Why Your Choice of Agency Could Make or Break Your Travel Nursing Career

Let’s be real: travel nursing should be a dream gig. You get to explore new places, rack up career experience, and score some serious cash. But here’s the catch—your experience in this industry depends heavily on the agency you choose. Pick the wrong one, and you’re in for a world of frustration, wasted time, and missed opportunities.

In this post, we’re cutting through the BS to show you why the right agency matters now more than ever. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the paycheck.

The Post-Pandemic Reality: Welcome to the New Normal

Remember the pandemic paydays? Bill rates that hit $250 an hour? Yeah, those days are gone. As COVID-19 faded, so did the gold rush. Rates are now back to pre-pandemic levels, usually $80-$110 an hour—adjusted for inflation, that’s like a 6% pay cut. Hospitals are tightening budgets, and there’s more competition than ever.

Translation: You can’t afford to mess around with agencies that don’t have your back.

Why Agency Selection Matters (Now More Than Ever)

1. Access to Real Opportunities

Not every agency has the same connections. Some have exclusive contracts or “priority” status with top hospitals. Others… don’t. Go with an agency that lacks these relationships, and you’ll end up at the back of the line—or worse, waiting around for jobs that never materialize.

Pro Tip: Ask straight-up questions. Does the agency have direct contracts with the hospitals/jobs you want? How often do they place nurses there? If they’re vague, move on.

2. Pay Rates and Transparency (a.k.a. No BS)

Agencies love to get creative with pay packages. Some advertise sky-high hourly rates but slash your benefits. Others will hook you with inflated numbers, then “adjust” them down later. Sound shady? That’s because it is.

Red Flag Alert: If an agency is quoting way above average for the same role, be cautious. It might be a bait-and-switch—or worse, they’re lying about the rate to reel you in.

3. Recruiter Relationship: Your Lifeline

A good recruiter isn’t just someone who finds you a job. They’re your advocate, your guide, your go-to problem solver. The right recruiter will help you navigate compliance, negotiate better pay, and steer you toward jobs that match your goals. The wrong recruiter? Well… they’re just trying to hit a quota.

Consider: Is your recruiter listening to you? Do they give it to you straight about potential challenges? Or are they just making empty promises?

4. Benefits and Support: More Than Just a Paycheck

Hourly rate isn’t everything. Health insurance, retirement plans, licensure reimbursements, occupational health reimbursements, certification reimbursements, and support services all matter—especially when things go sideways on assignment. Be sure to ask for details on these to ensure they're covered or you could be left holding the bill.

Action Step: Compare the total compensation package. Sometimes, a slightly lower rate with better benefits is actually worth more in the long run.

Common Pitfalls in Travel Nursing

The Job Board Black Hole

Job boards look convenient, but they’re often more headache than help. They're designed to generate leads for agencies, not to streamline your job search. They’re full of duplicate, outdated, or downright fake listings. You end up spending hours scrolling, applying to way more agencies that you should, only to find out half the jobs don’t even exist.

Advice: Instead of applying to everything that moves, focus on building a relationship with a solid agency that can get you into the assignments you actually want. Check out our blog post all about the “The Dark Side of Job Boards”

Reference Fatigue

If you’re applying through multiple agencies, your references are going to get bombarded. Constant calls for the same references can strain relationships and make you look disorganized.

Solution: Limit the number of agencies you work with, and let them know if your references have already been verified.

MSPs and VMSs: Who’s Really in Charge?

Ever wondered why some agencies have more job options than others? It’s all about MSPs (Managed Service Providers) and VMSs (Vendor Management Systems). MSPs are staffing agencies that have exclusive hospital contracts to fill all their jobs. VMSs also have exclusive control over hospital contracts, but are neutral platforms that distribute jobs to multiple agencies. Knowing who’s playing the middleman can help you choose an agency with better job access.

How to Make the Right Choice

1. Do Your Homework

Dig into the agency’s history. Read reviews, talk to other travel nurses, and don’t just take the recruiter’s word for it. An agency with a good reputation should have nurses willing to vouch for them.

2. Ask Smart Questions

How long has the agency been around?

What hospitals or regions do they focus on?

Do they have any direct relationships or do they rely heavily on MSP & VMS offerings?

What’s their compliance process like?

If they’re cagey about any of this, they’re probably hiding something.

3. Size Up Your Recruiter

Do they seem knowledgeable?

Are they transparent and timely with their responses?

Do they genuinely care about your career goals?

A recruiter worth their salt will make you feel like a partner, not a paycheck.

4. Look at the Whole Package

Don’t get blinded by the hourly rate. Check out benefits, reimbursements, and support services. That “amazing” rate won’t mean much if you’re paying through the nose for health insurance or can’t get reimbursed for licensing.

5. Trust Your Gut

If something feels off, trust your instincts. Don’t let anyone pressure you into a contract or a rate you’re not comfortable with. There are plenty of agencies out there—don’t settle for one that doesn’t sit right.

The Bottom Line: It’s Your Career, Take Control

In today’s travel nursing landscape, the agency you pick is more than a middleman—they’re a partner in your career. Take the time to research, ask the tough questions, and find a recruiter who’s in your corner. The right agency won’t just hand you a job; they’ll help you build a career that supports your goals and respects your skills.

Your expertise is in demand, and you deserve an agency that’s as committed to you as you are to your patients.

Got travel nursing experiences or advice to share? Drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going!

A Final Thought

The reality is, finding the right agency can make or break your travel nursing experience. But navigating all the options—and dodging the shady ones—can feel like a full-time job on its own. That’s why Mullet offers a concierge service just for travel nurses like you.

Our team of industry experts knows the ins and outs of this business. We’ll work with you one-on-one to figure out which agencies align with your goals, values, and needs. Looking for the highest pay? We’ve got insights on who’s offering it. Need strong benefits or a recruiter who actually listens? We’ll point you to the ones who have your back. Think of us as your personal travel nursing advisors, here to make sure you don’t get stuck with an agency that’s only in it for their cut.

Ready to find an agency that’s actually a partner in your career? Email concierge@mullet-job-hunt.com to get started with our concierge service.

Don’t settle for a roll of the dice. Let Mullet connect you with the agencies and recruiters who are in it for you, not just their bottom line.