How to Choose the Right Travel Nursing Agency

Your career deserves more than just a recruiter — it deserves a partner.

The world of travel nursing is full of promise: new cities, diverse clinical experiences, and the freedom to design your career on your terms. But before you start packing your scrubs and updating your license, there’s one critical decision to make: choosing the right travel nursing agency.

With hundreds of staffing firms out there, it can be tough to tell which ones will truly have your back — not just when you're on assignment, but in every step of your journey. That’s where this checklist comes in.

At GQR Healthcare, we believe in empowering nurses to make informed decisions. Here’s your guide to choosing a travel nursing agency that supports your goals, values your time, and delivers on its promises.

1. Transparency from Day One

Before you sign a contract or even apply for a job, your agency should be upfront about key details:

Pay packages (base rate, overtime, stipends)

Housing options and tax implications

Benefits and reimbursements

Expected hours and shift types

Red flag: If you’re getting vague answers, delayed responses, or hard-sell tactics, that’s a sign to move on.

👉At GQR Healthcare, our recruiters walk you through the full breakdown of each assignment before you ever say yes. Honesty isn’t a bonus—it’s a baseline.

2. Personalized Recruiter Support

Your recruiter should be more than a job-filler. They should be your advocate, your guide, and your problem-solver. The right agency will match you with a recruiter who:

Understands your specialty and career goals

Listens to your needs (not just availability)

Checks in regularly before, during, and after assignments

👉At GQR, our recruiters are relationship-driven. We celebrate your wins and help navigate your challenges, because we know the job doesn’t stop at placement.

3. Strong Facility Partnerships

Great travel nursing experiences often depend on the quality of the facility. A trustworthy agency will have long-standing relationships with respected hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems.

Ask:

Does the agency partner with Magnet-recognized or teaching hospitals?

Do they have exclusive contracts with large systems?

Are you being submitted to jobs without your knowledge?

👉GQR Healthcare has national reach and local relationships. Our clients range from top-tier trauma centers to specialized behavioral health facilities — and we always get your approval before submitting your profile.

4. Reliable Credentialing & Onboarding

Missing documents, delayed start dates, or last-minute scrambles can derail your assignment before it starts. A reliable agency will:

Help you organize license requirements across states

Coordinate compliance with hospital-specific checklists

Provide clear timelines and contacts during onboarding

👉GQR’s credentialing team keeps you organized and on track. We work behind the scenes so you can focus on what you do best — providing care.

5. Comprehensive Benefits Package

Don’t settle for bare-bones offerings. A solid travel nursing agency should provide:

Day-one health insurance

401(k) options

Paid sick leave or PTO

Continuing education reimbursements

👉At GQR, our benefits are built with nurses in mind. You work hard — your coverage should, too.

Choosing the right travel nursing agency is more than just a logistical decision — it’s a defining moment in your professional journey. The agency you align with can influence not only where you go, but how supported you feel, how your career evolves, and how confident you are in the path you’re building.

A great agency doesn't just place you in a role — it invests in your goals, advocates for your needs, and champions your success. It's a relationship built on trust, transparency, and shared purpose.

When you partner with a team that truly listens, communicates openly, and delivers on what they promise, you gain more than just a contract — you gain a career ally, a trusted guide, and a professional home base that you can return to time and again.