"Staffing agency" and "marketplace" can sound like two words for the same thing: an app that helps you find shifts. They're not. The model underneath shapes how you get paid, how much control you have, and what you're responsible for. Here's the honest breakdown.
How a traditional agency works
An agency sits between you and the facility. It holds the relationship, decides what you're offered, and places you into shifts. You often have limited say in the rate, and in many arrangements the agency exercises real control over how, when, and where you work.
How an open marketplace works
A marketplace doesn't place you. It connects you directly with facilities and lets the two of you set the terms. You see the posted rate, you can counter it, and you decide which shifts to take. You're not being "placed" by anyone — you're an independent professional choosing your own work and negotiating directly with the facility.
You're placed
- Agency sets what you're offered
- A recruiter places you into shifts
- Often more control over your schedule
- Relationship is with the agency
You choose
- You see the rate and can counter it
- You're an independent professional, not an employee
- You pick your own shifts, no minimums
- Relationship is directly with the facility
What it means for you
Because you negotiate directly, the rate is something you and the facility settle yourselves. On BoomRN, a facility posts a rate, you counter once if you want, and you have the final say — the number is agreed between the two of you, not dictated by a recruiter.
The honest trade-off: independence cuts both ways
Working as an independent contractor isn't free of responsibility. It means:
- You handle your own taxes — there's no employer withholding, so you set money aside yourself.
- You manage your own credentials, insurance, and records as your own small business.
- You carry your own reputation — your reliability is your most valuable asset.
In exchange, you get control: your rate, your schedule, and your choice of where and when to work. For a lot of clinicians — especially those balancing school, family, or other work — that trade is worth it. For others, the structure of an agency fits better. Neither is "right"; they're built for different priorities.
If you want to know what those rates actually look like where you are, start with per-diem rates in Orange County.
Work on your own terms.
Join the open marketplace built around independent CNAs, LVNs, and RNs.
Get started →This article is general information about how marketplaces and staffing agencies differ, not tax, legal, or financial advice. Independent-contractor status carries responsibilities that vary by individual situation; consult a qualified professional about your circumstances. BoomRN is a technology marketplace, not a staffing agency.