How Do I Choose a Travel Nurse Agency?
Choose a travel nurse agency based on pay transparency, recruiter responsiveness, benefits quality, and contract flexibility — not just the highest-paying offer. Working with 2–3 agencies simultaneously gives you access to more jobs and leverage to negotiate better packages.
Last updated 2026-02-04
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The #1 Thing to Evaluate: Pay Transparency
A trustworthy agency will break down your pay package into base rate, housing stipend, M&IE stipend, and any bonuses — without you having to ask. They should be able to tell you the bill rate (what the hospital pays them) when asked. Agencies that give you only a 'blended rate' or won't share the breakdown are a red flag.
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Find your first assignment →What Good Agencies Offer
Beyond pay, evaluate the full package.
| Benefit | Good Agency | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Day-1 coverage, multiple plan options | No insurance or 30+ day wait |
| 401k | Match offered, low vesting period | No retirement options |
| Housing Support | Stipend OR quality company housing | Substandard housing, no choice |
| Recruiter | Responsive, honest, knows your specialty | Ghosting, pressure tactics, generic pitches |
| Compliance | Organized credentialing process | Disorganized, lost documents, delays |
| Contract Terms | Clear cancellation policy, guaranteed hours | Vague terms, no cancellation protection |
Why Work with Multiple Agencies
Most experienced travelers work with 2–3 agencies. This gives you access to more job listings (agencies have different hospital contracts), the ability to compare pay packages for the same job, leverage in negotiations, and a backup if one agency is slow. Just be upfront with your recruiters about working with others — good recruiters understand this.
When you QuickApply on CatSol, you're matched with a recruiter who specializes in your exact profession — not a generalist.
Find your first assignment →Search Thousands of Travel Healthcare Jobs
CatSol uses AI to match you with the right jobs — just describe what you want in plain English.
Questions to Ask Before Signing
Ask every agency: What is the complete pay breakdown (base, housing, M&IE)? What is the bill rate? What health insurance plans do you offer and when does coverage start? What happens if my assignment is cancelled? Do you guarantee my hours? What is your cancellation policy? Can I extend my contract and at what rate?
Where to Research Agencies
Check reviews on: Highway Hypodermics (most trusted in the travel nursing community), The Gypsy Nurse forums, BluePipes agency ratings, Facebook travel nurse groups (ask specific questions), and Google reviews. Look for patterns in reviews — one bad review is normal, but repeated complaints about late pay or unresponsive recruiters are deal-breakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many agencies should I work with?
Can I switch agencies mid-career?
What's the difference between small and large agencies?
Choose agencies based on pay transparency, benefits, recruiter quality, and contract terms. Work with 2–3 agencies for more options and leverage. Research reviews on Highway Hypodermics and travel nurse communities. Avoid agencies that won't break down your pay package or share the bill rate.
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