Embarking on a career as a travel nurse opens up a world of opportunities, allowing you to explore new locations, broaden your nursing experience, and enhance your professional skills. However, navigating the landscape of nurse travel agencies can feel overwhelming. With numerous options available, how do you choose the right partner to support your travel nursing journey?
This comprehensive guide is designed to help you identify the top nurse travel agencies in the market today. We’ve analyzed data from reputable sources like Indeed and Glassdoor, focusing on reviews from real travel nurses, to bring you a curated list of agencies known for their quality and service. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to confidently select a Nurse Travel Agency that aligns with your individual needs and career aspirations.
Whether you prioritize robust support, exceptional benefits, or access to diverse assignments, this article will highlight agencies that excel in different areas. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and partner with a nurse travel agency that empowers you to thrive in your travel nursing career.
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Table of Contents
What Defines the Best Nurse Travel Agency?
Axis Medical Staffing stands out as a leading nurse travel agency, consistently praised in travel nurse reviews on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor. These ratings reflect direct experiences from nurses who have worked with the agency, offering valuable insights into their operational strengths.
It’s crucial to remember that the “best” nurse travel agency is subjective and varies from nurse to nurse. What one travel nurse values highly – such as frequent communication with a recruiter – another might find less critical than compensation or health benefits. Your personal priorities and professional goals should guide your choice.
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Nurse Travel Agencies Known for Exceptional Support
Host Healthcare is recognized as a top nurse travel agency for nurses who value readily available support. They offer 24/7 support, ensuring that assistance is always just a call, text, or message away. This level of accessibility is particularly beneficial for nurses new to travel assignments who might have frequent questions or require extra guidance.
The assurance of constant support can significantly ease the transition into travel nursing and provide peace of mind throughout your assignments. Host Healthcare’s commitment to support extends to helping nurses find placements across all 50 states, simplifying the job search process regardless of your desired location.
Nurse Travel Agencies Offering Premier Benefits
For travel nurses who place a high emphasis on comprehensive benefits packages, RNNetwork is a standout nurse travel agency. They distinguish themselves by offering Day One benefits, meaning your benefits coverage begins immediately on your first day of assignment.
RNNetwork’s benefits package is extensive, including:
- Zero-Premium Health Insurance: RNnetwork covers the full cost, including options for dependents and life partners.
- Prescription Pay Benefits: Medications are available without deductibles.
- Comprehensive Dental Plan: Includes 100% coverage for preventive care and orthodontic coverage for children.
- Vision Benefits: Covers lenses, frames, glasses, and eye exams nationwide.
- Continuing Education Opportunities: Free, unlimited access to courses and assistance with licensure.
- Credentialing Support: Full support and significant financial assistance for licenses and certifications.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to professional guidance for financial, mental health, behavioral, and legal concerns.
- Life and AD&D Insurance: $50,000 coverage provided without needing to enroll in a medical plan.
- Teladoc Services: 24/7 access to physician consultations via phone.
- Sanvello App Access: Free access to a mindfulness app designed to help manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Talkspace Platform: 24/7 access to licensed therapists online.
RNNetwork’s commitment to benefits underscores their focus on nurse well-being and professional development, making them a compelling choice for benefit-conscious travel nurses.
Largest Nurse Travel Agency in the United States
AMN Healthcare is the largest nurse travel agency in the US, holding a significant market share in the healthcare staffing industry. Choosing to work with a large agency like AMN offers distinct advantages, particularly in terms of job availability and resource access.
AMN Healthcare provides a wide array of job opportunities across various specialties and locations. They are also known for providing robust support systems and comprehensive benefits, including housing assistance, 401(k) plans, and life insurance. Established in 1985, AMN has a long-standing reputation and has cultivated exclusive relationships with numerous healthcare facilities, expanding the job options available to their travel nurses. For nurses seeking the stability and reach of a large, well-established nurse travel agency, AMN Healthcare is a strong contender.
Top 21 Nurse Travel Agencies: Detailed Rankings
Below is our ranking of the top nurse travel agencies, compiled from travel nurse reviews on Indeed and Glassdoor. In cases where data was limited on these platforms, we incorporated reviews from Facebook to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
1. Axis Medical Staffing
Axis Medical Staffing earns the top spot as the best nurse travel agency for 2024, based on aggregated ratings from travel nurses.
Founded in 2004, Axis Medical Staffing is known for several key benefits:
- Assignments Available Nationwide
- Personalized Approach: Distinguished by a “personal touch” that sets them apart from larger agencies.
- Competitive Compensation Packages
While highly rated, it’s important to note that their healthcare benefits become available on the first day of the month following your hire date, which might involve a short waiting period. If immediate benefits are a priority, other agencies may offer quicker enrollment. However, for nurses prioritizing a supportive and adventurous travel nursing experience, Axis Medical Staffing is an excellent choice.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.96 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.9 (54 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 5 (84 Ratings) |
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2. Host Healthcare
As previously mentioned, Host Healthcare excels as a nurse travel agency renowned for its support. Their commitment to 24/7 availability ensures nurses always have access to assistance and advice. Recruiters at Host Healthcare are dedicated to matching nurses with their ideal assignments, taking into account personal and professional preferences.
Beyond support, Host Healthcare offers a range of attractive benefits:
- Day One Medical Coverage: Health insurance starts on your first day and extends for 30 days between assignments.
- 401(k) Matching Program
- Travel Expense Reimbursements
- Dedicated Housing Support Team
Host Healthcare’s comprehensive support system and benefits make them an excellent nurse travel agency, particularly for those new to the travel nursing profession, but also appealing to experienced nurses seeking reliable support throughout their assignments.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.86 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.7 (214 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 4.9 (860 Ratings) |
3. Triage Staffing
Triage Staffing operates under a “real and ready” philosophy, emphasizing transparent and direct communication. Positive reviews from travel nurses highlight their commitment to clear and open dialogue, fostering strong recruiter-nurse relationships.
If you value consistent communication and building a rapport with your recruiter, Triage Staffing might be an excellent nurse travel agency for you. They are known for a more relaxed and engaging company culture, which may appeal to nurses seeking a friendly and approachable agency. Note that Triage Staffing typically requires two years of nursing experience for travel assignments. However, they encourage nurses to connect early to build relationships and prepare for future travel opportunities once they meet the experience criteria.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.77 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.7 (236 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 4.8 (645 Ratings) |
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4. Fusion Medical Staffing
Fusion Medical Staffing is a rapidly growing nurse travel agency that began in 2009. They have received accolades for their rapid growth and positive workplace environment.
Key highlights of Fusion Medical Staffing include:
- New Graduate Friendly with Mentorship Programs: They welcome new nursing graduates and offer mentorship to support their transition into travel nursing.
- Social Responsibility Focus: Active in social causes and volunteer work, promoting community engagement.
- Inclusive Culture: Demonstrated through participation in LGBTQ+ pride events and disability fundraisers, fostering a diverse and welcoming environment.
While Fusion Medical Staffing offers opportunities for new graduates, their website may lack detailed information for those new to travel nursing. Prospective travel nurses, especially those new to the field, are encouraged to ask detailed questions to ensure Fusion aligns with their specific needs and expectations.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.71 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.6 (243 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 4.8 (305 Ratings) |
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5. Travel Nurses Inc.
Travel Nurses Inc. (TNI) brings over 30 years of experience in the nurse travel agency sector and provides 24/7 clinical support. They are also recipients of the ClearlyRated Best of Staffing award for 2021 and 2022, reflecting high levels of client and nurse satisfaction.
TNI offers a user-friendly job board and innovative tools like “Furnished Finder” for integrated housing solutions directly on their website. They prioritize contract transparency, ensuring a recruiter-led review of each contract before assignment commencement to confirm alignment with the nurse’s requirements. Day-one healthcare coverage is another significant benefit. Although Indeed and Glassdoor ratings are less numerous, TNI receives strong positive feedback on Facebook and Google reviews, highlighting nurse satisfaction. A prerequisite for working with TNI is one year of prior nursing experience.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.70 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.9 (20 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 4.5 (21 Ratings) |
6. Atlas MedStaff
Atlas MedStaff is a nurse travel agency with over thirty years in the industry, emphasizing personalized service. They focus on creating tailored contracts to meet the specific needs of each travel nurse.
A unique aspect of Atlas MedStaff is their “Atlas Adventure” included with each contract, offering unique experiences ranging from ski trips to sporting events.
Additional benefits of working with Atlas MedStaff include:
- Comprehensive Insurance and Benefits Packages
- Paid Private Housing Options
- Commitment to Transparent and Long-Term Relationships
Developing a strong relationship with your recruiter at Atlas MedStaff is key to maximizing your experience. As with many nurse travel agencies, recruiter effectiveness can significantly influence your overall satisfaction.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.51 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.2 (49 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 4.7 (82 Ratings) |
7. Prime Time Healthcare
Prime Time Healthcare has been in healthcare staffing for over 15 years.
For travel nurses prioritizing high compensation, Prime Time Healthcare is noteworthy. Their travel nurse salaries often exceed average rates and are complemented by attractive secondary benefits, such as:
- Extensive Benefits Options
- Referral Bonuses
- Paid Travel Expenses
Prime Time Healthcare tends to cater to experienced, high-caliber healthcare professionals. It’s also important to note that Prime Time Healthcare staffs for various roles beyond travel nursing, including per diem nursing and permanent positions. If you are seeking an agency exclusively focused on travel nursing, you might consider other options. However, for nurses interested in potentially transitioning from travel assignments to permanent roles within the same network, Prime Time could be a beneficial long-term partner.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.41 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.2 (235 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 4.7 (168 Ratings) |
8. Medical Solutions
Medical Solutions is a nurse travel agency focused on creating customized contracts for each travel nurse.
Before finalizing an assignment, Medical Solutions consultants discuss individual nurse priorities to tailor contracts accordingly.
Typical benefits offered include:
- Excellent 401(k) Plan Options
- Referral and Loyalty Bonuses
- Comprehensive Health Benefits
- Employee Assistance Programs
While the flexibility and customization offered by Medical Solutions are advantageous for nurses with clear preferences, the multitude of options might be less appealing to those new to travel nursing or unsure of their priorities. For nurses new to travel assignments, agencies with more standardized, well-established contract structures might be easier to navigate initially.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.32 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.1 (351 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 4.5 (437 Ratings) |
9. RNnetwork
RNnetwork is ranked as a leading nurse travel agency, offering a blend of personalized service with the extensive resources of a large organization. As part of CHG Healthcare Services, a major healthcare staffing corporation, RNnetwork provides both a personal touch and robust support.
Benefits of choosing RNnetwork include:
- Exclusive Focus on Travel Nursing
- Strong Compensation and Benefits Packages
- User-Friendly Job Search Platform
It’s worth noting that individual experiences with RNnetwork can vary, depending significantly on the recruiter assigned. A positive recruiter relationship is crucial and can greatly enhance your overall experience with this agency.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.45 |
|---|---|
| Facebook Average Rating | 4.5 (178 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 4.4 (159 Ratings) |
10. OneStaff Medical
OneStaff Medical is recognized for experienced recruiters and a strong commitment to their travel nurses.
They provide 24/7, 365-day availability to representatives, ensuring continuous support. This round-the-clock access is invaluable for addressing issues promptly and receiving immediate assistance. OneStaff Medical also emphasizes career guidance and strives to meet the travel expectations of their nurses. Standard benefits and various housing options are available. Typically, OneStaff Medical seeks travel nurses with at least two years of experience. Some nurses have reported internal communication issues between departments, which, while potentially isolated, is worth considering.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.24 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.0 (100 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 4.5 (92 Ratings) |
11. Aya Healthcare
Aya Healthcare is one of the largest and most recognized nurse travel agencies in the United States. Their size and established reputation provide access to an extensive selection of travel assignments.
Advantages of working with Aya Healthcare include:
- Day-One Benefits Enrollment
- Credentialing and Paperwork Support
- Scholarships and Educational Assistance Programs
Aya Healthcare is a strong option for nurses seeking an agency with vast resources and a wide network of opportunities. However, due to its size, the personalized attention found at smaller agencies might be less pronounced. For nurses who prioritize a highly personal recruiter relationship, smaller agencies might be a better fit.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.20 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.2 (749 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 4.2 (1892 Ratings) |
12. Fastaff Travel Nursing
Fastaff Travel Nursing specializes in rapid response healthcare staffing, placing nurses in facilities facing urgent needs due to crises like natural disasters or severe staff shortages.
Fastaff is known to offer some of the highest pay rates in the travel nursing sector. This is largely reflective of the demanding nature of their assignments, which often require nurses to work in high-pressure, critical situations. If maximizing income is your primary goal, Fastaff could be very appealing. However, these rapid response roles typically require nurses to be ready to deploy within 48 hours of accepting a position. These assignments are generally better suited for experienced nurses who can quickly adapt to challenging environments. The agency culture tends to be more professionally focused and less informal due to the urgent and critical nature of their placements.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.15 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.1 (137 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 4.2 (134 Ratings) |
13. AMN Healthcare
As previously noted, AMN Healthcare is the largest nurse travel agency, offering unparalleled access to exclusive job listings and extensive resources.
Beyond job availability, AMN offers numerous benefits:
- Free, High-Quality Private Housing
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life Insurance Coverage
- Free Continuing Education Courses
- Discounts on Various Services and Products, including electronics, travel, and wellness programs.
AMN’s mobile app, AMN Passport, is particularly beneficial, providing personalized job alerts, pay details, and credential management tools. AMN Healthcare is generally recommended for travel nurses with some experience who can leverage the agency’s extensive resources and benefits.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.12 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 3.9 (427 Ratings) |
| Facebook Average Rating | 4.7 (158 Ratings) |
14. Aureus Medical Group
Aureus Medical Group has operated for over 35 years, promoting a highly personalized approach to nurse travel assignments.
Each nurse is assigned a dedicated recruiter, and 24/7 support is available even if your primary recruiter is unavailable. Aureus Medical also prides itself on:
- Long-Term Relationships with Healthcare Facilities
- Dedicated Housing and Travel Department
- Strong Benefits Packages
Despite the dedicated recruiter model, Aureus Medical is a large agency, which can sometimes lead to communication challenges. Nurses may interact with multiple staff members, potentially requiring repetition of information if internal communication lags.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.06 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 3.9 (496 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 4.23 (330 Ratings) |
15. Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA)
Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) has been in operation since 1999 and is consistently ranked among top nurse travel agencies, recognized for its strong reputation.
TNAA is known for its solid relationships with client healthcare facilities and a transparent company culture. A key benefit of TNAA is their transparent approach to benefits, providing an Assignment Benefit Summary before each assignment begins. “TNAA Boost Pay” offers enhanced rates for nurses who work extra shifts. Standard benefits are provided, along with pay protection in case of shift cancellations. While TNAA has a robust job board, pay rates are not always publicly disclosed on third-party job sites, which can be a drawback when comparing compensation packages.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 3.96 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.2 (104 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 3.8 (152 Ratings) |
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16. Krucial Staffing
Krucial Staffing specializes in rapidly deploying healthcare professionals to facilities facing urgent staffing needs, often in high-risk or emergency situations.
Assignments with Krucial Staffing typically require rapid deployment, often within 48 hours, and are in more demanding environments. Reflecting the challenging nature of these assignments, Krucial Staffing offers competitive compensation.
Additional benefits include:
- Day-One Benefits
- Partnership Perks offering extra value
- Quality Housing Options
Krucial Staffing is suited for nurses who thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments and are seeking shorter-term, high-impact assignments.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 3.96 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.4 (215 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 3.5 (205 Ratings) |
17. NuWest Group
NuWest Group has been in operation for approximately 25 years, emphasizing quick placement of travel nurses, often within 72 hours.
NuWest offers a more intimate, personal agency experience with competitive pay and standard travel nurse benefits. A limitation is their smaller geographic focus, primarily staffing facilities in:
- Florida
- Montana
- California
For travel nurses interested in assignments within these states and who are prepared for quick deployments, NuWest could be a good match.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 3.90 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.0 (151 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 3.8 (139 Ratings) |
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18. TotalMed Staffing
TotalMed Staffing provides both travel nurse placements and local job opportunities for nurses.
TotalMed Staffing offers a broad network and an extensive online job board, providing numerous assignment choices. They also offer:
- Day-One Benefits
- Credentialing and Paperwork Assistance
- Educational and Professional Support Resources
Some nurses have reported a lengthy onboarding process, although this is not universally experienced. For many, the onboarding is efficient and straightforward.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 3.85 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.0 (251 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 3.7 (245 Ratings) |
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19. Maxim Healthcare Staffing
Maxim Healthcare Staffing has been in the healthcare staffing industry for over three decades, staffing travel nurses as well as home healthcare and wellness roles. They employ a large workforce of over 65,000 healthcare professionals across the US.
Maxim provides competitive pay and placements in well-regarded facilities. Many travel nurse assignments are in high-demand, high-stress environments, which may be more suitable for experienced nurses. Historically, Maxim has faced some challenges with timely resolution of paycheck issues. While these issues were typically resolved, they could add stress during assignments.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 3.63 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 3.5 (5,970 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 3.8 (4,739 Ratings) |
20. Trustaff
Trustaff has been connecting travel nurses with hospitals for over 20 years.
Trustaff is notable for its strong communication and supportive staff, offering an active support line for readily available assistance. They provide standard benefits including:
- Health Insurance Options
- 401(k) Retirement Plans
- Sign-on and Completion Bonuses
Assignment lengths with Trustaff can vary, sometimes deviating from the typical 13-week travel nurse contracts, potentially being shorter or longer. Nurses needing consistent assignment durations might find this less ideal.
| BetterNurse Agregate Rating | 3.52 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 3.7 (370 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 3.3 (297 Ratings) |
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21. Nomad Health
Nomad Health offers a leading digital platform for travel nurse assignments, streamlining the job search and application process. They are also known for offering competitive, often higher-end, pay packages.
Additional benefits of Nomad Health include:
- Weekly Pay Cycles
- Licensure Reimbursement
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits Packages
Some travel nurses have reported communication issues with Nomad Health. This is an important consideration, particularly for nurses who are new to travel assignments and rely heavily on recruiter communication. As part of the larger Nomad Health platform, there’s a possibility of getting lost within a larger system. Reviews for Nomad are varied, with both very positive and very negative feedback, suggesting individual experiences may heavily depend on the specific recruiter relationship.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 3.52 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 3.3 (56 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 3.6 (159 Ratings) |
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Which Nurse Travel Agency Offers the Highest Pay?
It’s important to understand that no single nurse travel agency consistently offers the highest pay. Compensation rates in travel nursing are influenced by numerous factors, including assignment location and contract specifics, rather than just the agency itself.
To maximize your earning potential, focus on factors like geographic location and the nature of the nursing role. For example, states like California and New York typically offer higher pay rates for travel nurses compared to states like Arkansas or Kentucky, reflecting differences in living costs and demand. However, it’s also crucial to consider the higher cost of living in states with higher pay rates. Furthermore, specialized nursing roles often command higher pay than general RN positions. Pursuing certifications or advanced degrees can enhance your marketability and earning potential.
Regardless of the agency you choose, travel nursing salaries generally exceed those of staff registered nurses. The average annual salary for a travel nurse is approximately $106,030, significantly higher than the average staff RN salary of around $82,750 per year.
Begin Your Journey with the Best Nurse Travel Agencies
While Axis Medical Staffing is currently ranked as the top nurse travel agency, the optimal choice for you depends on your individual priorities and preferences. Exploring multiple nurse travel agencies before making a decision is highly recommended. This thorough approach will help ensure you find the best fit and secure a travel nursing contract that meets your specific needs and career goals.
If you’re ready to explore travel nursing, begin your journey today and discover the opportunities that await!
