If you’re a registered nurse looking for a rewarding and flexible career, travel nursing might be the perfect fit for you. As a travel nurse, you’ll have the opportunity to work in different settings and locations, gain new skills, and earn higher pay rates. However, finding the right travel nurse agency to work for can be overwhelming, with so many options to choose from. In this article, we’ll give you an overview of the best travel nurse agencies in the industry and what makes them stand out.
What are Travel Nurse Agencies?
Travel nurse agencies are staffing firms that provide temporary nursing assignments to registered nurses. These assignments can range from a few weeks to several months, and they can be in different locations, such as hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities. Travel nurse agencies handle all the logistics of travel nursing, including housing, transportation, and licensing requirements.
What to Look for in a Travel Nurse Agency?
When choosing a travel nurse agency, there are several factors to consider, including:
Criteria | Explanation |
---|---|
Reputation | Look for agencies with positive reviews and ratings from nurses and healthcare facilities. |
Job opportunities | Check if the agency offers assignments in your preferred geographical area and specialty. |
Pay rates and benefits | Compare pay rates, benefits packages, and incentives offered by different agencies. |
Support services | Find out if the agency provides 24/7 support, mentorship, and resources for your professional development. |
Compliance and safety | Ensure that the agency follows all legal and ethical standards for travel nursing, including licensing, insurance, and safety protocols. |
Top Travel Nurse Agencies of 2021
Based on our research and industry rankings, here are the top travel nurse agencies of 2021:
1. Aya Healthcare
Aya Healthcare is a leading travel nurse agency that offers a wide range of assignments for registered nurses, including travel, per diem, and local contracts. Aya Healthcare has earned a reputation for excellent pay rates, comprehensive benefits, and exceptional support services, such as clinical coaching, continuing education, and mental health resources. Aya Healthcare also provides personalized career planning and travel concierge services to help nurses achieve their goals and enjoy their assignments.
2. Medical Solutions
Medical Solutions is another top travel nurse agency that focuses on creating a positive and rewarding experience for nurses. Medical Solutions offers a wide range of assignments, including high-paying crisis response jobs, and provides comprehensive benefits, such as insurance, retirement plans, and travel reimbursements. Medical Solutions also offers personalized support, such as dedicated recruiters and clinical liaisons, and innovative technology, such as an app for managing assignments and communicating with the team.
3. FlexCare Medical Staffing
FlexCare Medical Staffing is a travel nurse agency that prides itself on being a nurse-first company. FlexCare Medical Staffing offers high-paying assignments, flexible contracts, and robust benefits packages, such as health insurance, 401k plans, and referral bonuses. FlexCare Medical Staffing also provides personalized support, such as dedicated recruiters and clinical liaisons, and resources for professional development, such as continuing education and certifications.
4. Trusted Nurse Staffing
Trusted Nurse Staffing is a boutique-style travel nurse agency that emphasizes quality over quantity. Trusted Nurse Staffing offers customized assignments based on nurses’ preferences and experience, and provides competitive pay rates and benefits, such as insurance, paid time off, and sign-on bonuses. Trusted Nurse Staffing also provides personalized support, such as a dedicated account manager and access to clinical resources, and a community of fellow travelers for networking and socializing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make?Travel nurses can make significantly higher pay rates than permanent nurses, depending on their specialty, location, and experience. According to Glassdoor, the average pay rate for travel nurses is $1,500 to $3,000 per week, with additional benefits such as housing stipends, meal allowances, and travel reimbursements.
How long do travel nurse assignments last?Travel nurse assignments can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the facility’s needs and the nurse’s availability. Most travel nurse agencies offer contracts that range from 8 to 26 weeks, with the option to extend or renew the assignment.
Do travel nurse agencies provide housing?Most travel nurse agencies provide free or subsidized housing for their nurses during their assignments. The housing options can vary from furnished apartments to hotel rooms, depending on the location and availability. Nurses can also choose to receive a housing stipend and find their own housing if preferred.
Conclusion
Choosing the best travel nurse agency to work for can make a significant difference in your travel nursing experience. By considering factors such as reputation, job opportunities, pay rates and benefits, support services, and compliance and safety, you can narrow down your options and find the agency that meets your needs and goals. Aya Healthcare, Medical Solutions, FlexCare Medical Staffing, and Trusted Nurse Staffing are among the top travel nurse agencies of 2021, offering excellent assignments, benefits, and support for registered nurses. Start your travel nursing journey today and explore the endless possibilities of this exciting career!