EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. for the registration of 11,403,455 shares of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 13, 2004, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

West Palm Beach, FL

November 2, 2004