Switching Agencies: The Complete Mid-Contract Checklist

Switching travel nursing agencies can boost your pay, improve your experience, or access better assignments. But it comes with considerations that can cost you if you’re not careful.

Here’s your complete checklist for switching agencies.

When to Consider Switching

Good Reasons to Switch

Pay-related:

• Another agency offers 10%+ higher rates
• Your agency’s rates have declined
• Better benefits elsewhere

Relationship-related:

• Poor recruiter communication
• Compliance issues
• Payroll problems

Opportunity-related:

• Access to specific facilities
• Specialty you want to pursue
• Geographic areas not covered

Bad Reasons to Switch

• Chasing marginally higher rates (under 5%)
• Recruiter disagreement that could be resolved
• Grass-is-greener thinking
• During a successful contract with extensions available

Pre-Switch Checklist

30 Days Before Leaving Current Agency

• Review current contract for non-compete clauses
• Check if any bonuses require repayment
• Request written confirmation of end date
• Calculate 401(k) vesting status
• Review health insurance transition options
• Gather all compliance documents

Documents to Request

From your current agency:

• Skills checklist copies
• Compliance records (drug screens, immunizations)
• Contract history
• 401(k) account information
• Reference contact information

Non-Compete Considerations

Many agencies have non-compete clauses:

• Typically 3-6 months
• Usually facility-specific (not geographic)
• Check if enforceable in your state

Common restrictions:

• Can’t work at same facility through different agency
• Can’t be hired directly by facility
• Must wait specified period

Selecting a New Agency

Due Diligence Checklist

• Check online reviews (Facebook groups, Reddit, Glassdoor)
• Ask current travelers about their experience
• Verify agency is properly licensed/accredited
• Understand pay breakdown completely
• Review benefits before accepting
• Get everything in writing

Questions for New Agency

1. “What’s your bill rate transparency policy?”
2. “How is your pay package structured?”
3. “What’s your 401(k) vesting schedule?”
4. “How long until health insurance starts?”
5. “What’s your cancellation policy?”
6. “How do you handle compliance issues?”

Transition Timeline

Week 1: Research

• Research 3-5 potential agencies
• Schedule calls with recruiters
• Compare pay packages

Week 2: Documentation

• Gather all compliance documents
• Update resume/skills checklists
• Check license/certification status

Week 3: Applications

• Apply to 2-3 agencies
• Complete credentialing packets
• Compare final offers

Week 4: Decision

• Negotiate final terms
• Sign new contract
• Notify current agency of plan

Benefits Transition

Health Insurance

Options during gap:

• COBRA from previous agency (expensive)
• ACA marketplace enrollment
• Short-term health insurance
• Spouse’s insurance if available

Timing:

• Know when old coverage ends
• Know when new coverage begins
• Bridge the gap appropriately

401(k)

Before leaving:

• Check vesting percentage
• Request account value statement
• Get rollover paperwork

After leaving:

• Roll to IRA (recommended)
• Roll to new employer’s plan
• Do NOT cash out (penalties)

Other Benefits

Check status of:

• CEU reimbursements owed
• License fee reimbursements
• Referral bonuses pending
• Any completion bonuses

What NOT to Do

Don’t Burn Bridges

• Complete current contract
• Give proper notice
• Leave professional references intact
• You may need that agency again

Don’t Break Contract

Breaking a contract early can result in:

• DNR (Do Not Return) at facility
• Poor reference
• Potential legal action
• Industry reputation damage

Don’t Rush

• Verify new agency thoroughly
• Don’t sign under pressure
• Read all contract terms
• Understand cancellation policies

Red Flags at New Agency

Watch out for:

• Pressure to sign immediately
• Vague pay breakdown
• Unwillingness to answer questions
• Bad online reputation
• Pushy or dismissive recruiter
• No written confirmation of terms

Post-Switch Checklist

First Week with New Agency

• Confirm all paperwork complete
• Verify pay will be correct on first check
• Understand time tracking system
• Get contact info for all relevant people
• Set up direct deposit
• Enroll in benefits

First Paycheck

• Verify hourly rate correct
• Verify stipends correct
• Check tax withholdings
• Confirm hours match time worked
• Report any discrepancies immediately

Key Takeaways

• Switch for the right reasons (significant improvement)
• Give proper notice and don’t break contracts
• Gather all documents before leaving
• Research new agencies thoroughly
• Understand benefits transitions
• Get everything in writing before signing
• Don’t burn bridges—the industry is small