travel nurse company in seattle

9 Best Travel Nurse Companies of 2023

Are you ready to try travel nursing? Working with a travel nurse staffing agency can make it easier to find travel nursing jobs and to negotiate pay rates and benefits. An agency gives you a point of contact who can help you navigate job listings and compensation packages.

The sooner you find the right company, the faster you can start traveling.

Click here for today’s top travel nursing opportunities.

How To Find The Right Travel Nursing Company

When looking for the best travel nursing company to suit your needs, you first have to know what your needs are.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when considering travel nursing companies:

• Are you going to need health insurance?
• How important is it that you contribute to your retirement?
• Do you prefer to find your own housing or do you want your company to find it for you?
• Where do you want to travel?
• How do you plan on getting there?
• Do you plan on working per diem as well?
• What kind of healthcare facilities are you hoping to work in?

What to Look for in Travel Nursing Agencies

When looking into travel nurse agencies you should first make sure that they provide the basics: free housing or a housing stipend, health and dental insurance, a retirement plan, travel reimbursement, 24-hour customer support, and a variety and abundance of travel nursing jobs all over the country.

Here are a few tips from my experience about the basics:

Travel Nurse Housing:

Do you want your agency to find housing for you, or do you want to take the housing stipend and search for housing yourself?

I personally found it much easier to have my agency set up my housing for me. This way I knew it was safe, furnished, close to where I was working, and paid for. If there were any problems, all I had to do was call my company and it would be handled.

Many people choose to find their own housing and take the housing stipend instead. There are pros and cons to this choice:

Pros To Choosing Housing Stipends

• Your housing stipend depends on the city you live in, but oftentimes, it is more than the rent you end up paying. This is a good way to make some extra tax-free cash.
• You can find exactly the type of housing you’re looking for at the price you’re willing to pay. You can rent just a room for yourself and pocket a lot of cash. Or rent an entire house if you’re bringing your family or pets along. If you’re traveling with fellow coworkers, you can find a bigger house to share that fits everyone.
• You can choose where you live. Maybe you’re going to Seattle and you’d rather live downtown and commute to work than vs. living next to the hospital in the suburbs.
• There are several websites and groups now to help you find housing
• Once you’ve done it once, you understand how to find housing and can repeat the process in the next location.

Cons To Choosing Housing Stipends

• It can be difficult to find short-term furnished housing.
• Many landlords require a deposit, so you have to front that money before you get your first paycheck.
• If you end up extending your contract, it’s not guaranteed that your landlord hasn’t rented out the place to someone else.
• If you have never been to that city before, it can also be tough to determine whether a neighborhood is safe or not.

Another thing to keep in mind, if you are traveling with a pet, it may make it difficult to find your own housing. Oftentimes, travel nurse agencies have housing already contracted that accepts pets.

There are pros and cons to using your a travel nurse agency’s contracted housing vs. finding your own housing. It just depends on how much time and effort you can put into the search and if you’re hoping to pocket any extra housing stipend cash.

Benefits for Travel Nurses:

• The majority of travel nurse companies offer health and dental insurance.
• Now that the Affordable Care Act is in place, it might be wise to research whether or not it would be more cost-effective for you to go with your agency’s healthcare plan or purchase one of your own through healthcare.org. The benefit of going through healthcare.org is that if you do plan on switching travel nurse agencies, you won’t have to change your insurance.
• Some smaller travel nurse companies will give you a healthcare stipend if you don’t take their health insurance so you can purchase your own.
• As far as retirement plans go, I decided to open up my own Roth IRA and not contribute to the 401K because I didn’t know how long I was going to be traveling.  With some companies you can contribute to your 401K from day 1 and with others you have to wait as long as 1 year.

Travel Nurse Reimbursements

When talking with your potential travel nurse agency, make sure you ask them what the reimbursement is for travel. “Travel” cost is considered the amount of money it takes you to get from your “tax home” to your travel assignment or from one assignment to the next. Often times this can be negotiated if there is a high need in one state that happens to be across the country.

I have found that the average reimbursement is $500.

They will pay you half on your first paycheck and the other half when you complete your assignment. You have the option of either driving or flying to your next destination. I personally drove to each of my assignments; I couldn’t imagine trying to fit all my belongings into suitcases and I love road trips.

Important Pay and Benefits Questions to Ask

Not all benefits or pay packages are created equal. It is important to find an agency that offers benefits, housing, and pay packages that are specific to your needs.

1. What destinations does your agency serve?

The whole point of travel nursing is to travel…right? So it is important to find a company that serves the city or cities you want to travel to. Some agencies claim they have contracts nationwide, however, that may not be the case.

If you know of a specific hospital that you would like to travel to because it looks good on your resume or a specific city you want to explore, then make sure your potential agency has a contract at that location. This is especially important if you want to travel to places such as Hawaii and Alaska.

Match with a travel company here.

2. How are your pay packages broken down?

Does the company tend to pay a higher base rate with lower non-taxable reimbursements or a lower base rate with higher non-taxable reimbursements?

Having a higher base rate may serve you better if you plan on taking company housing, plan on buying a house, or getting a loan in the near future. If you are someone who likes to find their own housing, then a higher housing stipend may be the way to go with a lower base rate.

3. What types of housing do you provide?

Most agencies offer a one-bedroom furnished apartment for your typical 13-week contract. This typically does not include dishes, linen, a washer and dryer, a T.V., or even a vacuum. If you don’t like lugging your belongings around with you all over the country or paying out of pocket to rent this stuff, then it may be wise to either ask if the agency provides any of these necessities at no cost or find your own housing.

If your contract is only eight weeks, then you could get stuck in an extended-stay hotel. I personally like to have nice housing, so I wanted a company that focused on providing comfortable and safe housing options. If you like to find your own housing then this may not apply to you.

4. What type of benefits do you offer?

Most agencies offer medical/dental benefits and a retirement package. If these benefits are important to you, then finding a company with good benefits is essential.

If you like to live on the edge with no health benefits and you brush and floss your teeth like a champ, then maybe you don’t care about benefits. If this is the case then you can ask the company if they are willing to pay you a higher base rate for not taking their benefits.

As far as retirement packages go, I found it easier to do my own Roth IRA on the side. This way, if I switched companies I didn’t have to worry about moving my money all over the place.

Click here to discover new high paying opportunities.

5. What types of extra work-related costs do you reimburse for?

Travel nurse companies can reimburse you for the following:

• Licensing fees
• CEU (Continuing Education) requirements
• Certifications
• Required immunizations

Some travel nurse agencies have a CEU database that is free for their employees. This helps cut costs in those states that require a certain number to maintain or acquire a new license.

These extra costs add up over time so it’s nice to know your agency is looking out for your pocketbook.

6. What are your missed and canceled shift policies?

A missed shift means you called in sick, and a canceled shift means they canceled you for low census. For the most part, the hospital determines how the travel nurse agency handles this, and it will be written in your contract.

This is important because in the travel nurse world if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. And in some cases, you may have to reimburse your agency for housing costs.

There may be a clause written in your contract that allows you to “miss” a certain amount of shifts without being penalized. There will also be a clause that states how many shifts the hospital can cancel you. Usually, it’s once a pay period, and your agency shouldn’t require you to reimburse them for housing costs.

There are even some agencies that offer 100% guaranteed shifts meaning no matter what you will not get canceled.

Find travel assignments in your specialty here.

Other Questions To Ask a Travel Nurse Agency:

• What is the travel reimbursement?
• How much will health insurance cost me?
• If I don’t take health insurance, do I get a healthcare stipend?
• When can I start contributing to my 401K?
• Are there bonuses for extending assignments?
• How often do I get paid?
• Does the company also contract per diem work?
• Do they offer paid time off?
• Are there any referral bonuses available?

9 Best Travel Nursing Agencies

Here is a list and highlights of a few travel nursing companies to consider.

All of these companies offer the basics such as housing, benefits, travel reimbursement, staffing in all 50 states, and 24-hour customer support.

Click here to find the right company for you!

Find the Best Travel Nurse Agency for You

There are a number of travel nursing companies to choose from.

Finding the best travel nursing company that fits your needs and a recruiter that has your best interests in mind are absolutely essential for an enjoyable travel nursing experience.

The right staffing agency for you is out there, now is the time to find them!

  Click here for today’s top travel nursing opportunities.

You may also like

9 Insider Tips From A Travel Nurse Staffing Agent

When Travel Nursing Goes Bad – And How To Fix It

How To Choose The Best Travel Nursing Offer – Pros and Cons

6 Important Questions You Need to Ask A Potential Staffing Agency

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Aya delivers:

• The most jobs in the industry. We have the largest and most reliable job database, which means the jobs you see are open, updated in real time and ready for you!
• Competitive advantage over other agencies. Front-of-the-line access through our direct facility relationships — many with quick (even same-day) offers, giving you the best chance of securing your ideal opportunity.
• Expedited licensing and streamlined compliance. An industry-leading on-time start rate and strong relationships with boards of nursing across the country to accelerate the process in all 50 states.
• Expert career guidance. A dedicated recruiter to help you achieve your dream career. Travel, per diem, permanent — we have the reach and access to get you the jobs you want, and the expertise to help you realize your long-term goals.
• A best-in-class support system and an exceptional experience. Enjoy accurate, weekly pay, and an entire team dedicated to your happiness on assignment, 24/7.

Plus, you get everything you expect from the largest healthcare staffing company in the industry:

• Exceptional benefits, including premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment. Want to take time off? Keep insurance coverage for up to 24 days between assignments.
• A generous 401(k) match.
• Paid company housing (we'll help you bring your pets along, too!) or a generous housing stipend.
• Paid sick time in accordance with all applicable state, federal, and local laws. Aya's general sick leave policy is that employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. However, to the extent any provisions of the statement above conflict with any applicable paid sick leave laws, the applicable paid sick leave laws are controlling.
• The industry's only clinical ladder program for RNs on assignment.
• Access to unlimited continuing education units online.
• Licensure, relocation and other reimbursements, when applicable.
• Pay listed above includes taxable wages and tax-free expense reimbursements.

For all employees and employee applicants, Aya is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer, including Disability/Vets, and welcomes all to apply. Please click here for our EEO policy.

• Bi-weekly weekend travel home.
• A rental car and paid housing.

With Aya Locums you get:

• Access to top hospitals and healthcare systems in diverse care settings.
• Highly competitive, transparent locum tenens pay.
• Dedicated application and assignment support.
• In-house credentialing and licensing teams.
• Full coverage of licensing costs.
• Travel and lodging coverage.
• Easy timekeeping and streamlined management of documents.
• Malpractice coverage and risk management support.
• Premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment.
• Paid sick time. Aya provides paid sick leave in accordance with all applicable state, federal, and local laws. Aya's general sick leave policy is that employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. However, to the extent any provisions of the statement above conflict with any applicable paid sick leave laws, the applicable paid sick leave laws are controlling.
• Generous 401k match.
• Aya may provide other benefits where required by applicable law, including but not limited to reimbursements.
• Aya coordinates all travel and lodging accommodations.
• Travel information is received the evening prior to your scheduled departure.
• Airfare is covered and, if driving to the assignment, reimbursement is available.
• Once notice is received, communication from our team is sent via email and text to ensure you are kept in the loop as soon as information becomes available.
• Your safety is Aya's top priority. We work closely with the facility to ensure additional security measures are taken onsite so you can focus on what really matters: patient care.
• Licensure, relocation and other reimbursements.

Experience the Aya difference today

• A dedicated recruiter who advocates for you every step of the way.
• We'll ensure the hiring manager prioritizes your interest and schedules an interview quickly.
• A streamlined hiring process means offers are often presented within 24-48 hours after an interview with a hiring leader.
• Flexible start dates that work around your availability.
• We make it simple with one point of contact the entire time.
• University of Washington (UW) offers a wide range of benefits as part of your total compensation package. Choose from top medical and dental insurance programs; plan for your future with tax-deferred investing through the UW retirement options; enjoy generous vacation and sick leave policies; and protect yourself and your family with life and long-term disability insurance. For more information, follow the links shown below or explore the Benefits website at http://hr.uw.edu/benefits/

With Aya, you get:

• Higher compensation - we negotiate on your behalf.
• Work-life balance - contracts are up to 40 hours per week, with workdays ending mid-late afternoon and weekends off!
• An employee advocate - our team ensures you have the support needed to be successful in your role.
• Options post contract - extend, convert to a permanent employee or find a new job.
• Paid company housing (pets are welcome to tag along) or a generous housing stipend.
• If qualified, continued insurance coverage over the summer.
• A generous 401k match.
• A robust team to support you every step of the way.
• A credentialing specialist to streamline the entire compliance process.
• Freedom and flexibility around your current schedule.
• The easy-to-use Shifts app. Select shifts anytime, anywhere.
• Premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Front-of-the-line access to exclusive jobs at thousands of healthcare facilities nationwide.
• A robust team to support you every step of the way to ensure you start on time, have accurate payroll and an exceptional experience.
• Certification and other reimbursements, when applicable.

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful states in the union, Washington contains both world-class cities and breathtaking rural areas.

It’s hard not to love Seattle, a coastal seaport city surrounded by trees so deeply green you can hardly believe they exist in such proximity to all the amenities this sprawling metropolis offers. Do yourself a favor and take a walking gourmet food tour. There are many offered and each one is sure to delight the palate of the novice and foodie alike. Pike Place Market is a shoppers dream with everything from fresh fish pulled from the adjacent ocean to jewelry, artwork and other unique crafts. Seattle is also famous for its vibrant music scene, bustling nightlife and the unparalleled view from the top of the Space Needle. At over 600 feet high you can see beyond the city limits to the colorful hills and mountains beyond. Vineyards line that landscape and just outside of the city you can taste some amazing pinot!

The Evergreen State brims with lush forest and mountain ranges that occupy most of the state. National parks are scattered around the state ensuring that an escape to nature is never far away. Take a trip to the beautiful Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. If the breathtaking views aren’t enough, Mt. St. Helens is a great place to learn about volcanic eruptions and how an eruption affects the surrounding areas.

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The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Seattle

Taking a travel nurse assignment in Seattle is, in my opinion, one of the best cities you can be a travel nurse in.  The traveler community in Seattle is incredible, there are plenty of hospitals in the area that regularly hire travel nurses, the pay is high and the patient ratios are low, plus there’s so much to see and do in the area.

I was lucky enough to spend nearly two years (on and off) in Seattle getting to explore the major tourist attractions as well as off-the-beaten path attractions.  Below you’ll find everything that you need to know to have a successful travel nurse assignment in Seattle so that you can acclimate quickly and see the best that the city has to offer.

Why Should You Take a Travel Nurse Assignment in Seattle?

As I mentioned earlier, Seattle is one of the best cities in the US for travel nurses and it’s the perfect place to start travel nursing!  The pay for travel nurses in Seattle is high, the patient ratios are low, and there’s tons of opportunity to meet other travel nurses because there’s a large travel nurse community in Seattle.

Another great thing about taking an assignment in Seattle is that you can get around the city without a car.  While the public transportation could use some work, depending on where you’re living, you can pretty much take the Link light rail to all the major hospitals in the city.

The Best Time to Be a Travel Nurse in Seattle

Located in the Pacific Northwest, this part of America is known for having long and rainy winters .  While temperatures are mild all year round, never getting too hot or too cold; in my opinion the best time to sign a travel nurse contract is in the summer.  A Seattle summer is beautiful, with the daily temperature averaging around 72°-77°F.  This time of the year typically lasts from July-September.  October-June sees more consistent rainfall and cloudy days with temperatures averaging around 50-60°F.  December is the coldest month in Seattle with temperatures ranging from 38°-47°F.

The Best Housing Options for Travel Nurses in Seattle

Neighborhoods in seattle.

There are 25+ neighborhoods to live in in Seattle.  The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing where to live is whether or not you’ll have a car with you.  If you have a car, your options are limitless!  Just make sure to tell your host that you’re bringing a car so that you can gauge how parking is and if there’s a parking fee that you’ll need to pay.

If you’re coming to Seattle without a car, that’s okay too!  The city is very walkable and there’s a train that can take you most places.  I suggest choosing housing that is close to a bus stop or the Link light rail system.

If you’re not bringing a car to Seattle, I recommend…

• Capitol Hill
• Pioneer Square

If you’re bringing a car to Seattle, I recommend…

• Ballard (read about Ballard here )
• Beacon Hill (read about Beacon Hill here )
• Fremont (read about Fremont here )
• West Seattle

Travel Nurse Housing in Seattle

• 1 bedroom/1 bathroom
• Apartment on 11th floor
• In-unit washer/dryer
• Utilities not included
• Parking by request
• Pets allowed (at additional charge)
• Rooftop lounge, fitness center
• Studio/1 bathroom
• Apartment on 5th floor
• Free parking included
• Pets allowed (at additional fee)
• Rooftop lounge, game room, fitness center, pool table, fire pit, dog park, pet spa
• Apartment on 2nd floor
• Pool table, fitness center, outdoor games, fire pit, courtyard, pet spa, rooftop lounge
• Fitness center, rooftop lounge
• Apartment on 7th floor
• Rooftop lounge, pool table, fire pits, fitness center, clubhouse
• Apartment on 4th floor
• Fitness center, rooftop lounge, pet spa, media room, courtyard, dog park, clubhouse
• Above detached garage – has a private entrance
• This is a basement property so there is a chance of noise coming from above
• Outdoor parking available
• Property hosted by rental agency

ANOTHER HOUSING OPTION IN SEATTLE IS TO BOOK WITH EXTENDED STAY AMERICA – CHECK IT OUT HERE !

Cost of living in seattle.

According to Payscale, this cost of living in Seattle is 50% higher than the national average.  The median rent costs $2,896 with the cost of housing being 111% higher than the national average, the cost of utilities being 6% higher than the national average, and the cost of groceries being 25% higher than the national average.

For a comprehensive list of housing resources, don’t miss:

• The Best Housing Options for Travel Nurses

Travel Nurse Salary in Seattle

There are tons of factors to consider when discussing what a travel nurse’s salary is.  These factors include (but are not limited to)…

• Time of year
• Unit need (the more desperate, the higher the pay)
• Unit (specialized units generally pay higher than non-specialized units)
• Cut that your recruiter takes

With that being said, as a NICU nurse working in Seattle my lowest paying contract was $1,800/week and my highest paying contract was $3,000/week.  In my opinion, Seattle is too expensive to accept anything under $1,800/week.

To better understand travel nurse pay, don’t miss:

• Your Guide to Travel Nurse Pay

Travel Nurse Jobs in Seattle

When searching for travel nurse jobs in Seattle, my biggest piece of advice is to find a recruiter that you trust and go from there.  When you’re working with a recruiter to be placed in Seattle, make sure that the company staffs in Washington and ask your recruiter if the company has had success placing other travelers in Seattle.  (This is where that trust aspect comes in!   DM me on Instagram if you’re looking for a trustworthy recruiter).

Transportation in Seattle

Seattle is a city that is easily accessible on foot, bike, train, or by car.  Being a busy city, driving can be stressful and parking can be difficult so I suggest walking, biking, or taking the train when able.

While having a car in Seattle is certainly a luxury and will come in handy (especially if you’re hoping to take advantage of the hiking and outdoor activities outside of Seattle), you don’t need a car to live in Seattle.  In fact, I didn’t have a car while I was working in Seattle and I managed to get around with rideshare and public transportation.  On the days I wanted to explore around Seattle and needed a car, I used Discover Cars to rent one.

If you’re planning to travel to Seattle without a car, don’t miss:

• Tips for Travel Nursing Without a Car

TRANSPORTATION APPS TO DOWNLOAD

Before arriving to Seattle, I suggest downloading these apps so that you can easily get around the city…

• LimeBike – Biking app
• Lyft – For ride share purposes
• Transit GO Ticket – To purchase train tickets from your phone
• Uber – For ride share purposes

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ON THE LINK LIGHT RAIL

If you’re not bringing a car to Seattle, an affordable option is to take the Link light rail that currently services Seattle north to south (and vice versa).  The city is currently working on extending the Link light rail to go further north to the suburbs and out to the Bellevue area, but the construction isn’t done yet.

Right now, the Link travels from Angle Lake to the University of Washington.  Prices vary depending on where you get on and off the train but typically range around $2-$3 for a one-way ticket.  The downside to the light rail is that it doesn’t go east and west.  Therefore neighborhoods like Queen Anne, Fremont, and Ballard are all missed.  If your main choice for transportation is the Link you can purchase an ORCA card and place a balance on it so that you don’t have to purchase a ticket each time you enter the light rail station.  If you get an ORCA card make sure that you scan in AND out each time you enter and exit.  This tracks how much money to charge you and if you don’t scan out then you’ll be charged the maximum amount.  Also, don’t forget to ask your hospital if there is a discount for an ORCA card for being a nurse.

Instead of an ORCA card, you can also download the Transit GO Ticket app to purchase tickets from your phone.

Hospitals in Seattle/Licensing in Washington

There are tons of hospitals serving Seattle and the surrounding areas.  And because of the laws put in place to protect nurses (by implementing mandatory safe staffing rations), there will always be a need for travel nurses in Washington.  Some of the most popular hospitals in Seattle that accept travel nurses include…

• Seattle Children’s Hospital
• Swedish Hospital
• University of Washington Medical Center
• Harborview Medical Center

If you have a compact license – you’re in luck!  Washington just joined the NLC (nurse licensure compact) in 2023.  If you don’t have a compact license, you can apply for a Washington nursing license here .

For more information on licensing, don’t miss…

• Compact vs Non-Compact Nursing License – What You Need to Know

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A TRAVEL NURSE RECRUITER TO HELP YOU LAND IN ASSIGNMENT IN SEATTLE, DM ME ON INSTAGRAM SO I CAN SET YOU UP WITH MY RECRUITER!  OR FILL OUT THIS FORM AND A SENIOR LEVEL RECRUITER WILL REACH OUT TO YOU.

Prioritizing your stay – what should you do in seattle.

Whenever I arrive at a new destination, I sometimes feel completely overwhelmed by the number of things to see and do.  I think to myself, how in the world do I accomplish all that I want to accomplish without wasting any time in 13 VERY short weeks?  Because I was able to stay for over a year, I have compiled a comprehensive list of the best things to see and do in Seattle, where to eat, drink, and more so that you can thoroughly enjoy your time as a traveler.

The Best Things to See and Do in Seattle

Day trips/weekend trips.

I think that one of the greatest things about living in Seattle is the amount of things to do nearby.  Within a few short hours drive, you’re in a new place, experiencing the best that the PNW has to offer.  You can make these quick and easy day trips, going hiking and exploring the great outdoors.  Or travel a bit further to spend a weekend in Oregon, or a more remote area of Washington.

• 6 Day Trips and Weekend Getaways from Seattle

An assignment in Seattle wouldn’t be complete without exploring the outdoors a bit.  There are tons of great hikes near Seattle, and even better ones that are less crowded the further you get from the city.  There’s nothing like waking up early, completely a long (but beautiful) hike, before returning to the city in the early afternoon to brewery hop or go wine tasting.

• Hiking Oyster Dome
• Hiking Lena Lake

GO WINE TASTING IN SODO

Located south of downtown (SODO), you’ll find an industrial type complex of wine tastings known as the SODO Urbanworks.  At the time of writing, the SODO Urbanworks is occupied by 10 wine tasting rooms, one brewery, and one pizza restaurant.  It’s unique in the way that it is located out of the Seattle tourist hot spots, and you can still escape to a type of “wine tasting region” within the city.  (Make sure to visit Latta Wines while you’re there, it’s one of the best tasting rooms at Urbanworks).

PIKE PLACE MARKET

Visit the oldest public farmers market in America – Pike Place Market.  While brimming with tourists and quite overwhelming at times, this attraction is a must-do in the city.  The good news is that since you’ll be around for 13-weeks you can explore it at little intervals throughout the weeks!  There are tons of shops, restaurants, and bars in and around the market to be discovered!  Before going, read my comprehensive guide – Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Pike Place Market .

If you want to book a tour of Pike Place Market, I highly suggest this one .

RENT AN ELECTRIC BOAT

One of the most fun things to do in Seattle is to rent an electric boat on South Lake Union.  The Electric Boat Company offers three different boat options that you can rent year-round.  During the winter and when it’s raining the boats have plastic coverings that protect the inside.  And during the summer the plastic coverings can be removed or rolled up to allow for nice weather and a breeze.  There are different options for choosing a boat ranging from seating for 6-12 passengers.  Amenities include heating, Bluetooth, and enough room if you want to bring your food and drink or you can have your event catered for an extra fee.

The Best Restaurants in Seattle

Seattle is one of my absolute favorite foodie cities.  Fresh seafood and twists on simple dishes, the only thing for certain is that the chefs in Seattle sure know how to keep you on your toes!  Whether it’s house-made strawberry dip n’ dots on raw oysters.  Or fried oysters dunked in buffalo sauce and placed atop deviled eggs… there’s nothing this city won’t try.  For a guide on eating and restaurants in Seattle, check out A Foodie’s Guide to Seattle ; or if you have a sweet tooth –  Seattle Sweets Tour .

The Best Bars in Seattle

While Seattle lacks clubs, upscale bars, and fancy cocktail restaurants… what you can find in Seattle is fun dive bars, loads of great breweries, and even some pretty great wine bars.  For a comprehensive list of bars to visit in Seattle, check out this post

When all is said and done there’s no way to accomplish everything there is to do in Seattle in such a short timeframe!  With hiking to do, tourist stops to see, and restaurants and bars to explore… you could spend years in the city and only begin to peel back the layers.  Luckily, travel nursing jobs are hot and pretty easy to come by in the area.  My hope for you is that you will have endless opportunities to sign a travel nurse contract in this Seattle.

Travel Nurse Essentials

For housing.

• Hello Landing – Use code “PassportsandPreemies” for $250 off your first standard Landing stay

FOR RECRUITERS

• Fill out this form to be matched with a senior level recruiter at Host Healthcare
• DM me on Instagram for my go-to recruiter at Fusion

FOR TRAVELING TO/DURING YOUR ASSIGNMENT

• To book a flight, I recommend Expedia or Skyscanner to compare options
• If you need to rent a car, I recommend Discover Cars
• Reusable water bottle
• Liquid IV for when you need extra hydration during a long shift
• Badge Reels

TO EXPLORE YOUR NEW “HOME”

• For tours I recommend Viator , Take Walks , & Devour Tours (available in select cities)

If you’re looking for other ideas of where to be a travel nurse, check out these posts:

• The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nursing in Austin
• The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Boston
• The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Chicago
• The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Fargo
• The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Omaha
• The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to San Francisco
• The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Santa Barbara

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you.  Passports and Preemies is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.

Kylee is a NICU nurse passionate about making travel affordable and accessible to nurses. Inspiring nurses to travel both near and far, Kylee began Passports and Preemies in 2017 while volunteering in Skopje, North Macedonia as a way to reach nurses and advocate for the prevention of nurse burnout by traveling. Kylee has been a NICU nurse for 9 years and a travel nurse for 7 years. Since starting her career in travel nursing, she’s worked in six different states, 10 different hospitals, volunteered as a nurse in North Macedonia, worked as a nurse in Saudi Arabia, and has traveled to 45+ countries. Her favorite travel nurse assignment was in Seattle and her favorite destination is Georgia (the country). Kylee is the original creator of the “8 Day Vacay” – a vacation geared towards nurses who aim to take advantage of the potentially 8 days off between work weeks with no need to use PTO.

Find me on: Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

You may also enjoy:

10 things to see & do in fargo, north dakota, a travel nurse’s review of host healthcare (what i like & dislike), the absolute best travel nurse recruiter (in the world), housing for travel nurses: extended stay america, 10 comments.

Hi. Is there a way to find a traveling nurse I met at Swedish Ballard during my child birth? I only know her name, and she was the most beautiful person I ever met in my life, and I want to be able to write to her and thank her. I was looking for her ever since, but have failed. Will you be able to help me in finding her? I only know her name, but is there a directory or association I can write to and ask about her?

Hi Sruthy, unfortunately, I can’t be of any help. Maybe she will see this comment and respond :).

Hi Kylee. I have an upcoming assignment in Seattle at Harborview Hospital. Is that area a pretty safe place to stay nearby? I have visited Seattle a few times and didn’t feel too safe. Which areas would you recommend as being safe? Thanks in advance.

Hi Nikki! I’m sorry about your previous experiences in Seattle! I agree that there are some areas that aren’t the best, but I think that Fremont, Beacon Hill, Ballard, and Queen Anne are all pretty safe! There are also places in Capitol Hill that feel safe (like upper Capitol Hill), I hope you find something that you feel comfortable in!

Which NICU did you like better? Trying to decide between Swedish and Seattle.

Omgsh I love, love, loved Seattle Children’s. It was my all time favorite hospital 🙂

Green Lake is great neighborhood, east side of the lake is right next to Roosevelt light rail station direct access to UW hospital, Children’s hospital 2.2 miles. Green Village with health food store, bars, gyms, yoga studios and restaurants. If you like to jog, Green Lake has jogging path around the lake 2.5 miles. I rent a spare bedroom 2 blocks from the lake 5 blocks from Roosevelt Station. I am also a Seattle native 😉

Green Lake is a great area! Thanks for the comment Helen!

Hi Kylee My sister and I are planning a trip to Seattle in the next month/ Feb ’24 (from Vancouver, BC Canada) and need a nurse for about an hour max to assist with a very simple procedure. I can explain further in a private conversation but wondering if you or you know of anyone that we can pay to do the procedure. The procedure should take less than 5 minutes. I can explain further to discuss if your able. Thanks

Hi Bea, I’m not currently in Seattle and don’t know any nurses available. So sorry!

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Where to next?

10+ of the best hotels in siem reap, the best nusa penida 2 day itinerary, the best packing list for indonesia, a complete guide to visiting florence, 45+ best places to visit in europe, a complete guide to visiting albuquerque, khao lak to similan islands – a complete guide, a complete battambang itinerary – everything you need to know about visiting, 10 things i wish i knew before working as a nurse in saudi …, everything you need to know about visiting indonesia, is paris overrated the most overrated activities (and what to do instead), the ultimate cambodia packing list, from paris: how to have the best day trip to london, a complete guide to vietnam’s ha giang loop, the best packing list for southeast asia.

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The Best Traveling Nurse Services to Work for in 2024

The travel nursing agencies we recommend for your next short-term post

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.

• 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
• Our Top Picks

Triage Staffing

Aya Healthcare

Travel Nurse Across America

Axis Medical Staffing

FlexCare Medical Staffing

Advantis Medical

Host Healthcare

• Fusion Medical Staff
• See More (7)

Final Verdict

• Compare Providers
• Guide to Choosing

Best Overall : Triage Staffing

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem
• Housing: Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing for 13 weeks
• Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, vacation, education reimbursement
• Contracts nationwide: Yes

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 reimbursement and 401(k) on the first day.

Contracts available in all 50 states

Insurance available on first day

Paid by direct deposit each week

Dedicated support team available 24/7

Reports of poor weekend support for billing issues

Must have 2 years experience for most positions

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.

Best for Sick Pay : Aya Healthcare

• Pay: Hourly wage, overtime, bonuses, per diem, stipends when called off
• Housing: Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; 401(k) with company match; sick pay; wellness and fitness programs; employee assistance programs; tuition reimbursement; loan forgiveness options

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.

Benefits include sick pay (after 90 days)

Offers local and nationwide travel assignments

Requires only 1 year of experience

Insurance coverage for you and your dependents from day 1

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

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 for  travel nursing from Canada .

Best for Education : Travel Nurse Across America

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem (guaranteed)
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; liability insurance; 401(k) with company match; sick pay; travel reimbursement; free continuing education; mental health resources; employee assistance program; chaplain assistance program

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 reimbursement upon completion.

RN to BSN tuition reimbursement

RN specialty exam/recertification reimbursements

Insurance coverage available on first day

Offers free mental health resources

Per diem guarantee

Unable to see pay rates on the site

Large agency size might feel less supportive

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 reimbursement, 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 reimbursements for recertification fees to certain eligible nurses.

Best Customer Service : Axis Medical Staffing

• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with company match; state license reimbursement; transportation stipends; continuing education

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.

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

Not transparent about pay rates

Doesn't include paid sick leave in benefits

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 new  Traveler 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 reimbursements and benefits similar to other companies, but it is not immediately clear from the company's website whether it offers paid sick leave.

Best Track Record : FlexCare Medical Staffing

• Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, state license reimbursement, transportation stipends, meals and incidentals stipend, rental car, travel reimbursement, continuing education, license reimbursement

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.

Award-winning, highly reputable agency

Single point of contact for all your needs

Outstanding benefits

Features a referral program

Have to make an account to view wages

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 its  Premier 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.

Best Newcomer : Advantis Medical

• Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) without company match, transportation stipends, partial license reimbursement

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.

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

Site lacks information on benefits package

No company match for 401(k)

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.

Best for Benefits : RN Network

• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; employee assistance program; Sanvello membership; Talkspace membership; Teladoc access; credentialing assistance; continuing education; traditional and Roth 401(k); travel reimbursement; loyalty program

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.

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

No paid time off

Complaints of lower-paying contracts

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.

Best Recruiters : Host Healthcare

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, bonuses, per diem, COVID quarantine pay
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance; 401(k) with company match; travel reimbursement

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.

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

Can’t view facility or pay without an account

Site lacks information on reimbursement offers

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.

Best for Recent Graduates : Fusion Medical Staff

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, per diem, and bonuses
• Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, short-term disability, travel and transportation per diem

Fusion Medical offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and transparent information about opportunities, and welcomes new graduates to sign up.

Transparent information for each job posting

Nationwide network

Attentive recruiters

Competitive pay and benefits

Open to new graduates

Per diem reimbursements may be less convenient for expenses like travel

Past complaints from LGBTQIA employees

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."

Best Job Board : TotalMed

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, bonuses, and guaranteed hours
• Housing: Company-provided housing or stipend
• Benefits: Health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, short-term disability up to 12 weeks plus up to 60% of monthly earnings

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.

Large, well-connected agency with huge job board

Solid day-one benefits

Flexible housing options

Pay guaranteed

Generous short-term disability policy

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

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 reimbursement 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 reimbursement are just a few ways it provides long-term support for travelers. 

Compare the Best Travel Nursing Agencies

Guide to choosing the best travel nursing agencies.

Travel nursing agencies are  staffing agencies  that 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.

Is a Travel Nursing Agency Right for You?

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:

• Competitive pay: Travel nursing agencies offer competitive pay rates that are often higher than what you would make as a staff nurse and recruiters can help you find lucrative positions.
• Benefits : Health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits are typically included in a travel nursing agency's compensation package.
• Housing: Travel nursing agencies often provide housing or help nurses find housing in their assignment location.
• Specialty assignments based on nursing field: Agencies can help place you in an assignment that matches your specialty, interests, and skills . Some facilities accept travelers into new specialties or a float pool that covers multiple units, as long as they have prior travel nursing experience. This is an added bonus for those who wish to explore new areas of nursing.
• Flexibility: Agencies offer a variety of assignment lengths and locations, so you can choose an assignment that fits your lifestyle.
• Perks and discounts : Free or reduced-cost continuing education courses, travel expenses, gym memberships, completion bonuses, and other perks are often available through travel nursing agencies.

How to Choose a Travel Nurse Agency

Consider the following when choosing a travel nursing agency:

• Average pay rates: Pay rate varies by agency, location, and assignment. Travel nurses often work with multiple agencies at the same time to find the best assignments and pay rates.
• Benefits package: Make sure the agency's benefits are comprehensive and meet your needs. Benefits may include health coverage , dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, 401K, vacation time, and education reimbursement.
• Housing options: Determine if the agency provides housing or assists with finding housing. Some nurses prefer to find their own housing, while others prefer the convenience of having the agency secure housing for them.
• Reputation: Check out online reviews and ratings to get an idea of the agency's reputation. Talking to other travel nurses who have worked with the agency is also a good way to get first-hand information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which travel nurses are most in demand.

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.

Do Travel Nursing Agencies Pay for Housing?

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.

How Long Are Travel Nursing Assignments?

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.

What Experience Do You Need to Be Recruited by a Travel Nursing Agency?

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.

Can Travel Nurses Choose Where They Work?

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.

Methodology

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.

VERYWELL Health / Design by Amelia Manley

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 .

Bill sponsored by Seattle City Council President would take away key components of PayUp Ordinance

S ince January, the impact of Seattle's PayUp Ordinance has been the topic of debate for food delivery drivers, customers, restaurant owners, and policy makers . 

Companies said to accommodate the higher wage requirement, they had to add an extra fee on orders.  The fee ranges from $5 to $25. That fee has slowed orders, resulting in some drivers receiving less pay and restaurants missing out on orders.

Because UberEats, DoorDash, and GrubHub are private companies, KING 5 cannot verify their claims of needing to add a fee to accommodate the PayUp Ordinance's higher wage requirement. They have not released any financial information related to the ordinance.  

RELATED: Amazon not implementing delivery fee after controversial Seattle ordinance

Public revenue data from 2023 shows all the companies reported making billions of dollars. DoorDash spent more than $130,000 in March lobbying to repeal the PayUp Ordinance.

CB 120775 , an ordinance proposed this week, sponsored by Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson, would change PayUp policies many considered key wins for drivers. The changes fall under four categories.

Compensation

• Drivers would  go from making around $26 an hour + $0.74 per mile to $19.97 an hour + $0.35 per mile. 
• Guaranteed minimum pay of at least $5 per offer would be eliminated. Pay would be calculated over an earnings period, not a per offer basis.
• Incentives and bonuses offered by the companies would count toward minimum pay.

More changes to compensation, taken from Seattle City Council documents, are below.

In the PayUp Ordinance, an app-based worker can cancel an offer with cause for the following reasons: the offer was substantially inaccurate; the offer cannot be completed because customer is not present or fails to communicate; an unforeseen obstacle or occurrence; due to sexual harassment or discrimination during performance of the offer. 

Transparency

Under PayUp, companies are required to let drivers knows information that can help them decide if they want to take an order with up-front disclosures like the pick-up and drop-off location, if the customer has already tipped, etc. The proposed legislation would remove those up-front disclosure requirements. Drivers would also have 45 seconds to decide to accept an offer versus the two minutes they currently have. Requirements to include how the company calculated the driver's pay would also be removed from worker receipts.

Flexibility

Current law protects app-based workers' flexibility and prohibits adverse actions by network companies, including limiting hours, reducing pay, and retaliation. CB 120775 would remove these protections, allowing companies to take any action up to termination, and limit worker access to the app for any reason, as long as they disclose it to the worker.

Enforcement Provisions

CB 120755 would remove the right for worker's to sue the app companies if they feel their rights have been violated. A cure period for certain “non-willful” violations would be established. It would prevent The Office of Labor Standards from assessing penalties, fines, or other costs for those violations.

What's Next

On May 9, the Seattle City Council's Government, Accountability, and Economic Development Committee will discuss any proposed amendment to CB 120755. If the committee votes to recommend approval during that meeting, the full Council could take up the legislation on May 21. If passed, it could go into effect at the end of June.

Watch: Gig workers split on who's to blame for Seattle's 'PayUp' law not working

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