Its a sad fact that in today's society there seems to be a multitude of people waiting to rip you off and take money for no service, and the nursing agency sector is no different from any other. That's not to say that there aren't very good and reputable business out there providing a valuable service.

1. Does the intended nursing agency run a web site?

Its almost the rule now that reputable agencies will have a web site. There are several things that you can use to determine how reputable and professional an agency is when looking at their website.

2. Are they affiliated with a recognised professional body? Like many other professions such as teaching or law, nursing agencies have professional membership organisations. As a customer, you will be fully protected by dealing with an agency who is a member of such an association. Check the nursing agency's website to ensure that they belong to a membership organisation. Most agencies will advertise the fact, but if they don't, do not be afraid to contact them and ask for proof.

2. How many years have the agency been running? Nursing agencies, like any other business, will only survive and prosper if they offer a good, legal and above all ethical service to their clients. Because this is a people-centric business, word of mouth is a very powerful indicator and crucial to the success of the business. Good agencies will always come to the top and prosper.

3. Is their website professionally designed and maintained? Poorly designed and quickly thrown together websites may be a first sign of a business that doesn't take too much care about its professionalism. A good website and a solid internet presence is vital for most businesses today and especially so in the nursing agency sector where you are dealing with people from all around the world.

4. Do the agency have their 'terms of use' displayed prominently? Can you understand what the terms and conditions are and how they are likely to affect you - if not then check.

5. Can you contact the nursing agency in the traditional way ie. offline? Good, reputable on-line businesses will always publish their real world address; after all they have nothing to hide. Take a bit of time to locate the conditions page as often it wont be on the front page. In fact, offline information is a requirement by law in most countries nowadays, if a nursing agency does not do this, then that should throw up an immediate red flag.

While these tips are not a guarantee of success they are sensible and can be applied to many different situations.