Travel nursing has been a game changer for me; it’s allowed me to break free from the burnout I was experiencing in my staff role back home.
Kaitlyn, Travel Nurse
In a time of national nursing shortages and escalating remote and rural healthcare demands, travel nursing has become one of the most exciting career options in Canada. Experienced Registered Nurses and newly licensed professionals seeking variety and adventure will find no shortage of options to work as a travel nurse.
Working with the right Canadian travel nurse agency can pay major dividends, both in your career satisfaction and your compensation. Partnering with a travel nurse agency simplifies the process by connecting you with job opportunities, handling certifications, and managing travel logistics, making the transition smoother and less stressful.
Below, we explore what travel nursing is, why an agency matters, profiles of leading agencies, how to pick the right agency for you, and steps to get started.
What is Travel Nursing?
Travel nursing is a model in which registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs)/registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs), and other health-care professionals take short-term contracts (typically 8–26 weeks) in healthcare facilities that are experiencing staffing shortages, high demand, or in remote and underserved areas.
Benefits of Travel Nursing
- Competitive pay, often higher than standard staff rates
- Housing and travel often covered (or large stipend)
- Exposure to varied healthcare settings — from tertiary hospitals in large cities to community clinics in rural Canada
- Opportunity for professional development
Challenges of Travel Nursing
- Frequent changes in work environment and team
- Need to adapt quickly to new policies, protocols, and facility culture
- Moving, being away from home
- The need to stay updated with credentials, licences, and travel logistics
A travel nurse chooses assignments rather than a fixed staff role, resulting in a more flexible work situation. But to enjoy this flexibility, the right travel nurse agency is key.
Working with a travel nurse agency can greatly simplify your journey as a travel nurse, especially when navigating the complexities of finding the right job in different locations.
Why Work with a Travel Nursing Agency?
One of the biggest advantages of partnering with an agency is that they handle much of the logistical work for you. They connect you with job opportunities that align with your skills and preferences, saving you from the time-consuming process of searching for placements on your own.
✅ Access to a wide variety of job opportunities across Canada
✅ Assistance with licensing, credentialing, and provincial registrations
✅ Travel, housing and relocation support included in many contracts
✅ Competitive compensation packages, often with bonuses or overtime
✅ Support systems during your assignment (on-site orientation, recruiter check-ins, emergency assistance)
Agencies are well-versed in handling the administrative aspects of the job, such as securing the necessary certifications and licenses required to work in different provinces or countries. This is especially helpful, as licensing requirements can vary greatly across regions, creating unnecessary delays if not properly managed.
Moreover, travel nurse agencies often provide support with accommodations and travel arrangements, which can be a major stressor when moving frequently between assignments. They also offer assistance with paperwork, taxes, and even health insurance, which can be tricky to manage independently while constantly moving.
By handling these logistical hurdles, agencies allow nurses to focus on their jobs and patient care rather than getting bogged down in administrative details.
Top Travel Nursing Agencies in Canada
Finding the right travel nurse agency ensures a smooth and rewarding experience. Below are some of Canada's top travel nurse agencies that can help you find the perfect job, whether you’re looking to work within the country or abroad.
| Agency | Coverage Areas | Unique Strengths | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Medical Connections | Canada-wide, remote locations | Personalized placements, strong support | Nurses seeking lifestyle + career |
| Select Medical Connections | Canada-wide | Long-standing agency, many hospital contracts | Nurses wanting national reach |
| TravelNurse | Canada (urban & remote) | Huge job listings, flexible lifestyle options | Travelling/adventure-oriented RNs |
Here are some standout agencies for Canadian travel nurses, each with their own strengths and value proposition.
Northern Medical Connections
Highlights
Northern Medical Connections is a Halifax-based travel nurse agency that focuses on placing nurses in picturesque locations across Canada. It promises to help nurses fall in love with their work again by using their profession to travel all over Canada.
They highlight high wages, paid travel & accommodations, and individualized matching.
Why it Stands Out
Northern Medical Connections actively matches your skills, preferences and geographical desires, and make it happen.
If you’re looking for top locations as a travel nurse, Aya can help you explore some of the best cities for travel nurses worldwide.
Select Medical Connections
Select Medical Connections positions itself as a “leading registered Travel Nurse Agency” across Canada, offering flexible short-term contracts in both urban and rural settings. Key features include Nationwide reach, streamlined matching process, competitive benefits including travel and housing.
Why it stands out:
Great for nurses who want flexibility in location, are open to both large hospital and community settings, and value a long-standing national agency.
I remember always being told my full-time line was the end goal as a new nurse, yet I still felt there had to be more out there for me. I quit my line, gave away my belongings, signed my first contract and haven’t looked back since.
Kayleigh, Travel Nurse, Northern Medical Connections
Travel Nurse Canada
Highlights
Travel Nurse Canada is a British Columbia based agency with a slick website that is easy to use. They promote their services toward those looking for a “workation”, so if you are interested in an experience that combines work with pleasure they might be a good fit for you.
Travel Nurse Canada can coordinate your transportation and accommodation, which is perfect if you would like to save money while earning. The platform provides access to remote assignment perks, housing/travel support, and the ability to design your travel nursing lifestyle.
Why it stands out
Well-suited to adventurous nurses who want a mix of travel, experience variety, and career growth.
For those interested in working in top destinations, understanding how to become a travel nurse will prepare you to explore exciting locations.
How to Choose the Right Agency for You
Travel nursing offers countless benefits, from career growth to exploring new and exciting locations. Choosing the right agency is crucial to ensuring your experience is successful and enjoyable.
When selecting an agency, there are many factors to consider.
Additionally, consider the pay offered by different agencies, as rates can vary depending on the location and demand for nurses in specific areas. If earning potential is a top priority, exploring the highest-paying travel nursing jobs can give you a clearer idea of which agencies offer placements that align with your financial goals.
Once you’re ready to begin your travel nursing journey, the right agency will guide you through every step, ensuring you have the support needed for a smooth and rewarding experience.
“A travel nurse is well received and included just by showing up! I have volunteered at a folk festival, gone to book readings, done a full moon mountain hike, and rode a horse along the Frazer river.
Jen, Travel Nurse
Steps to Get Started with a Travel Nursing Agency
Here’s a practical roadmap to launch your travel nursing career in Canada.
Prepare your resume & credentials
Update your nursing resume to highlight speciality experience, recent certifications, and travel or temporary assignment experience if any. Ensure your licensure is active and in good standing.
Interview with agencies
Schedule chats with 2-3 agencies. Ask about their support, contract terms, assignments, housing/travel perks, and how they handle issues on assignment.
Understand contract details
Review the pay package thoroughly: base pay, overtime rate, shift differentials, housing/travel allowance, health benefits (if any), contract length, cancellation or extension options.
On-boarding & orientation
Once you accept an assignment, the agency should assist with credentialing, travel planning, housing, and orientation at the facility. Confirm who to contact for issues while on assignment.
Start your assignment
Arrive prepared, familiarise yourself with facility policy, team culture, equipment, and what your role expects. Use the travel assignment as both a career move and a life experience.
Reflection & next step
After your assignment completes, reflect on your experience — the support you got, the workload, the pay, the location. Use that feedback to refine your next contract choice.
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