here is a forum I still go to, because it's interesting and informative. I was a travel nurse for over 10 years, loved most of it. http://www.delphiforums.com it's free to join and has a travel nurse and therapist forum, plus a recruiter forum Huge amount of information available.

I personally recommend you stay away from anything to do with either cross country or american mobile. Medstaff has been extremely good to me, so if you decide to contact them ask for Greg Reinecker. He is an outstanding recruiter, one of the best I've ever worked with.

Before you resign your current position, make sure you have a position secured for travel, always have a $1000 in the bank for emergencys. Get AAA for long driving travel assignments and remember you can do anything for 13 weeks.

Once they get you, you can't get a hold of your recruiter. pay is not always correct. they do not back you up and pay is usually lower than other agencies. Housing stinks.....

Some people love American Mobile, but when my pay was wrong five pays in a row and late four of the five, couldn't get in touch with my recruiter over and over again I was done. They make you share accommodations.......which is ok if it's someone you know, but to live with a complete stranger, who may or may not have your living standards is just not something I wanted to do again.

Depending on where you want to go, pay. Most offer reasonable insurance. Do you get a bonus after working with continuously for a year. What kind of housing do they offer........do they insist you share housing. Do you like your recruiter, do you think they're working best for you. Remember, you can ask and insist on certain things when you've been with them for awhile and are in good standing with an agency. Are they established because sometimes suddenly they'll go bankrupt without warning. Not happened to me, but I know a few nurses this has happened to. You can write anything into a contract, doesn't mean it will happen. Before you sign with anyone, check out the BBB standing. Do they offer direct deposit, most do, at least the ones I have worked with. Don't let them snow you with tax incentives or saying well 30/hr is great because of your housing etc. Who cares I want the money in my pocket. They're making a lot of money off you, always remember this. If you're going to need time off during an assignment find out if you're going to have to pay for your housing while you're gone. Or if you can make a deal with both the facility and the agency to double up hours before or after your trip, so you won't be shorting either of them

I've found over the years, my best assignments have always been with a company where I have had a terrific rapport with my recruiter.