Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference betwen a local nursing agency and travelers nursing agency?

Local Staffing Agency
A local staffing agency connects healthcare professionals (nurses, CNAs, allied health staff) with nearby facilities within commuting distance.

Key Features:

  • Assignments are typically short-term or per diem, with some longer contracts.

  • Staff live locally — no long-distance travel required.

  • Minimal or no travel stipends needed.

  • Ideal for filling last-minute shifts, vacation coverage, or seasonal demand.


Travel Staffing Agency
A travel staffing agency places healthcare workers in temporary roles far from home, often to meet high-demand staffing needs across the country.

Key Features:

  • Contracts usually last 4–13 weeks and include housing stipends or accommodations.

  • Professionals temporarily relocate for assignments.

  • Higher pay with tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and travel.

  • Appeals to those seeking adventure, diverse experience, and premium compensation.

What type of training do the nurses receive with each assignment?

At Caring Nurses Staffing Agency, we ensure our healthcare professionals are prepared and confident before they begin an assignment. The length and type of orientation varies depending on the facility, role, and level of care required.

Hospital Assignments:
o Nurses: Typically receive 1–3 days of on-site orientation to become familiar with unit procedures, charting systems, and facility protocols.
o Nursing Assistants: Usually receive 1 day of orientation covering patient care expectations and facility-specific guidelines.

Long-Term Care Facilities:
o Nurses: Generally, receive 2–4 hours of orientation focused on resident care routines, documentation, and facility policies.
o Nursing Assistants: Typically receive 1–2 hours of orientation, including an overview of daily responsibilities and safety procedures.

We partner closely with each facility to make sure our team members get the site-specific training they need to provide safe, high quality care from day one.

What is the pay scale for nurses?

At Caring Nurses Staffing Agency, we are committed to offering competitive pay that reflects your skills, experience, and the demands of each assignment. Due to the variability of pay in different areas and specialties, the pay will be negotiated on an individual basis.

What is required to become a nurse for Caring Nurses?

We’re dedicated to supplying partner facilities with qualified, dependable, and compassionate professionals—while ensuring patient safety and well-being.

To join the Caring Nurses team, applicants must:

  • Hold an Active, Unrestricted License:

    • Valid license or certification in the state of employment

    • Compact license accepted for travel contracts (where applicable)

  • Pass a Background Check:

    • Clear comprehensive criminal background

  • Pass a Drug Screening:

    • Pre-employment drug test required

  • Verify Work History:

    • Document previous employment and relevant experience

  • Provide Professional References:

    • Two references from current or former supervisors

  • Submit Immunization Records:

    • Up-to-date records as required (e.g., TB, flu, COVID-19)

We seek professionals who meet these standards and share our values of compassion, positivity, and exceptional care.

How long are the facility contracts?

At Caring Nurses Staffing Agency, we build lasting partnerships with facilities to ensure consistent access to qualified, compassionate professionals.

Ongoing Partnerships:

  • Most facility contracts are long-term, offering year-round staffing support.

  • Easily fill planned or unexpected gaps without restarting the hiring process.

Individual Staff Assignments:

  • Healthcare professionals typically work 4–13 week contracts.

  • Assignments can be extended or renewed to maintain continuity of care.

We manage recruiting, screening, placement, and ongoing support—so you can stay focused on delivering excellent care.

How long are the nursing contracts?

At Caring Nurses Staffing Agency, we offer flexible contract options to match your lifestyle and meet facility needs.

Typical Contract Lengths:

  • Most assignments last 4–13 weeks.

  • Many contracts offer extensions and can lead to long-term placements.

  • Local per diem shifts and last-minute coverage available for added flexibility.

Whether you want short-term, seasonal, or extended work—local or travel—we’ll help you find the right fit.

Is there a difference between Caring Nurses and other agencies?

Each nurse is hand-picked by owner Karen ODonnell who has over 20 years bedside experience .She requires certain characteristics of her employees including compassionate demeanor, exceptional nursing skills and the ability to work well with others.