New COTA traveler

Ok..well I have read almost all the topics tonight on this site (thrilled to find so much info) and to know Im not alone.
My name is Tonya and I live in Missouri. I have been a COTA for 11 yrs. in SNF perm. settings and finished my first travel assignment in July.

Unfortunately, the company I was working for Trusted Nurse Staffing informed me my assignment would end in 10 days. (GREAT!, havent heard frfom them since)
Sooo, I have been unemployed for 5 wks. and presently working full-time speaking with recruiters.

Not sure if I am considered a traveler, or a local traveler in my own state......? Up to 250 miles.
Recruiters tell me Mo. is a tough state to find work...wonder why?? No one knows.

Finally, I am at my wits end to find a job...any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks for the resources Wes,
Thanks for the reviews for staffing agencies

Sorry for the travel troubles Tonya.  We all have them at some time.  I am not sure why MO is a hard state to staff.  That makes no sense.  As far as being considered a traveler, there is not 50 mile or 250 mile rule.  The only requirement to be considered a traveler is that you work away from your "home" and it is unreasonable for you to travel to/from work every day.  Therefore you have to duplicate your living expenses to maintain your current home and also pay for a "home" on the days you are working.  This should make a large percentage of your pay tax free...a HUGE benefit of traveling positions.

To get some help, try sending some of the recruiter members of this site messages.  They seem to be honest and knowledgeable about the industry, which is the most important thing when choosing a travel company.  If the recruiters on the site were not honest, then the community would call them out.  So in that sense, this community is sort of a filter to keep information valid. 

Best of luck and keep us informed!  Most members of this community have traveled a while....let us know how we can help.