When you’re a travel nurse, you have to be able to adapt to a lot of different situations. You might be working in a rural area where you don’t have the same resources as you would in a big city, or you might be working in an urban center that’s so crowded that it takes up all your time just navigating the streets. But no matter what type of travel nursing situation you’re in, one thing is always true: You’re going to need a reliable way to stay connected with friends and family, get directions when you’re lost, and find new places to eat.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of our favorite apps for travel nurses. They’ll help make sure that wherever your next assignment takes you, there will be some way for you to connect with people back home—and maybe even find new places near where you live!
Table of Contents
Best Apps For Travel Nurses
When traveling from assignment to assignment, travel nurses are constantly looking for the best ways to save money, simplify life and most importantly, have fun. Nowadays, there’s an app for just about everything. Whether you’re looking for the latest hot spot in your new town or trying to keep all of your documents organized, your smartphone can help you along the way. Solve some of the most unique issues to travel nursing with these 10 apps!
- Roadtrippers
@Roadtrippers
Apple
Android
Driving from one assignment to your next? This is a free app to help you with all your road tripping needs. Use the Roadtrippers map to discover millions of places like local diners and quirky roadside attractions or scenic points, national parks and hotels.
- Waze
@waze
Apple
Android
Waze is the app you will want to use while in your new city since it has the ability to give real-time traffic updates and reroute you based on anything it may find like crashes, construction and more. It helps you find the quickest route to your destination so you’re never late for a shift or happy hour. The app even integrates with your calendar to let you know when to leave to make it to your destination on time.
Do you have the most helpful apps for #TravelNurses downloaded on your smartphone? Check out these 10 @FreedomHCS has put together to help you breeze through your next assignment!CLICK TO TWEET
- PayCheckFree and Payrollguru
Apple
Android
Working overtime and possibly different shifts each week can make it difficult to predict your paycheck. Paycheck Free is an app that computes your payroll check from a gross payroll amount or hourly wage calculation, and you even have the ability to include overtime and double time for a more accurate calculation. You can know what your next paycheck may look like down to the taxes taken out including the following payroll taxes: federal withholding tax, social security, Medicare, state withholding, state unemployment and state disability (where applicable).
You can download the paid version, Payrollguru, which considers federal and state deduction allowances and current year-to-date wages paid, details that affect accuracy of calculation.
- Localeur
@Localeur
Apple
Android
Explore your new city like a local with this free app. Find the best restaurants, coffee shops, lunch spots, recreational activities and more through the Localeur app with real recommendations from individuals who actually live there.
- Trover
@trover
Apple
Android
Think Instagram meets Travel Advisor, Trover allows users to post their own images and add geolocation tags so others can discover unique places. Use the app to discover different places in your new location and then post your own images for others so they can experience the unique finds as well.
- Medscape
@Medscape
Apple
Android
Medscape is the app every nurse needs to have in their pocket. Use it for point-of-care decision making, to discuss clinical cases in the Consult section, to save time looking up drugs and dosages as well as to receive decision support with disease and condition reference. You can also stay up-to-date on the latest medical news and earn CME.
Use apps like @GametimeUnited and @Evernote to save time and money as a #TravelNurse on assignment. Read about other helpful apps here:CLICK TO TWEET
- Evernote
@evernote
Apple
Android
Keep your career and life in order with the Evernote app. You can keep notes from each different assignment in separate notebooks as well as take pictures of documents and other important information to save them in individual folders so you can organize and easily reference items with a few clicks.
- Moovit
@moovit
Apple
Android
Getting ready to use public transportation during your new travel nursing assignment? The Moovit app tells you everything you need to know by combining your bus, train, subway and metro app all into one so you’re able to know everything about your next move. Moovit guides you with live navigation and “Get Off” alerts so you never miss your stop. You can even order an Uber from inside the app if the public transportation shown will not meet your needs.
- Gametime
@GametimeUnited
Apple
Android
Looking for something to do on your night off? The Gametime app is a great way to find last-minute tickets for events happening in your area. It’s not only useful for sporting tickets like soccer, baseball, basketball and football tickets (college and professional), but you can also find tickets to that concert you’ve been eyeing or the comedy show you’ve been seeing advertisements for!
- Skype
@Skype
Apple
Android
If you don’t already have the Skype app installed as a travel nurse, it’s about time to do so! Skype lets you keep in touch with all of your loved ones even if you may have a different type of phone than them. You can text, send photos and GIFs through the app as well. Want to have a sibling reunion or friend group meetup? Use the group chat feature so everyone can be in on the fun and you can keep the homesickness at bay.
Being a travel nurse is an adventurous career and getting through an adventure means making sure you have the tools and resources to do so. Having these helpful apps in the palm of your hand will let you do just that. Want to find your next adventure to use these helpful apps? Search jobs across the country with Freedom Healthcare!
travel nurse agencies
Travel nursing offers registered nurses (RNs) short-term working opportunities in a wide variety of healthcare specialties and settings, both across the U.S. and internationally. Nurses seeking travel assignments are typically those who find new challenges and exploration appealing, practicing healthcare in different environments while discovering a new locale.
To start working as a travel nurse, job seekers typically discuss their prior clinical experience, current credentials, and placement desires with a staffing agency recruiter, as opposed to a single hospital system. The recruiter will take the nurse’s prior experience and specialty into consideration while seeking out potential assignments.
Based on availability, the nurse may be presented with an opportunity for travel within their specialty niche. However, it is possible to cross over into different settings, depending on the position requirements and willingness to commute to the contract site. For example, non-specialized assignments in areas such as medical-surgical nursing may be available to a nurse who has specialty credentials in a different area, though non-specialized assignments typically come at a lower pay rate than those seeking specialized skill sets or credentials.
When looking for the right travel nursing agency, it is imperative to use longstanding and reputable sites to conduct individual research, which is why we chose our top picks based on their national ranking, user reviews, and features.
The 6 Best Travel Nursing Agencies of 2022
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 Travel Nursing Agencies
Triage Staffing
Aya Healthcare
Travel Nurse Across America
Axis Medical Staffing
FlexCare Medical Staffing
Advantis Medical
Final Verdict
Compare The Best Travel Nursing Agencies
FAQs
Methodology
BEST OVERALL
Triage Staffing
Triage Staffing
Sign Up Now
Key Specs
Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem
Housing: Tax-free stipend or company secured housing
Benefits: Health coverage, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, 401(k) with company match, vacation, education reimbursement
Why We Chose It
Triage Staff is our best overall pick because it pays more than most agencies, providing high hourly wages and frequent bonuses. This agency attracts top talents thanks to its benefits and extensive perks, like tuition reimbursement and day one 401(k).
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
Smaller agency size
CONS
Wages and stipends are reduced for sick time
Reports of poor weekend support for billing issues
Triage Staffing is one travel nursing company that offers a little bit of everything.
Frequently popping up on several top sites, possessing numerous qualifications, and substantial ratings across several industry cornerstones, Triage Staffing is easily considered the most well-rounded among the companies listed. This company was recognized in 2019 by Inc. Magazine and Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA).
The company, founded in 2006, is moderate in size when compared to other nursing travel agencies (it is listed by Inc. Magazine as having between 51-200 employees). It 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 that are deeper than simple business transactions.” Those who are hired are paid weekly via direct deposit.
Pay is actually a benefits package that includes wage, overtime, bonuses, per diems, and a housing stipend. 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
Aya Healthcare
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Key Specs
Pay: Hourly wage, overtime, bonuses, per diem, stipends when called off
Housing: Tax-free stipend or company secured housing
Benefits: Health coverage, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, sick pay, free wellness and fitness programs, employee assistance programs, and a clinical ladder program with tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness options
Why We Chose It
Coming down with an illness is part of life, but when you’re in the trenches of healthcare, it can complicate your work situation. Fortunately, Aya Healthcare offers sick pay for anyone who falls ill during their travel nursing assignment—a huge perk that makes it stand out from other agencies.
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
CONS
Complaints on communication during recruitment
Large agency size might be challenging
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.1
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.
The company states that pay depends on where a traveling nurse is placed. But it does disclose that it has a 401(k) plan with an employer match, license reimbursements, discounts, wellness and nutrition programs, and more. It’s up to the nurse to decide if they want to accept Aya Healthcare’s comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plan from the first day of an assignment. And, there’s the option to add dependents to the plan.
Aya Healthcare is also one of the only travel nursing agencies that has sick pay, which begins accruing on the first day of an assignment. The nurse can earn one hour for every 30 hours worked, but it can’t be used until after 90 days.
BEST FOR EDUCATION
Travel Nurse Across America
Travel Nurse Across America
Sign Up Now
Key Specs
Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem
Housing: Tax-free stipend or company secured housing
Benefits: Health coverage, dental, vision, liability insurance, 401(k) with company match, sick pay, travel reimbursement, free continuing education, mental health resources, employee assistance program, and chaplain assistance program
Why We Chose It
Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) offers comprehensive benefits; however, its continuing education programs are what really sets the agency apart from others. Thanks to its partnership with Aspen University, the agency helps you earn your BSN with tuition reimbursement upon completion.
Pros & Cons
PROS
RN to BSN tuition reimbursement
RN speciality exam/recertification reimbursements
Insurance coverage available on first day
Offers free mental health resources
CONS
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 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 one of the biggest (in terms of company size) on its 2019 list.2
TNAA explains its use of 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 highlights its wide array of benefits offered, such as low census pay, tuition reimbursement, and paid licensure fees prior to travel. Overtime will be included in payment for any extra hours worked and in every state, paid sick leave begins accruing from day one.
TNAA also has a partnership with Aspen University, so individuals can get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 12 months. Upon completion, TNAA will even reimburse tuition expenses.
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
Axis Medical Staffing
Axis Medical Staffing
Sign Up Now
Key Specs
Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem
Housing: Tax-free stipend or company secured housing
Benefits: Health coverage, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, state license reimbursement, transportation stipends, and continuing education
Why We Chose It
With 24/7 support available 365 days a year, Axis Medical Staffing has one of the best customer service reputations in the industry. They offer a wide array of benefits, including health care 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
CONS
Not transparent about pay rates
Doesn’t include paid sick leave in benefits
Axis’ user reviews remain the highest on this list. Formed in Seattle, Washington, in 2003, Axis touts 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, 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, 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.
BEST TRACK RECORD
FlexCare Medical Staffing
FlexCare Medical Staffing
Sign Up Now
Key Specs
Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem
Housing: Tax-free stipend or company secured housing
Benefits: Health coverage, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, state license reimbursement, transportation stipends, meals and incidentals stipend, rental car, travel reimbursement, continuing education, and license reimbursement
Why We Chose It
Boasting more than 50 industry awards, including BluePipes’s 2020 Best Travel Nursing Company award, 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
Insurance coverage starts after 1 month
Have to make an account to view wages
Bluepipes.com refers to FlexCare Medical Staffing as the “most decorated travel nursing agency of all time,” with more than 1727 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
Advantis Medical
Sign Up Now
Key Specs
Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem
Housing: Tax-free stipend or company secured housing
Benefits: Health coverage, dental, vision, 401(k) without company match, transportation stipends, and partial license reimbursement
Why We Chose It
Advantis Medical has a nurse care team that is 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)
Founded in 2018 as a subsidiary of Advantis Global, Advantis Medical earned a spot on Bluepipes’ 2020 list of Best Travel Nursing Companies.3 Its user reviews are limited in number, but they’re 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.
Final Verdict
Even though some of the agencies on our list require account registration to access pay rates, each one offers competitive benefits and wages. Triage Staffing is our best overall travel nursing agency choice 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.
If you’re a first-time travel nurse, Advantis Medical is an excellent agency to join. The company’s Nurse Care Team is available to answer any questions you might have before, during, and after your job assignments. For those interested in continuing their education, we recommend considering Travel Nurse Across America. The agency has a partnership with Aspen University, enabling you to complete your BSN in one year with tuition reimbursement.
Conclusion
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