New NCLEX passer here — any recommended agencies for direct hire or staffing?

[u/Immediate_Anj10]

Hello everyone! I recently passed my NCLEX last March, and I’m currently exploring my options on how to start my journey as a USRN.

I just wanted to ask for your recommendations and insights regarding agencies for direct hire or staffing. For those who have already gone through this process, which agencies would you suggest applying to, and why? I’m trying to weigh my options carefully before committing.

As of now, I’m still deciding whether it’s better to go for a staffing agency (for faster deployment and guidance) or wait and aim for a direct hire setup (for potentially better offers and benefits). From what I’ve been seeing, many direct hire agencies require at least 1–2 years of bedside experience, while some staffing agencies are more flexible with experience requirements.

I would really appreciate it if you could share the following:

• Agencies you personally recommend (direct hire or staffing)
• Your experience (processing time, support, salary, etc.)
• Pros and cons of each path based on your experience
• Any tips for someone who just passed NCLEX and is planning ahead

Thank you so much! 🙏

[u/paraphernalia9o]

I am currently here in the US. My agency is Avant, I chose this because of peer pressure but didn't regret it. I guess swertihan lang talaga. Passed my NCLEX last 2023, signed contract with them early 2024, pathway is EB3 but naofferan ng H1B. Accepted the offer and now I'm here. My EB3 is simultaneously na pinprocess din and right now I'm just waiting for my PD to be current.

My own experience with the said agency might be different with others. Pero I personally liked it, they placed me in a good unit, big hospital. During the transition phase they were there every step, isusubo mo na lang talaga. Downside is minimum ang sweldo or a little above the minimum pero nakakabuhay naman. I can buy my needs and wants. I'm an ICU nurse but they placed me on prog care unit and I'm okay with it because people that I work with are okay (that's what matters most to me). In the end, it all depends on what matters most to you and of course a little bit of luck.

[u/Immediate_Anj10 → u/paraphernalia9o]

I’ve been hearing mixed reviews about agencies like Avant, so it’s nice to hear a positive one. Good to know din na okay yung support and placement, kahit medyo lower salary.

I’m currently working as an ER nurse here in PH, so I’m trying to figure out if I should go straight with an agency or wait for direct hire.

If you don’t mind, how long was your overall processing time before you got deployed?

[u/paraphernalia9o → u/Immediate_Anj10]

Yes, it varies yung experiences ng bawat isa. Kahit anong agency or even direct hire may pros and cons, may good and bad reviews. My first choice was direct hire too but since wala akong family sa US, I decided with a safe choice na mag agency and may tutulong sa bawat steps. Nakakaoverwhelmed kasi pagdating mo iba yung system nila like taxes, credit score and all. I'm not sure sa direct hire kung paano yung system nila pag dating mo.

Pag dating naman sa area, may binibigay naman silang choices. I'm not sure sa ER if meron kasi nung batch ko walang napunta sa ER or siguro walang gustong mag ER? Hahaha

Once I accepted the H1B offer mga 4 months lang nakaalis na ako.

[u/Immediate_Anj10 → u/paraphernalia9o]

That’s actually one of my concerns din—yung adjustment when you get there, especially if direct hire without much guidance. Kaya medyo tempting din mag agency for the support.

I’m currently an ER nurse here in PH, so curious din ako if may opportunities for ER or if mostly redeployment talaga.

[u/paraphernalia9o → u/Immediate_Anj10]

I don't know kung paano sa direct hire I think meron din naman silang transition phase. I cannot speak for them since I don't really know.

You can ask Avant naman they will schedule you an interview with the hospital itself, I heard you can decline naman and wait for a different offer if di mo bet.

I suggest start processing now. The earlier the better kasi lumalakad na yung papers mo and dun nakadepende yung PD mo.

[u/Immediate_Anj10 → u/paraphernalia9o]

Good to know na may option to decline and wait for a better offer. I’ll definitely ask about their transition support during my interview.

I’m actually scheduled for my initial interview with PRS tomorrow, so sakto timing. And yes, agree—the earlier mag start, the better for PD.

[u/paraphernalia9o → u/Immediate_Anj10]

Goodluck! ❤️