Health insurance
• Start and completion bonuses

However, assignment length can be inconsistent when working with Trustaff. Most assignments last 13 weeks, but they could end up being shorter or longer.

If you need a more consistent schedule, this may not be the best fit.

Nomad boasts one of the best and most streamlined digital marketplaces for finding travel nursing assignments. Also, their pay packages tend to be on the higher end of the spectrum.

A few other upsides to working with this agency include:

• Licensure reimbursement
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits

However, some travel nurses that worked with the company reported that there was poor communication. This could be a huge problem, especially if you’re new to travel nursing.

Nomad Travel Nursing is part of the broader Nomad Health platform, so it may be easy to get lost in the shuffle of such a big company.

It’s worth noting that there are plenty of both 5 and 1 star ratings, so it may just depend on the recruiter you end up working with.

There is no single travel nursing agency that pays the most. In fact, all the agencies on this list provide competitive rates.

If you’re looking to make as much money as possible from your contract, you should focus on factors like location and the type of contract.

For example, travel nurses have a much higher earning potential in states like California or New York compared to states like Arkansas or Kentucky. Just keep in mind that the cost of living is also greater in the former states than the latter.

Additionally, a more specialized nursing role will typically pay more than a general RN role. So, if you want to make more money, consider earning certifications or getting an advanced degree.

Whichever agency you choose, travel nursing salaries are much higher than resident registered nursing salaries. The average annual salary for a travel nurse is $106,030 per year, compared to resident RN salaries at $82,750 per year.

While Axis Medical Staffing is the top-rated travel nursing agency in 2023, the company that’s right for you will depend on your priorities.

Don’t be afraid to explore multiple options before making your final decision. This will ensure you secure the best contract possible.

If you’re reading to start working as a travel nurse, then start traveling now !

Kimberly Hennerfeind is a freelance writer and registered nurse with expertise in health, medical and legal content at Nursing Notes, LLC. Her almost 30 years of nursing include neonatal/pediatric critical care, and legal nurse consulting. She spent several years as a travel nurse in Tennessee and Texas in large children’s hospitals. She lives near Nashville, TN with her family and beloved dogs.

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The Best Traveling Nurse Services to Work for in 2024

The travel nursing agencies we recommend for your next short-term post

Traveling nurses often find working in different parts of the country, or even the world, exhilarating and fulfilling. Many agencies focus on matching registered nurses (RNs) with short-term working opportunities in a variety of healthcare specialties and settings across the United States and internationally. Healthcare facilities in the U.S. rely on travel nurses to meet the demand for nurses, which is expected to soar by 275,000 between 2020 and 2030.

"Being able to explore other healthcare systems and connect with other providers can help give a travel nurse new experiences and perspectives," says Rachel Norton , BSN, RN, a clinician support manager at Vivian Health , a national travel nurse hiring marketplace.  We reviewed more than 20 agencies and studied hundreds of reviews to create this list of the best travel nursing agencies. We considered factors such as company quality, customer service scores, company reputation, wage ranges, housing options, and benefits.

• Best Overall: Triage Staffing
• Best for Sick Pay: Aya Healthcare
• Best for Education: Travel Nurse Across America
• Best Customer Service: Axis Medical Staffing
• Best Track Record: FlexCare Medical Staffing
• Best Newcomer: Advantis Medical
• Best for Benefits: RN Network
• Best Recruiters: Host Healthcare
• Best for Recent Graduates: Fusion Medical Staff
• Best Job Board: TotalMed
• Our Top Picks

Triage Staffing

Aya Healthcare

Travel Nurse Across America

Axis Medical Staffing

FlexCare Medical Staffing

Advantis Medical

Host Healthcare

• Fusion Medical Staff
• See More (7)

Final Verdict

• Compare Providers
• Guide to Choosing

Best Overall : Triage Staffing

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem
• Housing: Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing for 13 weeks
• Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, vacation, education reimbursement
• Contracts nationwide: Yes

Triage Staffing tops our list because it provides a higher hourly wage and more frequent bonuses than its competitors. Additionally, the agency offers extensive perks, like tuition reimbursement and 401(k) on the first day.

Contracts available in all 50 states

Insurance available on first day

Paid by direct deposit each week

Dedicated support team available 24/7

Reports of poor weekend support for billing issues

Must have 2 years experience for most positions

Triage Staffing , founded in 2006, is considered by industry professionals as one of the most well-rounded travel nurse agencies among the companies listed here and in general. The company was recognized in 2023 by Inc. Magazine and Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA).

The company, which currently has about 1,500 employees, is based in Omaha, Nebraska, and has an impressive rating on Glassdoor .

Triage Staffing specializes in helping nurses and healthcare professionals find 13-week assignments across the U.S. The company strives for transparency and "to build relationships deeper than simple business transactions." Those who are hired are paid weekly (based on an hourly wage) via direct deposit.

The benefits package includes a wage, overtime, bonuses, per diems, and a housing stipend. Triage will also help its travel nurses find housing, if that's their preference. Health insurance is provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield, and those hired get dental insurance, vacation time, and a 401(k) plan.

Best for Sick Pay : Aya Healthcare

• Pay: Hourly wage, overtime, bonuses, per diem, stipends when called off
• Housing: Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; 401(k) with company match; sick pay; wellness and fitness programs; employee assistance programs; tuition reimbursement; loan forgiveness options

Of the many benefits Aya Healthcare offers, one makes it stand out from other agencies: providing sick pay should you become ill during an assignment. You can rest assured knowing if you get sick, Aya will support you through recovery.

Benefits include sick pay (after 90 days)

Offers local and nationwide travel assignments

Requires only 1 year of experience

Insurance coverage for you and your dependents from day 1

Complaints about communication during recruitment

Large agency size might be challenging

401k eligibility begins after 4 consecutive months of work or 1 year after hiring

Aya Healthcare is one of the most talked-about travel nursing agencies around, literally. A 2017 independent study analyzed the frequency of top travel nursing companies mentioned by users on social media sites. The study concluded Aya Healthcare is the most frequently referenced in user comments.

Aya Healthcare is also one of the only travel nursing agencies that have sick pay, which begins accruing on the first day of an assignment. Nurses can earn one hour for every 30 hours worked, but it can't be used until after at least 90 days after their start date.

In addition to its rare sick pay policy, the company boasts comprehensive benefits. Travel nurses working for Aya Healthcare can start contributing to a company-matched 401k plan after four consecutive months of work for the agency, or one year after their hiring date. It also promises to cover or reimburse nurses for the cost of licensure and help them navigate and expedite the process in the states where they are assigned. Aya Healthcare offers discounts, wellness, and nutrition plans in addition to its medical, vision, and dental benefits, which are available to nurses (and their spouses and children) from their first day with the company.

Aya Healthcare has a strong online presence, including a blog and active social media accounts on nearly every contemporary platform. Its website proudly displays several company awards and accolades, including the Joint Commission's Golden Seal of Approval. The agency has placed thousands of travel nurses and allied workers nationwide and offers a program for  travel nursing from Canada .

Best for Education : Travel Nurse Across America

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem (guaranteed)
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; liability insurance; 401(k) with company match; sick pay; travel reimbursement; free continuing education; mental health resources; employee assistance program; chaplain assistance program

Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) offers comprehensive benefits; however, its continuing education programs are what really sets the agency apart. Thanks to a partnership with Aspen University, the agency helps you earn your BSN with tuition reimbursement upon completion.

RN to BSN tuition reimbursement

RN specialty exam/recertification reimbursements

Insurance coverage available on first day

Offers free mental health resources

Per diem guarantee

Unable to see pay rates on the site

Large agency size might feel less supportive

Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) had the highest average score when analyzing the top 10 travel nurse agency lists across several well-known sites.

Founded in 1999 in North Little Rock, Arkansas, this company was present on three "Top 10" lists in 2019, a notable feat that speaks to its history of satisfaction. According to BluePipes, TNAA was among the top 10 travel nursing agencies, one of the biggest (in terms of company size) on its 2022 list.  

TNAA uses a full-team approach to assist travelers, with specialty staff equipped to handle a variety of needs, including housing experts and clinical leadership, This agency also offers a wide array of benefits, such as low census pay, tuition reimbursement, and paid licensure fees prior to travel. Overtime is included in the payment for any extra hours worked and in every state, paid sick leave starts to accrue from day one.

TNAA also partnered with Aspen University, so individuals can get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 12 months. Upon completion, TNAA will even reimburse tuition expenses. It also offers reimbursements for recertification fees to certain eligible nurses.

Best Customer Service : Axis Medical Staffing

• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with company match; state license reimbursement; transportation stipends; continuing education

With around-the-clock support 365 days a year, Axis Medical Staffing has one of the best customer service reputations in the industry. It offers a wide array of benefits, including healthcare coverage and company-matched 401(k) plans.

Dedicated support team available 24/7/365

Wide variety of specialty contracts

Offers company matching 401(k) with immediate vesting

Can submit questions to real travel nurses

Provides quick email responses

Pays for housing and assists in securing it

Not transparent about pay rates

Doesn't include paid sick leave in benefits

User reviews for Axis remain the highest on this list. Formed in Seattle, Washington, in 2004, Axis provides several coveted benefits, including payment of paid personalized housing options (with pet deposit costs covered by the agency), as well as immediate vesting in its company-matched 401(k) plan.

This agency regularly features a new  Traveler of the Month nurse on its blog. Additionally, the Axis website has a page dedicated to Ask an Axis Travel Nurse , which features an easy submission form where a nurse can answer all your questions.

This encouraging way of connecting can provide novice or even seasoned travelers with a trusted source in the form of a nursing peer who has traveled with this specific agency several times, instead of hosting an impersonal message board. Axis also offers a live chat feature that's easily accessible on the homepage. These features earned Axis the top spot on BluePipes Best Travel Nursing Companies list in 2022.

Axis promises reimbursements and benefits similar to other companies, but it is not immediately clear from the company's website whether it offers paid sick leave.

Best Track Record : FlexCare Medical Staffing

• Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, state license reimbursement, transportation stipends, meals and incidentals stipend, rental car, travel reimbursement, continuing education, license reimbursement

Boasting more than 50 industry awards, including BluePipes’s 2022 Best Travel Nursing Companies list, FlexCare Medical Staffing has a track record of exceeding expectations and fulfilling its promises to traveling nurses.

Award-winning, highly reputable agency

Single point of contact for all your needs

Outstanding benefits

Features a referral program

Have to make an account to view wages

BluePipes refers to FlexCare Medical Staffing as the "most decorated travel nursing agency of all time," with more than 1,727 reviews reported. This agency obtained a gold finish on Travel Nursing Central’s 2019 list of top travel nursing companies and has consistently placed since 2014. FlexCare has also been on the Highway Hypodermics list since 2011.

FlexCare’s website touts its  Premier Traveler Access program, offering prospective travel nurses the opportunity to unlock and view pay ranges for a wide variety of open jobs, in addition to personalized alerts via text and email. This agency explains its mission to support travelers by providing a single recruiter who is able to meet every need (termed “S1NGLEPOINT” on the website) and help simplify the entire process.

This one point of contact can advocate for the traveler, assist in searching for jobs and housing, provide a transparent and competitive salary rate, as well as ensure timely payment.

Best Newcomer : Advantis Medical

• Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) without company match, transportation stipends, partial license reimbursement

Advantis Medical has a nurse care team available to help you every step of the way—from setting up your profile and walking you through the onboarding process to helping you find your next assignment—making it an excellent choice for those just starting out.

Excellent reviews from its travel clinicians

Quick response times from trained care team

Has a great reputation in the industry

Site offers several communication methods

Site lacks information on benefits package

No company match for 401(k)

Founded in 2018 as a subsidiary of Advantis Global, Advantis Medical's user reviews are limited in number but are glowing regarding people's experiences with the company.

Advantis Medical recruits travel nurses and places them in top institutions across the United States. The agency offers client connections with hospitals, outpatient clinics, same-day ambulatory surgical centers, as well as skilled nursing facilities.

Advantis Medical’s specialization opportunities include placements in divisions like medical-surgical (M/S), emergency department (ED), intensive care unit (ICU), labor & delivery (L&D), and more. Its benefits include highly competitive compensation packages, direct deposit available from day one, assistance with housing options, health insurance (medical, dental, vision), and a 401(k) option.

The agency also has payment incentives for referrals. To make the process as seamless as possible, Advantis Medical has a one-minute application form which could not be any easier, especially for a traveling nurse who is always on the go.

Best for Benefits : RN Network

• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; employee assistance program; Sanvello membership; Talkspace membership; Teladoc access; credentialing assistance; continuing education; traditional and Roth 401(k); travel reimbursement; loyalty program

RN Network provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes day-one health insurance and 401(k) options, plus additional perks like access to virtual therapy and medical care.

24/7 clinical support

Transparent about pay rate

Provides access to virtual therapy and medical care

Weekly pay via direct deposit

Completion, extension, and referral bonuses

No paid time off

Complaints of lower-paying contracts

Founded in 1998, RN Network has over two decades of experience in the travel nursing industry. Its experience shows in the company's user reviews, many of which highlight its great communication, support, and benefits.

The agency provides an impressive benefits package that includes day-one health insurance with a zero-premium option, as well as a 401(k) with company match, both traditional and Roth options. RN Network also offers access to Talkspace, Teladoc, and Sanvello's mental health app—ensuring its healthcare professionals have the mental health resources they need while on assignment.

Available contracts and pay rates are transparent on their user-friendly website, which can be a rarity in the industry. The company hires RNs, LPNs/LVNs, PCTs, and surgical techs for a variety of specialties throughout the country. Only one year of clinical experience is required, and the company offers a comprehensive onboarding program to help simplify the transition.

Best Recruiters : Host Healthcare

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, bonuses, per diem, COVID quarantine pay
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance; 401(k) with company match; travel reimbursement

Host Healthcare recruiters are some of the best in the business, according to clinician reviews. With exceptional customer service , the company strives to make the job hunt and placement process as smooth as possible for its candidates.

Excellent customer service

Straightforward job hunt and placement process

Offers a variety of housing options, including pet-friendly

24/7 support via multiple channels

COVID-19 quarantine pay available

Can’t view facility or pay without an account

Site lacks information on reimbursement offers

Founded in 2012, Host Healthcare is a travel healthcare staffing agency that works with some of the nation's top facilities. The company has earned multiple awards over the years, including being named one of the Top Travel Nursing Companies by BluePipes.

What sets Host Healthcare apart from other agencies are its recruiters, who are consistently praised by clinicians for their exceptional customer service. In reviews, nurses rave about their recruiters being responsive, receptive, and thorough in their onboarding and placement processes. The company also offers a variety of housing options, including pet-friendly ones, to ensure you have a comfortable place to call home while on assignment.

In addition to its comprehensive benefits package, which includes health insurance, dental, and vision coverage, Host Healthcare also offers a 401(k) with company match and COVID-19 quarantine pay. If your facility quarantines you due to possible COVID-19 exposure, the company will compensate you for the duration of your time off work.

One drawback is that the company requires users to sign up for an account before viewing facilities and estimated weekly pay . However, it hires across multiple specialties and licensure types, including nursing professionals, therapy professionals, and other allied health professionals.

Best for Recent Graduates : Fusion Medical Staff

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, per diem, and bonuses
• Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, short-term disability, travel and transportation per diem

Fusion Medical offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and transparent information about opportunities, and welcomes new graduates to sign up.

Transparent information for each job posting

Nationwide network

Attentive recruiters

Competitive pay and benefits

Open to new graduates

Per diem reimbursements may be less convenient for expenses like travel

Past complaints from LGBTQIA employees

Fusion Medical Staffing urges applicants to "choose your own adventure." With thousands of travel nursing positions across the U.S. available on its website, Fusion will definitely give you a lot to choose from.

Founded in 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska, Fusion doubled its size by 2016. The company racked up awards from Inc., People, and Staffing Industry Analysts for being among the best places to work and is rated 4.7 out of 5 on Indeed.com .

Assignments through Fusion Medical typically run 13 to 26 weeks and are available across a broad spectrum of nursing specialties. We particularly like how transparent the pay, terms, and benefits for each opportunity are on Fusion's website.

But what really makes the company stand out is its recruitment. Fusion offers 24/7 support and many of its travel nurses rave about their attentive recruiters. Fusion has a new graduate traveling medical job program recruiting nurses who have just finished training. Most travel nursing agencies require at least two years of experience, so Fusion may be a great choice if you're about to finish school and eager to see the country or aren't sure of where you want to call home yet.

Of note: Some LGBTQIA+ travelers and employees have complained of inclusivity issues and unsupportive leadership. In 2021, the company published a blog post about forming an oversight group dedicated to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and support and alluded to its efforts to "grow" and "learn."

Best Job Board : TotalMed

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, bonuses, and guaranteed hours
• Housing: Company-provided housing or stipend
• Benefits: Health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, short-term disability up to 12 weeks plus up to 60% of monthly earnings

TotalMed is one of the biggest agencies in the business and has the job board to match. The company is known for making it easy for travel nurses to quickly find a new post in any state.

Large, well-connected agency with huge job board

Solid day-one benefits

Flexible housing options

Pay guaranteed

Generous short-term disability policy

Some nurses complain of long onboarding process

Pay is competitive, but perhaps not the highest of any agency

Focus on placing nurses in areas of urgent need

Few travel nursing agencies have a job board as full as TotalMed 's. The company leverages its wide network of partner hospital systems to offer nurses a plethora of assignments to choose from.

TotalMed prides itself on placing nurses and other medical workers in new postings quickly and prioritizes assigning workers to places urgently in need of additional staff. It offers a standard array of benefits, plus a pay guarantee and a generous short-term disability policy that covers up to 12 weeks of injury or illness with up to 60% of your pay.

Some travel nurses have complained of a protracted onboarding process, but once the initial paperwork is out of the way, most seem very happy with the company's efficiency and the quality of its recruiters. Its pay may not always be the highest of any agency, but travel nurses working with TotalMed still enjoy the benefit of payment guarantees and the confidence that a new job will almost always be available, and fast. TotalMed also goes a long way to smooth out the transition process by organizing and covering the cost of any licensing and certifications its travel nurses may need, as well as offering reimbursement for pesky costs like new scrubs.

Even though some agencies on our list require account registration to access pay rates, each one offers competitive benefits and wages. Triage Staffing is our choice for best overall travel nursing agency because of its positive reviews, superior customer service, and competitive wages. Day one 401(k) and tuition reimbursement are just a few ways it provides long-term support for travelers. 

Compare the Best Travel Nursing Agencies

Guide to choosing the best travel nursing agencies.

Travel nursing agencies are  staffing agencies  that place registered nurses and healthcare professionals in hospitals and clinics with short-term staffing needs. They often send individuals to national or international locations where there are nursing shortages.

Here are a few tips for choosing the best travel nursing agency to meet your needs.

Is a Travel Nursing Agency Right for You?

There are many advantages to working with a travel nursing agency in addition to the obvious benefit of being able to travel and explore new places. Some of the other advantages of working with a travel nursing agency include:

• Competitive pay: Travel nursing agencies offer competitive pay rates that are often higher than what you would make as a staff nurse and recruiters can help you find lucrative positions.
• Benefits : Health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits are typically included in a travel nursing agency's compensation package.
• Housing: Travel nursing agencies often provide housing or help nurses find housing in their assignment location.
• Specialty assignments based on nursing field: Agencies can help place you in an assignment that matches your specialty, interests, and skills . Some facilities accept travelers into new specialties or a float pool that covers multiple units, as long as they have prior travel nursing experience. This is an added bonus for those who wish to explore new areas of nursing.
• Flexibility: Agencies offer a variety of assignment lengths and locations, so you can choose an assignment that fits your lifestyle.
• Perks and discounts : Free or reduced-cost continuing education courses, travel expenses, gym memberships, completion bonuses, and other perks are often available through travel nursing agencies.

How to Choose a Travel Nurse Agency

Consider the following when choosing a travel nursing agency:

• Average pay rates: Pay rate varies by agency, location, and assignment. Travel nurses often work with multiple agencies at the same time to find the best assignments and pay rates.
• Benefits package: Make sure the agency's benefits are comprehensive and meet your needs. Benefits may include health coverage , dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, 401K, vacation time, and education reimbursement.
• Housing options: Determine if the agency provides housing or assists with finding housing. Some nurses prefer to find their own housing, while others prefer the convenience of having the agency secure housing for them.
• Reputation: Check out online reviews and ratings to get an idea of the agency's reputation. Talking to other travel nurses who have worked with the agency is also a good way to get first-hand information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which travel nurses are most in demand.

Staffing agencies report that demand is high for critical care and medical-surgical nurses. Emergency room staff and labor and delivery staff are also in great demand.

Do Travel Nursing Agencies Pay for Housing?

Your agency will either have housing available for you or will reimburse you for your housing expenses. If you choose to secure your own housing, most agencies will give you a stipend to help offset the cost of rent and utilities. Talk with your agency recruiter about your housing options and what will work best for you.

How Long Are Travel Nursing Assignments?

Some travel nursing opportunities can be as short as eight weeks, while others can last for up to six months at a time. There are often options and offers to extend assignments, too.

What Experience Do You Need to Be Recruited by a Travel Nursing Agency?

Most agencies require new travelers to have recent experience as a nurse—meaning you can't become a travel nurse right out of nursing school. A year or two of experience is commonly required. A qualified nurse may also need more experience to work in the intensive care unit (ICU) or another specialty area.

Can Travel Nurses Choose Where They Work?

Yes, and that's generally a benefit of the job. Some agencies work to assign candidates throughout the United States, while others place travel nurses internationally. Before deciding to work with an agency, it makes sense to find out where they place travel nurses if you have a specific placement location in mind.

Methodology

We reviewed more than 20 agencies and studied hundreds of reviews from travel nurses around the country to identify the best travel nursing agencies. We then analyzed company quality and customer service scores across multiple sources to determine which companies are most reputable. Wages, housing options, and benefits were also a top priority. We reviewed the range of assignments, as well as the quantity and quality of each agency's listings in all 50 states.

VERYWELL Health / Design by Amelia Manley

U.S. Department of Labor. U.S. Department of Labor announces $80M funding opportunity to help train, expand, diversify nursing workforce, address shortage of nurses .

Healthcare Research & Analytics. Social listening: Evaluation of travel nurse companies: Analysis of travel nurse sentiment towards travel nurse companies .

BluePipes. Best Travel Nursing Companies 2022 .

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Looking for perks? We’ve got them! We’re talking day-1 medical coverage that stays active between assignments less than 30-days apart, plus day-1 401K, travel reimbursements and your very own housing support team.

We Specialize in Nursing, Allied and Therapy travel healthcare jobs

Our team works exclusively with Nursing, Allied, and Therapy travel healthcare professionals so you know you’re getting a true expert in your field. Get access to specialized, knowledgeable, responsive recruiters as well as on-staff clinicians and travel healthcare professionals to answer specific questions related to any Nursing, Allied or Therapy specialties.

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Host Healthcare is amazing! Best travel co out there! Amanda is the recruiter I have & she is wonderful. She is there from the beginning. From searching for the perfect assignment throughout completion of a contract - Amanda is there for me! Host Healthcare treats their nurses so well

Amanda Goad is the most amazing recruiter I have worked with. She is the most responsive and go-getter. She is in constant contact with you or hospitals to get you offers and/or advocating for you. She is super motivated and helpful. If you have the opportunity to use her, you will not regret it.

Needed to move across country to be next to my partner, but blindly jumping into a full time job for a hospital system I was not familiar with was out of the question. Host Healthcare (Natalie G specifically) stood by me and helped me fulfill my absurdly specific requests. I was a first time time traveler and I couldn't have made it without the support I received!

Just finished my first contract with Host Healthcare (fifth overall) and they were amazing! Specifically my recruiter Jenny Berroth. Jenny was so helpful and easy to communicate with. I had a couple issues come up and Jenny was all over them and took care of everything so I could just concentrate on being a nurse, while she handled the rest. I can’t recommend Host and Jenny enough! You have to give Host and Jenny a try, you’ll be glad you did!

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The Guide to Local Travel Nursing

Table of contents, about the author.

Who said you can’t be a travel nurse and work in your same state?! Local travel nursing is a great option for new travelers dipping their feet in the agency waters.

What is local travel nursing?

Local travel nursing refers to taking 13-week contracts at a facility in a local area close to your primary residence. Some people consider local travel nursing when the contract is in their hometown and others consider contracts in neighboring states local. You can work locally in one of two ways; you can travel nurse or you can contract nurse. The real difference between the two is if you are duplicating housing expenses. Travel nurses duplicate housing expenses and are eligible for tax-free money, known as travel stipends. Contract nurses do not duplicate housing expenses and stay close enough to home to sleep in their bed every night. Normally if a facility is further away than one hour from their home, they will consider staying in a hotel or Airbnb. Don’t worry, our housing coordinator makes finding short-term housing easy!

The 50-mile: myth or reality?

If you are unfamiliar with the 50-mile rule , it is said to be if you travel over fifty miles to a facility you will automatically be eligible for tax-free money. The 50-mile rule is actually a myth. We understand traveling 50 minutes away from home, seems like traveling. However, it doesn’t matter how far you drive away to work. If you are not duplicating your housing expenses, you will not be eligible for tax-free stipends. This rule was set by the IRS. Agencies and facilities have no control whether or not you will receive tax-free money.

The Pros and Cons of Local Travel Nursing

Typically when people think of travel nursing they think of traveling the nation but that is not necessarily the case. The ability to travel close to home is alluring too! When debating between local travel nursing and cross-country travel nursing, both offer different benefits. We’ll break down the pros and cons of local travel nursing below!

Pros of Local Travel Nursing

• Short distance to work most times, not required to obtain second source of housing
• Limited travel costs
• Experience working with different patient populations
• No need to pack your belongings and move every 13 weeks
• Familiarity with the local area
• No homesickness – close to family and friends
• Networking with other professionals in your area

Cons of Local Travel Nursing

• No Tax-free Stipends if you don’t duplicate your housing expenses
• Won’t explore and travel around the nation
• Narrows the opportunities you qualify for
• Some facilities have mileage rules (example: must be 100 miles away to qualify)
• Most facilities want applicants who have travel nurse experience outside of their local area, so if you don’t have that it will limit your opportunities

Salary of a Travel Nurse Versus a Local Contract Nurse

Let’s talk money, honey! Salary is a huge factor in wanting to travel nurse.  On average a travel nurse will make 16% more than a staff nurse. During the pandemic with crisis rates, travel nurses were making upwards of 30% more than staff nurses.

So what is the difference in pay between local travel nursing contracts and travel contracts? Normally a local contract nurse will see a higher hourly wage than a travel nurse. This is because a travel nurse has their housing and travel built into their pay package. A travel nurse gets around $672 per week in tax-free stipends. If the traveler does not use all the money on their housing or travel, they get to pocket it! So even though a travel nurse makes less hourly, they can have a nice bonus at the end of the week if they do not utilize their full stipend.

How to Become a Local Travel Nurse

To become a local travel nurse you must first check all the boxes that you would for becoming a registered nurse . This includes: graduating from an accredited program, passing the NCLEX, and obtaining state licensure .

Once you are a registered nurse with a valid state license, you now have to get experience! This will set the course for becoming a travel nurse . You need at least one year of experience within the last two years in a given specialty to be eligible to travel nurse.

• Graduate from an accredited program
• Pass the NCLEX
• Obtain state license or compact license
• Get one year of experience
• Find the perfect healthcare staffing agency

After you have one year of experience it is time to look for the perfect healthcare staffing agency! This truly is like finding a glass slipper. You will want your agency to be Joint Commission Certified , and match your values. Sometimes it can be easier to click with a recruiter first and then join the agency they work for. Here are five qualities to look for in a travel nurse recruiter !

What to Look for in a Local Travel Contract

Healthcare staffing is a fast-moving industry. One moment a job can be live and the next hour it is already filled. This can make you feel like you have to act fast and sign your contract quickly to lock-in your position. The whole process can feel chaotic for new travelers. We break down what is in a contract and what key details you need to be aware of!

What is a Travel Nurse Contract

A travel nurse contract is a legally binding contract between you, the facility, and the agency. Reading through a contract can seem overwhelming with some of the law verbiage. Do not let the chaos make you skim and sign the contract. You will want to know what you are signing and what you are on contract for. Always review the contract before signing on the dotted line. These are the key things you will want to look for:

• Facility name
• Your certification and specialty
• Contract dates
• Requested time off
• Weekly and hourly pay
• Facility Information (time-keeping system, float policies)
• Agency Information (Cancellation policy)

Want to see what goes on behind the scenes of a contract? Hop over to the making of a travel nurse contract blog!

Verify all Information

I know, this sounds like a no brainer. If you don’t catch a mistake in the contract though you will be legally bound to a contract you didn’t intentionally sign up for. Double and triple check to make sure the facility name, location, wage, and all contract dates are accurate. If you find an error, don’t be afraid to point that out to your recruiter and account manager!

Ensure Vacation Days are Cited

If your vacation days are not in your contract, the facility does not have to give you vacation. You always want to make sure your vacation days are listed in the original contract. Make sure to chat with your recruiter beforehand about any big trips or family events you will need off for.

Review Facility Float Policy

Floating is when a nurse “floats” from their home unit to another unit in the facility because of staffing shortages. Nurses dread having their nurse managers say they need to float during a shift. Floating to a new unit with new patient needs and routines can be frustrating and stressful. Make sure you always feel safe in an assignment by only agreeing to float policies if you are comfortable. Since you are a travel nurse, you will most likely be the first to float.

Understand Agency Cancellation and Breaking Contract Policies

A travel nurse contract legally binds you, the facility, and the agency together. If you break a contract with no good reason it can be costly and hinder your future work opportunities. Facilities and agencies have cancellation costs you will have to pay out of pocket for, including housing. Cancelling contracts also looks bad professionally, so you may be added to a “do not hire” list at the agency or hospital system. The caveat is if you are uncomfortable with your assignment. Then you will need to talk to your recruiter and DON and they will work with you to get you a new contract. No contract is worth risking your license for!

Local travel nursing is a great opportunity for healthcare professionals who want to work in their home state or local region. This allows you to be closer to home and friends and family. Local contracts and travel nursing contracts both have their own pros and cons. Chat with your recruiter about which option fits your goals and lifestyle best! Start looking for local assignments here !

Also read our other articles about travel nursing!

Travel Nurse Salary Travel Nurse Housing How To Become A Travel Nurse Travel Nurse Licensing Learn How to Make a Winning Travel Nurse Resumé Understanding Travel Nurse Taxes Travel Nurse Apps Top Travel Nurse Podcasts Types of Travel Nurses Health Insurance For Travel Nurses

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Comparing Travel Nursing Agencies: How to Find the Best Company

Table of Contents

Are you considering starting a travel healthcare career as a nurse, but don't know where to get started? Maybe you're having trouble comparing traveling nurse agencies. Below, we review how travel nursing agencies can help you with travel nursing placement and explore what to look for when comparing travel nurse agencies.

How Travel Nurse Agencies Help You

Traveling nurse agencies help you search and land travel nursing placement assignments . Whether you are first starting your search or looking for your next travel nursing placement, your travel nurse recruiter is there to guide you every step of the way. Your traveling nursing agency is the liaison between you and the healthcare facility where you are looking to land your travel healthcare job. Besides searching for travel nursing jobs, they will also help you find travel nurse housing, and advocate for a higher base rate, or average base salary.

Importance of Travel Nurse Agencies Today

As we mentioned before, your travel nursing agency is the link between you and the healthcare facility regarding your travel nursing placement. Travel nurses are a vital part of the healthcare system, as many times they help fill gaps in patient care. When hospitals experience a high influx of patients or higher acuity in patients, this is where travel nurses are able to help. They help hospitals decrease nurse-to-patient ratios, which leads to a better quality of care and patient satisfaction. It also helps staff nurses combat burnout with the demands of higher patient acuity or assignments.

What to Look for in a Travel Nurse Agency

There are several things you should look for in a traveling nursing agency.

First, your traveling nursing agency should offer exceptional customer service right from the start. As a rule of thumb, if you apply or show interest in any travel nursing assignments, a recruiter should contact you within 24 hours (as long as it doesn't fall over a weekend). With tons of top travel nursing opportunities out there, travel nurse companies are there to help you land your next travel healthcare job.

Next, look for a traveling nursing agency that has a robust job board that offers lots of travel nursing jobs. You want to have plenty to choose from! Their job board should be transparent with job descriptions, travel nursing pay, and the hourly wage paid weekly. This way, you can compare which travel nurse agency offers competitive pay rates or has a higher base rate or lower base rate. If their site lacks information, then you will need to get as many details as possible when you speak to a recruiter .

Also, make sure the agency you are interested in has assignments throughout the country. You don't want to be limited on assignment choices! If you decide you want to go with a smaller agency, keep in mind that you may have to switch companies for future assignments if they don't have many available.

Travel nursing companies oftentimes have great benefits to offer their travel nurses. Before receiving and signing your contract, your travel nurse recruiter should be reviewing these with you and what their travel nurse agency has to offer. Many travel nurse companies also offer 24 hour customer support, an employee assistance program, hourly wage paid weekly, and other benefits.

About Health Carousel Travel Nursing

When it comes to travel nurse agencies, Health Carousel stands head and shoulders above the competition. But don't just take our word for it.

Kelli, one of our more seasoned travelers, was gracious enough to take the time to score 45 different travel nursing companies. With over eight years of experience in domestic and international nursing, Kelli has a clear understanding of what factors are in a nurse’s best interest. Kelli started working with her recruiter, Cindi Greene, in April of 2014, and we were thrilled when Cindi informed us that we made the top 5!

Kelli began her research by accessing the 300 plus rated travel nursing agencies on Highway Hypodermics and Travel Nursing Central. From that point, she reviewed about 113 different rated travel nursing agencies to ultimately compile her list of 45. This list was based on the following criteria:

1. Benefits Provided by the Agency

2. The Agency’s Website Design and Navigability

3. The Number of Job Posting

4. Job Descriptions (Average Travel Nursing Salary/Dollar Range)

The scoring system is based on a 20 possible-point scale. One of the largest healthcare staffing companies, Health Carousel Travel Nursing (HCTN) was able to earn 16 out of 20 points. The highlights that contributed to our score include our ability to provide first-day insurance coverage, weekly direct deposit, vacation pay, 401k match, industry experience, and much more!

After providing this information to Cindi, Kelly stated, “It gives you the recruiter a perspective from a traveler as we look at comparing and contrasting different agencies in our quest to find the best!” We could not agree more with this statement, and we welcome such honest feedback from our travelers. Our team is constantly striving to provide our travelers with the best possible experience and gaining this valuable insight will further propel us toward that goal.

Besides the great benefits and nationwide travel assignments, HCTN offers competitive pay rates, exceptional customer service, an employee assistance program, and 24 hour customer support. They also have resources for travel nurses, such as their travel nursing blog and the full circle of support page. The full circle of support offers education on using their resources to further their careers and maximize their benefits.

Are you interested in pursuing a travel healthcare career? HCTN, a top-rated travel nursing agency, has a robust job board with plenty of top travel nursing opportunities to choose from. With our new On Demand app, you can easily search, compare, and apply for nationwide travel assignments. You can even upload your licenses and documents!

Frequently Asked Questions

Now let's review some frequently asked questions of travel nurses.

How do I compare travel nursing companies?

As we mentioned before, take into consideration what is important to you for your future assignment. Keeping in mind that your priorities can change with each different travel nursing placement. For example, maybe the location you are traveling to is one you've really wanted to mark off your bucket list, so you are willing to accept a lower average base pay.

Which travel nursing agency pays the most?

There is no one or many travel nurse agency that pays the most or has a higher base rate than others. When comparing travel assignments, you need to weigh factors, such as average base pay, overtime and guaranteed hours, and meal and housing stipends. Remember, just because a travel nurse agency offers a lower base rate, you can make up for this with higher stipends or travel reimbursements.

Why are travel nurses getting cancelled?

This is a myth, and top travel nursing companies are not routinely canceling travel nursing assignments. If the census is low or demand has changed for a particular healthcare facility, then they will cancel as a last resort. Typically, your recruiter and healthcare facility will work to resolve this issue before it arises. But, it is important to ask before signing your travel nursing contract to see if there is a cancellation clause and the details.

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What is a Local Travel Nurse?

Mar 08 2022

Nurse Types / Local Travel Nurse

Local travel nursing is becoming a hot trend in the nursing profession as experienced registered nurses (RNs) look for more lucrative career options. While opportunities are plenty for nurses willing to travel longer distances , staying close to home doesn’t put you out of the travel nursing game.

Choosing to work as a local travel nurse can bridge the gap between supply and demand. Healthcare providers struggling to overcome staffing issues benefit the most from these arrangements. Rural hospitals are among the healthcare facilities relying the most on travel nurses to meet the healthcare needs of their communities.

In this guide, you will learn:

What is a local travel nurse?

What are the pros and cons of local travel nursing, how do you become a local travel nurse, how much does a local travel nurse make, what are the next steps to becoming a local travel nurse.

A local travel nurse is an RN who works short-term travel jobs within their hometowns or nearby locations. Working as a local travel nurse will allow you to return home at the end of your workday or your days off, which is a definite perk of the job.

Taking a local travel nursing position near your current location provides flexibility to learn about different hospitals and healthcare philosophies. If you eventually would like to settle into a permanent staff position , local travel nursing gives you an opportunity to explore your options.

It helps to have some of the following characteristics if you hope to excel as a travel nurse:

• Ability to thrive in challenging situations. Being the new nurse on the team takes a special kind of patience.
• Ability to learn quickly. As a local travel nurse, you must adapt to new organizational systems, workflows, and management styles.
• Ability to appreciate new learning experiences. Every new local travel nurse assignment brings with it the opportunity to learn new things and to help you build your knowledge base.

BACK TO TOP

There are of pros and cons of local travel nursing. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if local travel nursing is right for you.

Nurses unfamiliar with the ins and outs of local travel nursing may not know what the job entails. There is a difference between travel nursing and local travel nursing. One involves trekking across the state or the country to fill nursing shortage needs. The other, as its name implies, involves only local travel.

These are just a few of the pros and cons of becoming a local travel nurse. Most nursing professionals have found the pros outweigh the cons, but only you can decide if this career move is right for you. Make your own pros and cons list to help with your choice.

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What's your current role?

To become a local travel nurse, you first must become a licensed registered nurse (RN). The first step requires earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Nursing (BSN). Some travel nurse agencies only accept candidates with BSNs, so be sure to check the requirements when applying. Once you earn your degree, you must sit for the NCLEX-RN exam . 

Many healthcare agencies require a minimum amount of experience. You can benefit from having certifications or work in certain specialties.

Some local travel nurses work as home health nurses . Agencies that provide nurses for this type of in-home service focus on older adults and adults with disabilities who wish to receive care in the comfort of their homes. Among other pros and cons , home health nursing can be an alternative for local travel nurses who do not want to work in a hospital setting.

Local travel nurses typically make more money than staff nurses. How much you make depends on the staffing agency or healthcare facility hiring you. The monthly salary for travel nurses averages out to $9,790 and may vary depending on hours worked or bonuses.

As a local travel nurse, you also may qualify for housing and travel stipends, depending on how far from home you work. According to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines, travel stipends are tax-free if you work away from your “tax home.”

Interested in learning more about a career as a local travel nurse? Talking to other local travel nurses can help answer any nagging questions or concerns you may have before taking the plunge. Some other places you can turn for information include the following helpful agencies, organizations, and societies:

• American Travel Health Nurses Association (ATHNA)
• National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations (NATHO)
• Professional Association of Nurse Travelers (PAN Travelers)
• “ 2022 Travel Nurse Salary & Job Outlook .” nursingprocess.org. Accessed March 15, 2022.
• “ NCLEX-RN Exam Criteria .” ncsbn.org. Accessed Feb. 22, 2022.
• “ Tax Home Definition .” investopedia.com. Accessed Feb. 22, 2022.
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Can You Do Local Travel Nursing? | Pros & Cons

One of the most common myths about travel nursing is you have to travel across the country, or even work out of state. You may have heard your travel position has to be at least 50 miles away from your permanent residence in order to collect the tax-free stipends of a travel nurse.

Click here for high-paying travel nursing assignments near you!

But this is one of the most common myths about travel nursing. The IRS does not have a specific ‘50-mile rule’ describing a certain distance you have to work away from home. This 50-mile or 100-mile radius is used by many hospital facilities as a general rule of thumb, to prevent their own full-time staff nurses from picking up the contracts themselves.

So, that being said, you can do local travel nursing without spending a small fortune on flight costs, additional housing, or traveling across state lines. For more specifics on the actual tax deductions you can claim while working local contracts, check out our travel nurse tax guide and consult with a tax professional who can give you the most accurate information for the laws in your specific state.

How To Be A Local Travel Nurse

I first learned about local contract nursing from a nurse I use to work with. She explained to me she actually worked at another hospital across the city, and she was under a short-term contract with our hospital for 3 months as a float nurse.

She ended up getting an extension as well, so she was actually there for a total of 6 months while working her other “local” healthcare job at the same time. She did this to save up for her wedding and was actually able to pay for the whole thing in cash.

She managed this by making sure her scheduled shifts didn’t conflict with each other and allowed for time to eat and sleep in between. She also rented a small apartment on the other side of the city to stay in while she worked her three, 12-hour shift days at that hospital.

Travel benefits include free housing, travel reimbursement, and a sign-on bonus.  Get started now.

When those three days were through, she would drive a few hours home and work her normal job.

If you’re wondering whether local travel nursing could work for you, here are some of the pros and cons of taking a travel nursing assignment in your home state.

Pros of local travel nursing

• Limited travel costs
• You’ll likely receive perks including a housing stipend which means more money in your pocket per shift
• It’s possible to still keep your day job while making extra money
• No messing with tons of luggage or furniture
• Home is still accessible through a short drive
• You’ll be more familiar with the area, making it easier to find a nice hotel or apartment
• You’ll never have to miss a family function (but you’ll still have a good excuse if you don’t want to go)
• Feelings of homesickness can be quickly remedied
• You’ll still have the security of friends and family being close to you

Cons of local travel nursing

• You don’t get to travel far to see other parts of the country, like California , Alaska , or New York .
• Drastically narrows your opportunity of getting a travel contract
• You lose the ability to work with different patient populations
• You’re basically working a job but with a longer commute and temporarily living in two locations
• You still need to set up housing
• You lose the true experience of life as a travel nurse

A lot of first-time travelers would prefer to try something close to home, in order to “test the waters” and see if they actually enjoy it. When you do, you’ll find out what is important for you, and decide why you want to be a travel nurse. Is it for the experience of being out on your own, forced to make new friends and keep yourself entertained?  Or is it more for the money, education, and career advancement?

Whatever your nursing career goals, travel nursing, whether local or across the country, can help you reach them.

Find your dream travel assignment here.

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Local Travel Nursing: Is it Possible To Be a Travel Nurse in Your Own State?

by Trusted Nurse Staffing | Jan 5, 2024 | News

Whether you’re looking into becoming a travel nurse or you are already a travel nurse but are exploring new options, you might be wondering, “Is it possible to be a travel nurse in your own state?”

The answer: Absolutely! 

Local travel nursing is possible, but there are some important things you need to know before you start. 

Keep reading to learn how to be a travel nurse in your own state, the benefits and drawbacks of hometown travel nursing, and more. 

Table of Contents

Can you be a travel nurse where you live , can you be a travel nurse in your own city, is local travel nursing worth it, local travel nursing benefits, disadvantages of local travel nursing, faqs about local travel nursing, can i maintain a regular work schedule with local travel nurse assignments, can i pursue local travel nursing as a part-time career, what are the advantages of local travel nursing for career growth, let trusted nurse staffing help you find a local travel nurse assignment that fits your needs.

If a facility in your state is looking for contracted travel nurses, you can certainly be a travel nurse where you live. 

The myth that travel nursing in your own state may have come from hospitals and other facilities that were trying to prevent their full-time staff from picking up contracted positions — but we’ll never really know if that’s true. 

So, how can you be a local travel nurse? It’s easy.  

All you have to do is connect with a travel nursing agency, like Trusted Nurse Staffing. From there, you can search Pronto for the positions that interest you in your state — or anywhere in the country. 

But there’s a rumor about some radius rules for travel nurses that we feel would be helpful to address. 

Breaking Down the “Radius Rules” of Being a Travel Nurse in Your Own State

The radius requirements for being a travel nurse can get a little confusing — oftentimes being blamed on IRS regulations, but these are generally established by staffing agencies or healthcare facilities. 

For example, a facility in your state may require that any travel nurses they hire must have a tax home that is a certain distance away from the facility — it could be 50 miles, or it could be further. 

But what about the tax-free stipends? How do those work if you’re travel nursing in your own state? 

IRS Publication 463 states that accepting tax-free stipends is determined by whether a person needs to sleep or rest to meet the demands of their work while away from home — this must include an overnight stay. 

Rules regarding travel nurses’ “ tax homes ” also come into play. This can complicate things for those nurses who take on continuous assignments without having a home base.

To ensure you’re doing the right thing when it’s time to file your taxes, it’s best to consult your tax professional about your specific situation. 

While the traditional notion of travel nursing involves working in different cities or states, it is possible to work as a local travel nurse in your own city. Much like working in your own state, you would still be employed by a travel nursing agency, but you’d take assignments within your local area. 

This allows you to enjoy the benefits of travel nursing, such as competitive pay, diverse clinical experiences, and flexibility, without relocating. 

It’s particularly advantageous if you prefer to stay close to home, maintain a familiar environment, or fulfill specific lifestyle needs while still enjoying the dynamic aspects of travel nursing.

Local travel nursing can be extremely rewarding for those looking to experience the benefits of travel nursing without straying too far from home and family. 

Below, we will dive into the benefits and potential disadvantages that come with local travel nursing. 

Although it may not seem like it if you’ve never been a travel nurse before, local travel nursing offers a host of benefits — and some of them benefit you both financially and personally. 

After you read the next section, we think you’ll agree that local travel nursing certainly has its perks. 

Stay With Family

We get this question a lot: 

“Can I be a travel nurse in my own state if I can’t travel with my family?”

And the answer is yes. 

If you are someone who really enjoys the field but isn’t ready to leave — or can’t bring your family — local travel nursing is the perfect solution. 

Whether you’re looking to start travel nursing in your own city or at least be able to commute home for weekends, being close to family is one of the primary reasons why many nurses choose to keep it local. 

No Need for Additional Licenses 

Another benefit of local travel nursing is that you don’t have to worry about applying for additional nursing licenses , especially if your state does not offer compact nursing licenses. 

Although some travel nursing agencies cover the costs of applying for licensure in different states, obtaining them can be a hassle, especially on a time crunch. 

Local travel nursing makes it easy to maintain one state license while still enjoying contracts throughout your city or state. 

Receive Higher Pay Than Staff Nurses

As a travel nurse, even in your home state, you’ll receive higher pay than an average staff nurse . 

Even as a local travel nurse, you may be required to take on a nursing role quickly, due to demand in certain areas or during times of need, with little to no training. 

At Trusted Nurse Staffing, we understand how difficult it can be to sign on to an assignment and “jump right in.” 

This is just one of the many reasons our travel nurses receive some of the highest pay in the industry. 

We believe in offering our travel nurses the best because they provide the best for their communities, which is why they also receive: 

• Part-time and full-time positions
• Referral bonuses 
• Flexible contracts from as short as 8 weeks to as long as 52 weeks
• Sign-on and completion bonuses
• License, CEU, and certification reimbursements
• Insurance plans

Whether you’re a local travel nurse or a nurse who travels across the country for your assignments, we have a benefits package that will work for you. 

Reduce Stress

Local travel nursing can significantly reduce stress for nurses in all fields by providing a more stable and familiar work environment. Unlike traditional travel nursing, which often involves frequent relocations, local travel nursing allows nurses to stay rooted in their own cities or nearby areas. 

This continuity can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort and minimize the stress associated with adjusting to new living arrangements, communities, and workplace cultures. 

The reduced need for extensive planning and adaptation to new surroundings enables nurses to focus more on their job responsibilities and patient care. 

Open New Doors to Those Questioning if Travel Nursing Is the Right Career Path

Have you worked as a nurse, but you’re questioning if becoming a travel nurse is the right path for you?

Local travel nursing is one of the best ways to decide. 

By staying local, you can experience different contracts throughout your city or state while still having the comforts of home, and learning about the best travel nursing opportunities for your wants and needs. 

You’ll gain great experience for your resume and have the opportunity to decide if the fast-paced, ever-changing field of travel nursing is the right fit for you. 

Although there are many advantages of local travel nursing, there are also some things that you might consider to be disadvantages. 

As a local travel nurse, you miss out on the opportunity to see new places around the country. 

If you’re a homebody, this may not be a deal-breaker, but if you’re someone looking for adventure and don’t mind traveling outside your state, consider becoming a regular travel nurse instead of a local travel nurse. 

Another disadvantage, one that can be a deal-breaker, is that contract options in your area may be limited . 

Are you in a city that doesn’t have a high demand for nurses? Hospitals and other facilities in your area may not be looking for contracted employees. You may want to consider looking outside your local area to begin travel nursing. 

And, finally, something important to consider, especially if your local travel nursing contract has you working farther from home than you’d like to drive regularly, is that you will likely have to maintain two living spaces . 

Although you may be making a housing stipend, you may also have to maintain your family’s home, as well as your “work” home. 

If you are considering becoming a local travel nurse, talk with local agencies. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to help you determine if local travel nursing is the right move for you. 

Can I Start as a Local Travel Nurse and Request an Assignment Away From Home at Another Time? 

Of course! If you’re looking to get your feet wet or want to switch things up, becoming a local travel nurse and then requesting assignments outside your local area is pretty simple. 

At Trusted Nurse Staffing, for example, our recruiters are here 24/7 to support you. 

If you’re currently in a local contract and it is coming to a close, you can use the Pronto job search to help you find the perfect fit for your next assignment — near or far. 

As for other agencies, be sure to read your contracts and ensure that you have the option to ask for an assignment farther from home after your current contract ends. 

Can I Choose Assignments in Specific Facilities or Areas Within My City?

Yes, one advantage of local travel nursing is the ability to choose assignments based on your preferences, including specific healthcare facilities or areas within your local community.

Whether you’re new to nursing and want experience in a specific facility, or you specialize in a particular area of healthcare, you can almost always find local travel nurse assignments.

How Long Can I Stay in One Location as a Travel Nurse? 

Most travel nursing contracts last anywhere between eight and 52 weeks, and to be considered a travel nurse in the IRS’ eyes, you must change assignments at least once a year. After a year, the IRS considers your assignment permanent.

This doesn’t mean you have to move from location to location in a year, but you will be required to move to a different facility/contract. 

How Much Can You Make as a Local Travel Nurse?

The average salary for local travel nursing can vary by state. Click here to view a table of average travel nursing salaries by state. Some factors that affect local travel nurse salaries include the:

• Specific assignment
• Healthcare facility
• Staffing agency

Generally, travel nurses, whether local or traditional, may receive higher pay rates than permanent staff nurses. This is because travel nurses often fill short-term staffing needs or address specific shortages, and the higher pay is intended to compensate for the flexibility, temporary nature of the assignments, and the potential need for rapid deployment.

Local travel nursing often offers more predictable schedules, allowing for better work-life balance compared to frequent relocations associated with traditional travel nursing.

For many nurses, this is a huge advantage. Local travel nursing allows you to stay closer to family and friends, while building skills and networking within your hometown.

Local travel nursing can be pursued on a part-time basis, providing flexibility for those who prefer a less demanding schedule.

Taking local travel nursing assignments is very popular among nurses who are just starting a family, nearing retirement, or looking to reduce their workloads while still receiving great pay and benefits.

Local travel nursing offers diverse clinical experiences, exposure to different healthcare settings, and the opportunity to build a strong professional network within your community — all of which can contribute to career advancement.

Do I Need To Work With a Travel Nursing Agency for Local Assignments?

Working with a travel nursing agency is common for both traditional and local travel nursing. Agencies help facilitate placements, negotiate contracts, and provide support throughout your assignments.

Are you ready to dive into local travel nursing? Whether you’re looking for your first travel nurse contract or hoping to switch it up and stay local, Trusted Nurse Staffing is here to help you. 

Our number one goal is to put our nurses first and help them reach their goals, professionally and personally. In addition to the support we offer all of our nurses, Trusted Nurse Staffing has both the best pay in the industry and these added benefits:

• 401(k) with a 4% match after 1,000 hours and one year of employment
• $1,500 referral program
• Sign-on & completion bonuses
• Weekly paychecks with direct deposit
• Overtime and double time
• Loyalty and discount programs
• Wellness benefits
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• License, certifications & CEU reimbursements
• Housing, meal, and travel stipends
• Flexible contracts
• And much more

Check out the Pronto job search to find available local travel nursing assignments near you and let your adventure begin. 

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Local Electricians, Contractors & Companies in Klimovsk

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• Klimovsk, Moscow Oblast, Russia

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