Healthcare executives know the ongoing challenge—balancing staffing needs, budget constraints, and retention strategies. With multiple pathways to recruit nurses, it can be difficult to determine the best option for your facility. Below we break down the differences between Travel Nurses, TN Visa Nurses, American Nurses, and EB-3 Nurses so you can make informed staffing decisions.
Comparison Chart
| Nurse Type | Travel Nurse | TN Visa Nurse | American Nurse | EB-3 Nurse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time of Recruitment | 2–6 weeks | 2–6 months | Variable (weeks–months) | 12–48+ months |
| Cost to Hospital | $$$$ (Highest) | $$ (Moderate) | $$ (Standard salary + benefits) | $$$ (High upfront + ongoing) |
| Retention Rates | Low (short-term) | High (1-3+ years) | Moderate (turnover 18–27% annually) | Unreliable (fail-to-start risk, difficult replacement) |
Key Takeaways for Hospital Executives
Need immediate coverage? Travel nurses fill gaps fast but at the highest cost.
Looking for mid-term stability? TN visa nurses provide a balance of speed, cost-effectiveness, and retention. Offering a green card pathway at 6–12 months transforms them into long-term assets.
Prefer domestic hires? American nurses are ideal if available, but competition is fierce in shortage areas.
Thinking about EB-3? Be cautious. The 12–48 month processing time, high costs, and high fail-to-start risk make this option less practical for most hospitals.
At IntelliStaff Medical, we help hospitals design staffing strategies that balance immediate needs with sustainable, cost-effective recruitment. TN visa nurses—with the right green card pathway—often provide the strongest combination of stability, retention, and affordability.
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