Looking to embark on a rewarding career as a travel nurse and eager to explore the leading Nursing Travel Agencies? You’ve come to the right place.
Navigating the vast landscape of options can be overwhelming. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled data from reputable platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor to pinpoint the top-rated nursing travel agencies for 2023 and 2024. The best part? These ratings come directly from travel nurses who have firsthand experience working with these agencies.
In this guide, you’ll discover the highest-rated nursing travel agencies, gaining valuable insights into each one. For those keen to delve deeper, we provide links to comprehensive, in-depth reviews.
To further assist you, we’ll begin with tailored recommendations based on our research, guiding you towards agencies renowned for exceptional benefits, robust support systems, and more.
By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to understand what each agency brings to the table, empowering you to select the ideal nursing travel agency that aligns perfectly with your career aspirations.
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Navigating Nursing Travel Agencies: Key Considerations
What is the Top Nursing Travel Agency Overall?
Axis Medical Staffing emerges as the premier nursing travel agency, according to ratings from travel nurses on Indeed and Glassdoor. This recognition highlights their consistent commitment to traveler satisfaction.
However, it’s crucial to remember that the “best” agency is subjective and varies from nurse to nurse. What one travel nurse prioritizes, another might not.
For instance, a nurse might value a strong rapport with their recruiter above all else, while another might prioritize compensation packages or benefits.
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Nursing Travel Agencies with Exceptional Support
Host Healthcare stands out as the leading nursing travel agency for nurses seeking unparalleled support from their recruiters. From the moment you partner with them, you gain access to round-the-clock support, 24/7.
Whether you have a question at midnight or encounter an issue on the weekend, you can readily connect via call, text, or direct message for prompt assistance. This makes Host Healthcare an excellent choice, particularly for those new to travel nursing who may appreciate extra guidance and reassurance.
Even seasoned travel nurses will find peace of mind knowing that immediate support is always within reach.
Furthermore, Host Healthcare offers opportunities across all 50 states. Simply specify your desired contract location, and their dedicated team will assist you in securing suitable placements.
Nursing Travel Agencies with Superior Benefits Packages
For travel nurses prioritizing comprehensive benefits, RNNetwork is a standout nursing travel agency to consider. They distinguish themselves by offering Day One benefits, meaning you’re eligible from the very first day of your contract.
Their extensive benefits package includes:
- Zero-Premium Health Insurance: Fully company-paid health insurance, extending coverage to dependents and life partners.
- Prescription Pay: Medications with no deductible costs.
- Dental Plan: Full coverage for preventative dental care and orthodontic coverage for children.
- Vision Benefits: Coverage for lenses, glasses, frames, and eye exams nationwide.
- Continuing Education: Free, unlimited access to continuing education courses and license renewal assistance.
- Credentialing Assistance: Comprehensive support and significant financial coverage for licenses and certifications.
- Employee Assistance Program: Access to expert guidance for financial, mental health, behavioral, and legal concerns.
- Life and AD&D Insurance: $50,000 coverage without mandatory enrollment in a medical plan.
- Teladoc: 24/7 access to physician consultations via phone.
- Sanvello: Complimentary access to a mindfulness app designed to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Talkspace: 24/7 access to licensed therapists online.
Further details on why RNNetwork is a top choice are available in our complete agency rankings below.
The Largest Nursing Travel Agency in the Market
AMN Healthcare holds the title of the largest nursing travel agency. Reports from recent years indicate they command nearly 20% of the entire market share within the industry.
Partnering with the largest agency presents numerous advantages, notably the sheer volume and variety of available job opportunities. Travel nurses working with AMN also benefit from robust support systems and comprehensive benefits, including complimentary housing, 401(k) options, and life insurance coverage.
AMN Healthcare’s long-standing presence since 1985 solidifies its established reputation. The agency has cultivated exclusive partnerships with healthcare facilities, further expanding job access for their nurses.
In summary, AMN Healthcare is a strong contender for travel nurses seeking a large, well-resourced agency with extensive opportunities.
Top 21 Nursing Travel Agencies Ranked by Nurses
Below is our ranking of the 21 best nursing travel agencies, based on authentic reviews from travel nurses on Indeed and Glassdoor. In cases where data was limited on these platforms, we incorporated Facebook reviews to provide a more complete picture.
1. Axis Medical Staffing
Axis Medical Staffing has earned the top position as the best nursing travel agency for 2023, based on our analysis of travel nurse ratings.
Established in 2004, Axis Medical Staffing offers a range of appealing features:
- Assignment opportunities available across every state in the US.
- A commitment to a “personal touch” in their service, distinguishing them from larger agencies.
- A competitive and transparent payment structure.
While highly rated, it’s worth noting that healthcare benefits become available the first day of the month following the hire date, meaning a potential wait period. For nurses prioritizing immediate benefits, other agencies offer day-one coverage.
However, for those prioritizing adventure and personalized service, Axis Medical Staffing is a highly recommended agency.
| 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 is recognized as a top nursing travel agency for its exceptional support system. Their 24/7 accessibility ensures that nurses can reach out anytime with questions or concerns, and recruiters are dedicated to finding ideal placements.
Beyond support, Host Healthcare provides a range of attractive benefits, including access to thousands of exclusive contract positions nationwide. Additional benefits include:
- Day-one medical coverage, extending up to 30 days between assignments.
- 401(k) matching programs.
- Travel expense reimbursements.
- A specialized housing support team to assist with accommodations.
Host Healthcare’s comprehensive support structure makes it particularly well-suited for nurses new to travel assignments, while experienced travel nurses also appreciate their robust offerings.
| 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 the motto “real and ready,” emphasizing transparent and direct communication. Employee reviews consistently praise their commitment to clear and open dialogue.
For nurses who value building lasting relationships and maintaining regular communication with their recruiter, Triage Staffing could be an excellent fit among nursing travel agencies.
Keep in mind that Triage Staffing fosters a more casual and fun workplace culture, which may not appeal to everyone. They also require travel nurses to have a minimum of two years of experience. However, even without meeting this experience threshold, they encourage nurses to connect and establish a relationship while gaining necessary experience.
| 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 ranks high among nursing travel agencies.
Starting as a small business in 2009, Fusion Medical Staffing has experienced rapid growth, earning accolades for being a fast-growing company with a positive workplace environment.
Reasons to consider Fusion Medical Staffing include:
- They welcome new graduate nurses and offer a mentorship program to support them.
- A strong emphasis on social responsibility and community involvement through volunteering.
- An inclusive company culture, demonstrated by participation in LGBTQ+ pride events and disability fundraisers.
While Fusion Medical Staffing hires new graduates, their website may lack detailed information specifically for this group. New travel nurses should proactively ask thorough questions to determine if Fusion Medical Staffing fully aligns with their 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. boasts over 30 years in the industry and provides 24/7 clinical support for their travel nurses. They have also been recognized with ClearlyRated Best of Staffing awards in 2021 and 2022.
This nursing travel agency features a comprehensive job board and a “Furnished Finder” tool directly integrated into their website, simplifying housing arrangements.
Travel Nurses Inc. provides day-one healthcare coverage and prioritizes contract transparency by scheduling contract reviews with recruiters before each assignment to ensure nurse satisfaction.
Although Indeed and Glassdoor ratings are limited, Travel Nurses Inc. has numerous positive reviews on Facebook and Google which are valuable resources for further research. A minimum of one year of experience is required to work with Travel Nurses Inc.
| 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 highly-ranked nursing travel agency with over three decades of experience. They emphasize close collaboration with travel nurses, tailoring contracts to individual needs.
A unique feature of Atlas MedStaff is the “Atlas Adventure” included with each contract, offering experiences ranging from skiing trips to attending professional sports games.
Additional advantages of working with Atlas MedStaff:
- Comprehensive insurance and benefits packages.
- Paid private housing options.
- Transparent and long-term relationship focus.
Building a strong relationship with your recruiter at Atlas MedStaff is key, as it can significantly impact your overall experience, as with many nursing travel agencies.
| 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 connecting healthcare professionals with opportunities for over 15 years.
For nurses prioritizing salary, Prime Time Healthcare is worth exploring. Their travel nurse salaries are typically above average, complemented by attractive secondary benefits, such as:
- A wide array of excellent benefits.
- Referral bonuses for bringing in other nurses.
- Paid travel expenses to assignments.
Prime Time Healthcare tends to work with experienced, high-caliber healthcare professionals.
It’s also important to note that Prime Time Healthcare also fills positions for per diem nursing and permanent roles, not exclusively travel nursing. For nurses seeking an agency solely focused on travel nursing, other options may be more suitable. However, for those interested in potentially transitioning out of travel nursing in the future while building a long-term agency relationship, Prime Time Healthcare could be a good fit.
| 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 nursing travel agency that focuses on creating customized contracts tailored to each travel nurse’s specific needs.
Before finalizing a contract, a consultant from Medical Solutions will discuss individual priorities with the nurse to ensure alignment.
While contract specifics vary based on individual needs, typical benefits include:
- A strong 401(k) retirement savings plan.
- Referral bonuses for bringing in new nurses.
- Loyalty bonuses for continued service.
- Comprehensive health benefits.
- An employee assistance program for various support services.
While contract flexibility and customization are appealing for nurses who have a clear idea of their preferences, the multitude of options can be overwhelming for those new to travel nursing and unsure of their priorities. Newer travel nurses may find it more beneficial to initially work with agencies offering more standardized, well-established contract structures.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.32 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.1 (351 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 4.5 (437 Ratings) |
9. RNnetwork
RNnetwork is a highly-rated nursing travel agency, ranking among the top in the industry.
RNnetwork provides a balance of personalized service and extensive resources, benefiting from being part of the larger CHG Healthcare Services staffing company.
Advantages of choosing RNnetwork include:
- Sole focus on travel nursing assignments.
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits packages.
- A user-friendly job search platform to easily find assignments.
It’s important to be aware that individual experiences may vary depending on the specific recruiter assigned. A strong recruiter relationship is crucial for a positive experience with RNnetwork.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.45 |
|---|---|
| Facebook Average Rating | 4.5 (178 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 4.4 (159 Ratings) |
10. OneStaff Medical
OneStaff Medical emphasizes experienced recruiters and a strong dedication to the nurses they represent.
Choosing OneStaff Medical grants you 24/7/365 access to a representative, ensuring immediate support whenever issues arise.
They also prioritize communication regarding career goals and meeting individual travel expectations.
Like most of the top nursing travel agencies, OneStaff Medical offers standard benefits and a variety of housing options for travel nurses.
However, OneStaff Medical typically seeks travel nurses with at least two years of prior experience. Some nurses have reported instances of departmental communication issues within the agency. While potentially isolated cases, it’s advisable to be mindful of this possibility.
| 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 a prominent and widely recognized nursing travel agency in the United States.
Their size and established reputation translate to an extensive selection of assignments for travel nurses to choose from.
Additional benefits of working with Aya Healthcare:
- Day-one benefits eligibility.
- Support with credentialing and paperwork processes.
- Scholarship opportunities and educational assistance programs.
Aya Healthcare is a strong option for nurses seeking an agency with substantial resources and a wide range of opportunities.
However, their large scale might mean a less personalized experience compared to smaller agencies. For nurses who prioritize a strong personal connection, this might not be the ideal 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 critical staffing needs during emergencies like natural disasters or severe shortages.
Fastaff Travel Nursing offers some of the highest pay rates in the industry. This is primarily due to the demanding nature of their “Rapid Response” assignments.
For nurses prioritizing high compensation, Fastaff Travel Nursing might be a suitable choice.
However, be prepared for assignments that require starting work within 48 hours of acceptance. These more challenging roles are generally better suited for experienced nurses. Their work culture is more professionally focused and less personal due to the urgent nature of most placements.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.15 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.1 (137 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 4.2 (134 Ratings) |
13. AMN Healthcare
As mentioned earlier, AMN Healthcare is the largest nursing travel agency, providing access to a vast pool of exclusive job opportunities and resources.
AMN Healthcare offers a wide array of benefits, including:
- Free, high-quality private housing.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- 401(k) and flexible spending accounts.
- Life insurance coverage.
- Free continuing education courses for professional development.
- Discounts on various services and products, such as computers, cell phones, hotels, car rentals, and gym memberships.
Their mobile app, AMN Passport, is particularly noteworthy, enabling nurses to receive personalized job alerts, view pay details, manage timekeeping, and organize credentials efficiently.
AMN Healthcare is generally best suited for travel nurses with some prior experience. However, for those seeking an agency with substantial resources and comprehensive benefits, AMN Healthcare is a strong contender.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.12 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 3.9 (427 Ratings) |
| Facebook Average Rating | 4.7 (158 Ratings) |
14. Aureus Medical
Aureus Medical has been operating for over 35 years and promotes a highly personalized approach to travel nursing.
Every nurse is assigned a dedicated recruiter. If the primary recruiter is unavailable, support is accessible 24/7 through other team members.
Aureus Medical also highlights:
- Long-standing relationships with numerous healthcare facilities, expanding job options.
- A dedicated housing and travel department to assist with logistics.
- Robust benefits packages for travel nurses.
Being a larger agency, despite dedicated recruiters, nurses may interact with various staff members within Aureus Medical. This can occasionally lead to information gaps, potentially requiring repetition of information if communication breakdowns occur.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 4.06 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 3.9 (496 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 4.23 (330 Ratings) |
15. Travel Nurse Across America
Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) has been in operation since 1999. Consistently ranked among the top ten nursing travel agencies, TNAA is recognized as a reputable agency nationwide.
TNAA emphasizes strong relationships with client facilities and promotes a transparent company culture.
A key benefit of TNAA is their transparent benefits communication, providing an Assignment Benefit Summary before each assignment begins.
“TNAA Boost Pay” offers an opportunity to earn extra for working additional shifts. They also provide standard benefits and pay protection in case of shift cancellations.
While TNAA has a comprehensive job board, they don’t publicly display pay rates on third-party job sites, which can be a drawback when comparing compensation packages across agencies.
| 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 placing healthcare professionals in facilities with urgent staffing needs, often in high-risk or emergency situations.
Assignments with Krucial Staffing typically require readiness to start within 48 hours and often involve more challenging environments.
The higher compensation offered by Krucial Staffing reflects the demanding nature of these assignments. In addition to competitive pay, they provide:
- Day-one benefits eligibility.
- Extra benefits through partnerships.
- Quality housing options for travel nurses.
Krucial Staffing is a good option for nurses seeking challenging assignments, shorter contract durations, and a wide variety of locations.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 3.96 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 4.4 (215 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 3.5 (205 Ratings) |
17. NuWest
NuWest has been in the industry for around 25 years, known for quickly deploying travel nurses, typically within 72 hours of assignment acceptance.
NuWest maintains a smaller, more personal feel compared to larger agencies. They offer competitive pay and standard travel nursing benefits.
A limitation of NuWest is a smaller number of available assignments, primarily staffing facilities in:
- Florida
- Montana
- California
However, for travel nurses specifically seeking assignments in these states and prepared for rapid deployment, NuWest could be a good fit.
| 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 places travel nurses in healthcare facilities and also assists nurses in finding local permanent positions.
TotalMed Staffing is a versatile option with a large network and a comprehensive online job board, providing numerous assignment choices.
They offer:
- Day-one benefits.
- Assistance with credentialing and paperwork.
- Educational and professional support resources.
Some nurses have reported a lengthy onboarding process with TotalMed Staffing, but this is not a widespread issue.
| 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 operation for over three decades. Beyond travel nursing, they also staff for home healthcare and wellness services, employing over 65,000 healthcare professionals nationwide.
Maxim Healthcare Staffing offers competitive pay and placements in reputable facilities across the country.
Similar to some other nursing travel agencies, many Maxim Healthcare Staffing assignments are in high-stress, high-volume environments. While this translates to higher pay, it may not be ideal for less experienced travel nurses.
Historically, Maxim Healthcare Staffing has experienced some delays in resolving paycheck issues. While these issues were ultimately resolved, they could add stress to already demanding 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 two decades.
Trustaff stands out for its strong communication and helpful staff, offering an active support line readily available to assist nurses.
Their offerings include standard travel nursing benefits:
- Health insurance options.
- 401(k) retirement savings plans.
- Sign-on and completion bonuses.
Assignment lengths with Trustaff can be inconsistent. While typical travel nurse contracts are 13 weeks, Trustaff assignments may vary in duration, potentially being shorter or longer. For nurses requiring a predictable schedule, this inconsistency may be a drawback.
| 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 provides a streamlined digital platform for finding travel nursing assignments, with pay packages often on the higher end of the spectrum.
Additional benefits of working with Nomad Health:
- Weekly pay cycles.
- License reimbursement programs.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
However, some travel nurses working with Nomad Health have reported communication challenges. This can be particularly problematic for nurses new to travel assignments.
Nomad Travel Nursing is part of the larger Nomad Health platform, potentially leading to a less personalized experience. Reviews for Nomad Health are mixed, with both highly positive and negative ratings, suggesting individual experiences may vary significantly based on recruiter interactions.
| BetterNurse Aggregate Rating | 3.52 |
|---|---|
| Indeed Average Rating | 3.3 (56 Ratings) |
| Glassdoor Average Rating | 3.6 (159 Ratings) |
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Maximizing Your Earnings with Nursing Travel Agencies
It’s important to understand that no single nursing travel agency consistently offers the absolute highest pay. All agencies listed here offer competitive rates.
To maximize your earning potential as a travel nurse, focus on factors like assignment location and contract type.
For instance, travel nurses typically earn significantly more in states like California or New York compared to states like Arkansas or Kentucky. However, remember that the cost of living also differs considerably between these states.
Furthermore, specialized nursing roles generally command higher pay than general RN positions. Pursuing certifications or advanced degrees can enhance your earning capacity as a travel nurse.
Regardless of the specific nursing travel agency you choose, travel nursing salaries generally exceed those of permanent registered nurses. The average annual salary for a travel nurse is approximately $106,030, compared to resident RN salaries averaging around $82,750 per year.
Take the Next Step with Top Nursing Travel Agencies
While Axis Medical Staffing is currently the top-rated nursing travel agency for 2023, the optimal choice for you depends on your individual priorities and preferences.
Don’t hesitate to explore multiple nursing travel agencies before making your final decision. Thorough research ensures you secure the best possible contract and agency partnership to advance your travel nursing career.
If you’re ready to begin your journey as a travel nurse, start exploring opportunities and travel now!
