Choosing a travel nursing agency or recruiter can make or break your experience on assignment. If you’re new to travel nursing, you can start with our Travel Nurse Career Guide for essential information about getting started, what to expect, and how to choose the right fit. From pay transparency to housing support and contract reliability, there's a lot riding on who you partner with. That's why so many nurses turn to peer-reviewed websites before signing with an agency, they want real-world insight, not just promises.

With more travel nurses than ever in 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it's never been more important to do your homework. Fortunately, a number of trustworthy websites now make it easier to research agencies, read reviews, and even compare recruiter performance. This guide highlights six of the most widely used and respected travel nurse review platforms, plus tips on how to use them wisely.

How to Evaluate Travel Nurse Reviews and Ratings

Before diving into review sites, it's helpful to know what to look for and what to be cautious about. Not every online review tells the whole story, and some platforms may prioritize paid agency listings over unbiased feedback. Here's how to make smart use of rating websites:

  • Look for patterns, not just one-offs. A single glowing or angry review doesn't tell you much. Recurring praise or red flags across different reviewers is more telling.
  • Compare multiple sources. Don't rely on one site alone. Check several platforms to spot inconsistencies or confirm standout feedback.
  • Pay attention to recruiter names. If you're currently in school or looking to expand your qualifications, consider researching RN-to-BSN education pathways to broaden your opportunities. A great agency doesn't guarantee a great recruiter. Some sites let you rate individual recruiters.
  • Note the review date. Travel nursing agencies change frequently. Prioritize recent reviews over ones from several years ago.
  • Join peer communities. Beyond rating sites, consider joining travel nurse forums or Facebook groups for real-time advice.

Now, here are six websites that can help you evaluate travel nursing agencies, recruiters, and experiences.

1. Highway Hypodermics

Founded by a former travel nurse, Highway Hypodermics has been a go-to resource for agency reviews since the early 2000s. The site publishes an annual list of top-rated travel nursing agencies based on nurse feedback, benefits, and recruiter quality.

  • What you'll find: Detailed agency profiles, ratings, benefit comparisons, recruiter evaluations
  • Unique features: Annual agency rankings, agency selection guide, and a blog full of real-world insights
  • Best for: New travel nurses comparing agencies for the first time

You can explore reviews and rankings at highwayhypodermics.com.

2. BluePipes

BluePipes is more than a review site. It's a professional networking platform built specifically for healthcare professionals. It includes a travel nursing agency directory with peer ratings and written reviews.

  • What you'll find: Ratings for travel nurse agencies, a resume builder, credential storage, and job tools
  • Unique features: Agency transparency, nurse forums, downloadable credential docs
  • Best for: Experienced travelers who want a central place to manage job search and documents

You can explore agency reviews and career tools at bluepipes.com.

3. Travel Nursing Central

One of the oldest and most comprehensive travel nurse review sites, Travel Nursing Central allows users to rate agencies based on dozens of criteria, from housing and benefits to recruiter responsiveness.

  • What you'll find: Star ratings across multiple categories, searchable agency database, user comments
  • Unique features: Compare multiple agencies side by side
  • Best for: Nurses doing in-depth comparison shopping between agencies

Start browsing ratings and side-by-side agency comparisons at travelnursingcentral.com.

4. The Gypsy Nurse

The Gypsy Nurse blends ratings, community, and content. In addition to forums and travel nurse tips, the site hosts anonymous reviews of agencies and offers housing tools.

  • What you'll find: Agency ratings, recruiter feedback, housing reviews, blogs, and discussion boards
  • Unique features: Robust Facebook group, traveler Q&As, mentorship-style support
  • Best for: Travel nurses looking for connection and community

Join community discussions and agency ratings at thegypsynurse.com.

5. Trusted Health

Trusted Health is a travel nursing platform that combines job searching with transparency and personalized support. While it doesn't operate as a traditional agency, it allows nurses to compare assignments, access benefits information, and read employer feedback.

  • What you'll find: Transparent job listings, recruiter support, benefits info, salary insights
  • Unique features: Personalized matching algorithm, digital nurse dashboard, dedicated Nurse Advocates
  • Best for: Nurses who want a tech-forward, transparent, and personalized job search experience

Discover transparent jobs and digital tools at trustedhealth.com.

6. Indeed and Glassdoor

While not travel nurse-specific, both Indeed and Glassdoor offer unfiltered employee reviews on staffing agencies and recruiters. These platforms can be especially useful for seeing how agencies treat their internal staff.

  • What you'll find: Overall agency ratings, recruiter-specific reviews, salary comparisons
  • Unique features: Insider info on company culture and leadership
  • Best for: Nurses who want to dig into the behind-the-scenes of agency operations

Check agency reviews and recruiter feedback at indeed.com and glassdoor.com.

Platform Comparison Table

PlatformReview TypeKey FeaturesBest For
Highway HypodermicsAgency & recruiterAnnual rankings, guides, blogNew travelers or agency shoppers
BluePipesDirectory + toolsCredential storage, nurse forumsExperienced travelers
Travel Nursing CentralAgency-specificStar ratings, side-by-side compareComparison shoppers
The Gypsy NurseCommunity drivenHousing, forums, recruiter reviewsNurses seeking peer support
Trusted HealthJob search platformTransparent jobs, salary info, dashboardsTech-savvy, independent nurses
Indeed/GlassdoorEmployee-drivenInternal staff insights, salariesBehind-the-scenes agency views

Final Thoughts: Do Your Homework, Trust Your Peers

With so many agencies vying for your attention, it's critical to be informed. Travel nurse review websites offer powerful insight, but they're only part of the picture. Combine what you find online with real conversations, peer groups, and your own instincts.

Ask around. Join Facebook groups. Reach out to nurses who've worked with the agency you're considering. Your future assignments, pay, and peace of mind may depend on it. You can also explore our detailed nurse salary guide to see how compensation varies by state and specialty.

And when you're ready to explore travel nursing in depth, check out:

With the right research tools and support, you can take control of your travel nursing journey and find assignments that align with your goals, values, and lifestyle.

Sources

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