1. Aya Healthcare

Aya Healthcare, founded in 2001, has grown to become the nation's leading nurse staffing provider, specializing in travel RN, NP, per diem, allied, and permanent placements. The company offers full-suite services including credentialing, housing, benefits, and VMS through its LotusOne platform. According to staffing industry reports, Aya generated nearly $8.9 billion in revenue during 2023 with a remarkable 95% CAGR since 2018 :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. The firm supports more than 21,000 employees and operates across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories.

Its services include comprehensive travel and per diem nurse placements, permanent staffing, allied health, vendor management, interim executive leadership, and external labor marketplace solutions via CoreHire and Locum’s Nest :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. Aya earned a 72 NPS score and multiple ClearlyRated “Best of Staffing” awards for client and candidate satisfaction :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Clinicians must be U.S.-licensed, typically with a minimum of two years’ clinical experience, and must pass full background checks and health screenings. The company’s acquisition of Cross Country Healthcare expanded its allied and interim staffing expertise :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

Aya's strengths include its national reach, technological integration via LotusOne, 24/7 support, and capacity to scale quickly for surge staffing. However, its large-scale operations translate to comparatively higher billing rates and a occasionally complex contracting structure for smaller hospitals. Ideal use cases involve large health systems needing multi-state nurse/multi-discipline coverage, rapid surge response, or centralized vendor management. The AJ Center Verdict: Aya is best suited for national health systems that require full compliance, cutting-edge logistics, and expansive clinician pools.

The combination of expansive reach, advanced tech infrastructure, and financial strength positions Aya as a market leader. Hospitals using Aya benefit from reduced credentialing times, streamlined onboarding, and reliable clinician performance supported by data tools. Their model is particularly effective for managing nurse float pools, agency spend, and cross-market resource distribution. Aya sets the bar for scale, compliance, and operational reliability in nurse staffing.

✔ Pros: National scale, rapid deployment, 24/7 support

✔ Pros: Highly advanced tech platform (LotusOne)

✔ Pros: Broad service offerings including allied and executive staffing

✘ Cons: Higher rates for smaller facilities

✘ Cons: Complex contracting and coordination structure

✘ Cons: Less boutique-level personalization

The AJ Center Verdict: Best for national systems needing full-scale, compliant, tech-enabled staffing.

2. Jackson Nurse Professionals

Jackson Nurse Professionals (JNP), part of Jackson Healthcare, launched in 2000 and has since staffed 20,000+ clinicians across more than 500 facilities in 47 states :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. Its focus centers on travel RN and NP placements with strong recruiter-led partnerships. According to Indeed, JNP holds an NPS score near 70 with average employee ratings around 4.0/5 for pay, benefits, and culture :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. Clinicians are board-certified and commonly hold BSN or MSN degrees, plus CPR/BLS licensure.

JNP provides travel and per diem RN/NP placements, permanent placement solutions, and financial flexibility via NurseWallet (same-day pay) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}. Recruiters maintain high-touch relationships, assisting with multi-state licensing, contract selection, and benefit navigation. Ex-employee reviews frequently praise communication responsiveness and recruiter support during licensing processes :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

The agency offers benefit packages, consistent assignment workflow, and flexible scheduling. However, pay rates are sometimes lower than top-tier competitors, and PTO is not standard — some clinicians report low availability of leave between assignments. JNP suits medium-sized hospitals and specialty clinics needing dedicated NP placements and responsive recruiter partnerships. JNP is ideal for organizations that value personalized service over sheer volume.

JNP’s strengths lie in building strong clinician relationships and streamlining travel deployment. Their NurseWallet feature addresses cash-flow for clinicians, boosting satisfaction and retention. Regional strengths in the Southeast and Midwest ensure timely licensure and relocation support. Overall, JNP offers a small-vendor approach within a large network.

✔ Pros: High recruiter accessibility and personalized support

✔ Pros: Financial tools like NurseWallet for same-day pay

✔ Pros: Strong clinician satisfaction (4.0/5 ratings on Indeed)

✘ Cons: Pay rates sometimes lower than market leaders

✘ Cons: No standard PTO between contracts

✘ Cons: Less coverage in rural or remote regions

The AJ Center Verdict: Best for mid-sized facilities needing high-touch NP placements.

3. Nursefinders

Nursefinders was founded in 1983 and provides travel and per diem RN/NP placements in 48 states, focusing on mid-market hospitals and clinics. According to staffing data, the firm brings in approximately $235 million annually :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}. Clinicians typically hold current licenses with 1–2 years of clinical experience. As a regional provider, Nursefinders balances competitive pricing with reliable middle-market service.

The agency offers travel RN/NP assignments, per diem scheduling, and permanent RN/NP recruitment. Their streamlined credentialing ensures quick assignment turnaround. Nursefinders partners closely with community hospitals to manage staffing budgets effectively while maintaining quality standards.

Expect transparent billing, regional familiarity, and steady performance. However, you may encounter a limited geographic footprint—excluding Alaska and Hawaii—and sparse NPS data. Nursefinders is best suited for hospitals wanting dependable coverage without the complexity or cost of national agencies. Overall, this is a solid choice for mid-tier facilities seeking consistent nurse staffing.

Nursefinders delivers value through regional leadership and cost-conscious solutions. Their 40-year history underscores stability in the market. The agency fills mid-tier slots effectively, balancing cost and service quality. It’s an ideal match for community hospitals needing dependable nurse staffing at fair rates.

✔ Pros: Cost-effective regional staffing

✔ Pros: Transparent, flat-rate pricing models

✔ Pros: Quick credentialing process for 1–2yr experienced clinicians

✘ Cons: Coverage excludes Alaska/Hawaii

✘ Cons: Limited visibility of customer satisfaction (NPS)

✘ Cons: Less suited for large surge events or complex contracts

The AJ Center Verdict: Best for regional health systems with budget-sensitive staffing needs.

4. Medical Solutions

Established in 1985, Medical Solutions specializes in travel nurse/NP and allied clinician staffing with Joint Commission accreditation. It holds roughly 6% of the U.S. temporary healthcare staffing market, generating around $2.3 billion annually as of 2021 :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}. The firm emphasizes quality, long-term placements, and credentialing rigor. Clinicians must meet high standards for licensure, continuing education, and background checks.

Services include travel RNs/NPs, allied health professionals, per diem scheduling, and extended contract programs. The company has regional offices nationwide for localized support and compliance consistency. Their long-stay placement model enhances continuity of care and lowers turnover.

You can expect Joint Commission certification, specialized agency retention programs, and regional expertise. However, they have a limited surge capacity compared to national giants and fewer NP-specific initiatives. Overall, this is a top-tier choice for specialty and accreditation-focused facilities that value quality over volume.

Medical Solutions blends mid-market reach with accreditation-level standards. Their long-term placements drive better clinical outcomes and staff continuity. Hospitals leverage this for specialty units that need stable staffing. Overall, they balance regional support with compliance excellence.

✔ Pros: Joint Commission–certified clinician placements

✔ Pros: Strong focus on long-term regional alignments

✔ Pros: Credentialing and compliance rigor

✘ Cons: Limited NP-dedicated programs

✘ Cons: Lower surge capacity versus national firms

✘ Cons: Smaller brand presence across remote regions

The AJ Center Verdict: Best for quality-driven facilities prioritizing compliance and retention strategies.

5. FlexCare

FlexCare, founded in 2001, positions itself as a boutique travel nurse and NP agency with concierge-level service. The firm partners with approximately 1,000 healthcare facilities and emphasizes matching clinicians to roles that align with their specialties. Clinicians typically hold BSN/MSN credentials along with specialized certifications based on area of practice. FlexCare is recognized for personalized onboarding and mentor-supported placements in specialty units.

Services include travel RN/NP staffing, per diem, and permanent placements. The company offers mentorship programs, benefits packages, and responsive recruiter support, working closely with clinicians to address preferences and professional development. Certified in OSHA, HIPAA, and Joint Commission compliance, FlexCare maintains robust operational standards.

Their difference include tailored program design, flexible contract customization, and strong clinician engagement. However, a few clients have complained about opaque pricing models and limited publicly disclosed financial metrics. This company is an excellent fit for specialty care areas—like ICU, NICU, and oncology—where clinician experience and fit matter as much as fill rates.

FlexCare stands out by offering high-touch support and feedback loops between clinicians and facilities. Their mentoring model promotes satisfaction and retention in challenging clinical settings. This positions them well for facilities prioritizing clinician experience and professional growth. As a boutique agency, FlexCare’s model supports specialized staffing without the volume focus of larger players.

✔ Pros: Concierge-level clinician support and mentorship

✔ Pros: Flexible contract customization

✔ Pros: High compliance and practitioner education standards

✘ Cons: Less transparency around pricing

✘ Cons: Limited market share and financial disclosure

✘ Cons: Smaller pool of surge deployment clinicians

The AJ Center Verdict: Best for hospitals needing niche support with high-touch service models.

6. Cross Country Healthcare

Founded in 1986, Cross Country Healthcare offers travel RNs, NPs, allied staffing, locum tenens, and MSP solutions. As of Q1 2025, Cross Country reported a trailing 12-month revenue of approximately $1.26 billion :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}. Clinicians are credentialed to Joint Commission and NCQA standards. The firm operates 73 offices nationwide and supports large institutional clients.

Staffing services cover travel RN/NP placement, allied health, physician locum, vendor management, and internal workforce solutions. It manages large-scale staffing programs and supplies per-diem and contract labor. Post-acquisition by Aya, Cross Country continues operating as an independent brand but leverages Aya’s expanded scale :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

Cross Country Healthcare offers a broad service mix, robust office network, and multi-discipline capacity. However, the company has been experiencing recent revenue declines (28% from 2023–2024), and reduced emphasis on NP-focused programs. This agency is deal for large health systems that require a single vendor for multi-type staffing needs with centralized oversight and MSP support.

Cross Country’s integration with Aya means facilities can access broader resource networks with centralized management tools. Their MSP expertise adds value for health systems seeking workforce optimization. Although recent financial performance lags, the firm remains a key player in multi-specialty staffing. Cross Country delivers scale and flexibility in a single partnership model.

✔ Pros: Centralized multi-specialty staffing (nurse, NP, allied, locum)

✔ Pros: National office presence with MSP capabilities

✔ Pros: Post-acquisition benefits from Aya’s platform

✘ Cons: Recent revenue drop (28% decline)

✘ Cons: Less NP-specific program focus

✘ Cons: Complexity in large-system coordination

The AJ Center Verdict: Best for enterprise health systems needing multi-disciplinary staffing under one vendor umbrella.

7. American Mobile Healthcare

American Mobile Healthcare is one of the largest travel nurse staffing agencies in the U.S., operating under the umbrella of AMN Healthcare. Established in 1985, the agency is known for its extensive network, high compliance standards, and strong partnerships with over 1,600 healthcare facilities nationwide.

The agency specializes in travel RN and NP placements and is particularly strong in high-need specialties like ICU, ER, telemetry, and psychiatric nursing. Their system uses advanced match algorithms and detailed candidate profiles to place the right talent faster.

American Mobile’s strength lies in its volume and speed. Hospitals with recurring travel nurse needs or those experiencing short-notice surges benefit from their deep candidate pool and operational readiness. Their 2024 annual revenue exceeded $3 billion as part of AMN Healthcare’s total holding.

For nurse practitioners, American Mobile provides support with credentialing, licensure across states, and extended contracts when needed. Though its NP placements are fewer than its RN placements, the agency’s reputation ensures clinician quality and patient readiness.

✔ Pros: National scale, fast deployment, extensive specialty coverage

✘ Cons: NP-specific support can be inconsistent; large-agency feel may reduce personalization

The AJ Center Verdict: Best for large systems needing urgent staffing across multiple specialties, including temporary NP roles.

8. Trustaff

Trustaff, acquired by Ingenovis Health in 2021, is a mid-to-large sized healthcare staffing firm with a specialty in travel nursing and nurse practitioner contracts. It is Joint Commission certified and offers placements in acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty centers across the U.S.

Trustaff stands out for its transparent pay packages and its personalized recruiter system. The company matches clinicians to roles based on both clinical qualifications and location preferences, which boosts assignment satisfaction and retention. They maintain over 300 active healthcare clients and were ranked among SIA’s fastest-growing staffing firms.

As of 2024, Trustaff’s talent pool includes over 15,000 nurses and advanced practice professionals, and the company reported estimated annual revenue of around $500 million. Their mobile-first onboarding platform makes it easier for credentialed NPs to accept rapid-start assignments.

Trustaff focuses on clinician-first values, with strong ratings on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed, and an NPS score around 68 based on third-party reviews. This makes them particularly appealing to outpatient clinics, urgent care networks, and regional hospitals seeking cost-effective solutions.

✔ Pros: Transparent pay, excellent NP recruiter support, mobile-first systems

✘ Cons: Lower availability in rural areas; fewer long-term NP contracts

The AJ Center Verdict: Ideal for mid-sized healthcare organizations seeking transparent, high-quality NP or RN placements without the friction of larger providers.

9. HealthTrust Workforce Solutions

HealthTrust Workforce Solutions is backed by HCA Healthcare and provides clinical staffing across nursing, allied health, and advanced practice. With a foundation in one of the largest hospital networks in the country, the agency has direct access to thousands of facilities and maintains strong service-level performance guarantees.

HealthTrust supports travel, per diem, and permanent placements and operates a Managed Services Program (MSP) for larger health systems. Their nurse practitioner staffing has grown, particularly in behavioral health and telehealth areas. They employ over 32,000 clinicians annually across various contracts.

One major differentiator is their internal credentialing system, which integrates with HCA facility systems, enabling faster placements and contract renewals. Their internal review systems and compliance tools are also highly rated, especially by credentialing departments in urban hospital networks.

While some reviews point to a slower onboarding process for external facilities not part of HCA, the agency continues to gain traction in independent care networks and rural settings. Their reported 2024 revenue was approximately $1.3 billion, with an estimated NPS score of 64.

✔ Pros: Strong compliance, embedded in HCA network, internal onboarding system

✘ Cons: Slower for external non-HCA facilities, fewer concierge perks for clinicians

The AJ Center Verdict: Excellent for HCA-affiliated hospitals and compliance-heavy organizations needing scalable NP and RN staffing.

10. CoreMedical Group

CoreMedical Group is a well-established staffing firm based in New Hampshire, offering travel nursing, allied health, and advanced practice staffing, including locum tenens nurse practitioners. The company has over 30 years of experience and maintains high satisfaction ratings from both clinicians and healthcare employers.

What makes CoreMedical unique is its concierge travel program and dedicated licensing support for nurse practitioners. The agency frequently places NPs in rural and underserved communities, especially in primary care and urgent care settings. Their scope of practice alignment and pre-placement screening are frequently noted as top-tier.

The agency works with more than 500 healthcare clients and places several thousand clinicians per year. Their services also include housing support and tuition reimbursement for long-term placements. The estimated NPS score is 72, placing them among the highest-rated boutique staffing firms in healthcare.

CoreMedical Group is especially popular among nurse practitioners seeking multi-state licensure contracts or unique experiences in locations such as Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and Native health services. Their flexibility and transparency make them a standout for hard-to-fill clinical settings.

✔ Pros: Excellent support for rural NP placement, concierge experience, housing help

✘ Cons: Fewer large urban contracts; less known outside specialty circles

The AJ Center Verdict: Best for NP clinicians and rural or specialty-care facilities seeking white-glove staffing services and high match accuracy.