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. The Best Traveling Nurse Services to Work for in 2024 The Best Traveling Nurse Services to Work for in 2024 Final Verdict Compare Providers Guide to Choosing FAQs Key Specs Why We Chose It 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 reimbursem*nt and 401(k) on the first day. Pros & Cons Pros Contracts available in all 50 states Insurance available on first day Paid by direct deposit each week Dedicated support team available 24/7 Cons Reports of poor weekend support for billing issues Must have 2 years experience for most positions Overview 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. Key Specs Why We Chose It 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. Pros & Cons Pros Benefits include sick pay (after 90 days) Offers local and nationwide travel assignments Requires only 1 year of experience Contracts available in all 50 states Insurance coverage for you and your dependents from day 1 Cons 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 Overview 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 fortravel nursing from Canada. Key Specs Why We Chose It 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 reimbursem*nt upon completion. Pros & Cons Pros RN to BSN tuition reimbursem*nt RN specialty exam/recertification reimbursem*nts Insurance coverage available on first day Offers free mental health resources Per diem guarantee Cons Unable to see pay rates on the site Large agency size might feel less supportive Overview 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 reimbursem*nt, 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 reimbursem*nts for recertification fees to certain eligible nurses. Key Specs Why We Chose It 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. Pros & Cons Pros 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 Cons Not transparent about pay rates Doesn't include paid sick leave in benefits Overview 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 newTraveler 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 reimbursem*nts and benefits similar to other companies, but it is not immediately clear from the company's website whether it offers paid sick leave. Key Specs Why We Chose It 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. Pros & Cons Pros Award-winning, highly reputable agency Single point of contact for all your needs Outstanding benefits Features a referral program Cons Have to make an account to view wages Overview 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 itsPremier 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. Key Specs Why We Chose It 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. Pros & Cons Pros 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 Paid by direct deposit each week Cons Site lacks information on benefits package No company match for 401(k) Overview 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. Key Specs Why We Chose It 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. Pros & Cons Pros 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 Cons No paid time off Complaints of lower-paying contracts Overview 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. Key Specs Why We Chose It 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. Pros & Cons Pros 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 Cons Can’t view facility or pay without an account Site lacks information on reimbursem*nt offers Overview 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. Key Specs Why We Chose It Fusion Medical offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and transparent information about opportunities, and welcomes new graduates to sign up. Pros & Cons Pros Transparent information for each job posting Nationwide network Attentive recruiters Competitive pay and benefits Open to new graduates Cons Per diem reimbursem*nts may be less convenient for expenses like travel Past complaints from LGBTQIA employees Overview 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." Key Specs Why We Chose It 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. Pros & Cons Pros Large, well-connected agency with huge job board Solid day-one benefits Flexible housing options Pay guaranteed Generous short-term disability policy Cons 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 Overview 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 reimbursem*nt 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 reimbursem*nt are just a few ways it provides long-term support for travelers. Travel nursing agencies arestaffing agenciesthat 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. 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: Consider the following when choosing a travel nursing agency: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 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. Edited byAlly Hirschlag See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback?The Best Traveling Nurse Services to Work for in 2024
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
Final Verdict
Compare the Best Travel Nursing Agencies
Travel Nursing Agency Pay Housing Benefits Nationwide Contracts Triage Staffing
Best OverallHourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing Health coverage, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, vacation, and education reimbursem*nt Yes Aya Healthcare
Best for Sick PayHourly wage, overtime, bonuses, per diem, stipends when called off Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing Health coverage, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, sick pay, free wellness and fitness programs, employee assistance programs, clinical ladder program with tuition reimbursem*nt, and loan forgiveness options Yes Travel Nurse Across America
Best for EducationHourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing Health coverage, dental, vision, liability insurance, 401(k) with company match, sick pay, travel reimbursem*nt, free continuing education, mental health resources, employee assistance program, and chaplain assistance program Yes Axis Medical Staffing
Best Customer ServiceHourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing Health coverage, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, state license reimbursem*nt, transportation stipends, and continuing education Yes FlexCare Medical Staffing
Best Track RecordHourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing Health coverage, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, state license reimbursem*nt, transportation stipends, meals and incidentals stipend, continuing education, and license reimbursem*nt Yes Advantis Medical
Best NewcomerHourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing Health coverage, dental, vision, 401(k) without company match, transportation stipends, and partial license reimbursem*nt Yes RN Network
Best for BenefitsHourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing Health coverage, dental, vision, life insurance, employee assistance program, Sanvello membership, Talkspace membership, Teladoc access, credentialing assistance, continuing education, traditional and Roth 401(k), travel reimbursem*nt, and loyalty program Yes Host Healthcare
Best RecruitersHourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem, COVID quarantine pay Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing Health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and travel reimbursem*nt Yes Fusion Medical Staffing
Best for Recent GraduatesHourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, per diem, and bonuses Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing Health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company Yes TotalMed
Best Job BoardHourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, per diem, and bonuses Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing Health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and travel reimbursem*nt Yes Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Nursing Agencies
Is a Travel Nursing Agency Right for You?
How to Choose a Travel Nurse Agency
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Travel Nurses Are Most in Demand?
Do Travel Nursing Agencies Pay for Housing?
How Long Are Travel Nursing Assignments?
What Experience Do You Need to Be Recruited by a Travel Nursing Agency?
Can Travel Nurses Choose Where They Work?
Methodology
The Best Travel Nursing Agencies of 2024 (2024)
Table of Contents
The Best Traveling Nurse Services to Work for in 2024
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
Final Verdict
Compare the Best Travel Nursing Agencies
Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Nursing Agencies
Is a Travel Nursing Agency Right for You?
How to Choose a Travel Nurse Agency
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Travel Nurses Are Most in Demand?
Do Travel Nursing Agencies Pay for Housing?
How Long Are Travel Nursing Assignments?
What Experience Do You Need to Be Recruited by a Travel Nursing Agency?
Can Travel Nurses Choose Where They Work?
Methodology
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