<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva, formerly WebFilings-->
<!-- -->
<linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquiredIntangibleAssetsDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#AcquiredIntangibleAssetsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Acquisitions" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#Acquisitions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAcquisitionsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#AcquisitionsAcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsNarrativeDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#AcquisitionsNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsScheduleOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#AcquisitionsScheduleOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsScheduleOfProFormaInformationDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#AcquisitionsScheduleOfProFormaInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AggregateScheduledMaturitiesOfDebtDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#AggregateScheduledMaturitiesOfDebtDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AssumptionsUsedToEstimateFairValueOfOptionsGrantedUsingBlackScholesOptionPricingModelDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#AssumptionsUsedToEstimateFairValueOfOptionsGrantedUsingBlackScholesOptionPricingModelDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#BalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetailsDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#BalanceSheetDetailsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetailsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#BalanceSheetDetailsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillBySegmentAdditionalDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillBySegmentAdditionalDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillBySegmentDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillBySegmentDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentAndContingenciesNarrativeDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#CommitmentAndContingenciesNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ComponentsOfIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxesDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ComponentsOfIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ComponentsOfNumeratorAndDenominatorForComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ComponentsOfNumeratorAndDenominatorForComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossIncome" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConvertibleNotesDerivativeLiability" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ConvertibleNotesDerivativeLiability" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConvertibleNotesDerivativeLiabilityDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ConvertibleNotesDerivativeLiabilityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConvertibleNotesDerivativeLiabilityTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ConvertibleNotesDerivativeLiabilityTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DiscontinuedOperations" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#DiscontinuedOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#DiscontinuedOperationsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsNarrativeDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#DiscontinuedOperationsNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#DiscontinuedOperationsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansNarrativeDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlansNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EstimatedAnnualAmortizationExpenseDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#EstimatedAnnualAmortizationExpenseDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EstimatedFairValueOfGoodwillMeasuredOnNonrecurringBasisDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#EstimatedFairValueOfGoodwillMeasuredOnNonrecurringBasisDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EstimatedFairValuesAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#EstimatedFairValuesAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentsThatWereNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentsThatWereNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsScheduleOfReconciliationOfOpeningAndClosingBalancesForFairValueMeasurementsCategorizedWithinLevel3Details" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsScheduleOfReconciliationOfOpeningAndClosingBalancesForFairValueMeasurementsCategorizedWithinLevel3Details" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#FutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIdentifiableIntangibleAssets" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIdentifiableIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIdentifiableIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIdentifiableIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIdentifiableIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIdentifiableIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/InformationOnOperatingSegmentsAndReconciliationToIncomeFromOperationsDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#InformationOnOperatingSegmentsAndReconciliationToIncomeFromOperationsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#LongTermDebt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#LongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LongTermDebtDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#LongTermDebtDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LongTermDebtNarrativeDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#LongTermDebtNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipment" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#PropertyAndEquipment" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#PropertyAndEquipmentDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#PropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingBalanceOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingBalanceOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ReconciliationOfIncomeTaxComputedAtUSFederalStatutoryRateToIncomeTaxBenefitExpenseDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ReconciliationOfIncomeTaxComputedAtUSFederalStatutoryRateToIncomeTaxBenefitExpenseDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsNarrativeDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsdetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsdetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#SegmentInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SignificantComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#SignificantComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockOptionsAndStockAppreciationRightsGrantedAndExercisedDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#StockOptionsAndStockAppreciationRightsGrantedAndExercisedDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquity" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfCompanysShareOptionPlansActivitiesDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfCompanysShareOptionPlansActivitiesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfRestrictedStockAwardActivityAndPerformanceStockAwardsDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfRestrictedStockAwardActivityAndPerformanceStockAwardsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetail" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquiredIntangibleAssetsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_AB110AE693EA8AFC91F0D673C26ACA26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_F42CD6A39AD09EAD6ACDD673C269819B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_AB110AE693EA8AFC91F0D673C26ACA26" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_F42CD6A39AD09EAD6ACDD673C269819B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_55EE8133213CDBAC6AAED673C26A6551" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_F42CD6A39AD09EAD6ACDD673C269819B" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_55EE8133213CDBAC6AAED673C26A6551" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B237432093F2BEC32ED5D673C26AF059_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_55EE8133213CDBAC6AAED673C26A6551" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B237432093F2BEC32ED5D673C26AF059_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B237432093F2BEC32ED5D673C26AF059" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_55EE8133213CDBAC6AAED673C26A6551" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B237432093F2BEC32ED5D673C26AF059" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_287777D40FE10673D898D673C26A9A3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_F42CD6A39AD09EAD6ACDD673C269819B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_287777D40FE10673D898D673C26A9A3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8766BD3D194687F0FDC9D673C26AA861_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_287777D40FE10673D898D673C26A9A3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8766BD3D194687F0FDC9D673C26AA861_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8766BD3D194687F0FDC9D673C26AA861" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_287777D40FE10673D898D673C26A9A3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8766BD3D194687F0FDC9D673C26AA861" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DatabasesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_037AA6F23F31138A257FD673C26A468E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8766BD3D194687F0FDC9D673C26AA861" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_037AA6F23F31138A257FD673C26A468E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_BD3CD0BADA6B8AD4D637D673C26A9284" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8766BD3D194687F0FDC9D673C26AA861" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_BD3CD0BADA6B8AD4D637D673C26A9284" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_383402C6150EC6E3CF5CD673C26A933B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8766BD3D194687F0FDC9D673C26AA861" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_383402C6150EC6E3CF5CD673C26A933B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_91E66C8E86148606BE94D673C26AD29C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_AB110AE693EA8AFC91F0D673C26ACA26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_91E66C8E86148606BE94D673C26AD29C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_654801D35F96B5169A3CD673C26A92F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_AB110AE693EA8AFC91F0D673C26ACA26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_654801D35F96B5169A3CD673C26A92F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_5EB79ABCFEDE28F933D6D673C26A5002" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_AB110AE693EA8AFC91F0D673C26ACA26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_5EB79ABCFEDE28F933D6D673C26A5002" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_D6BC07CBF0E1DFAF83FFD673C26AAA6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_AB110AE693EA8AFC91F0D673C26ACA26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_D6BC07CBF0E1DFAF83FFD673C26AAA6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks_B71BB4FA6D2ADCEBD0EED673C26A6058" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_AB110AE693EA8AFC91F0D673C26ACA26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks_B71BB4FA6D2ADCEBD0EED673C26A6058" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_IntangibleAssetsNotSubjectToAmortizationNetCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_IntangibleAssetsNotSubjectToAmortizationNetCarryingAmount_7398878B4350C042AAFBD673C26A8512" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_AB110AE693EA8AFC91F0D673C26ACA26" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_IntangibleAssetsNotSubjectToAmortizationNetCarryingAmount_7398878B4350C042AAFBD673C26A8512" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Acquisitions" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B600EB1C6ACE5F407FAFDB6C27B58F64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_20A5A3B2C35B1E4E15D0DB6C27B449CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B600EB1C6ACE5F407FAFDB6C27B58F64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_20A5A3B2C35B1E4E15D0DB6C27B449CB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_68C5E2AE4F4B390F0B70DB6C27B4F53A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_20A5A3B2C35B1E4E15D0DB6C27B449CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_68C5E2AE4F4B390F0B70DB6C27B4F53A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8AB115A59C7D05217B2CDB6C27B4BC81_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_68C5E2AE4F4B390F0B70DB6C27B4F53A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8AB115A59C7D05217B2CDB6C27B4BC81_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8AB115A59C7D05217B2CDB6C27B4BC81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_68C5E2AE4F4B390F0B70DB6C27B4F53A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8AB115A59C7D05217B2CDB6C27B4BC81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_MedicalStaffingNetworkMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MedicalStaffingNetworkMember_396E18DA84D2E4DF1A01DB6C27B411CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8AB115A59C7D05217B2CDB6C27B4BC81" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MedicalStaffingNetworkMember_396E18DA84D2E4DF1A01DB6C27B411CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_49173372EC199A17FDC0DB6C27B572C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_20A5A3B2C35B1E4E15D0DB6C27B449CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_49173372EC199A17FDC0DB6C27B572C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05338E67072D75843BD0DB6C27B5C8D1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_49173372EC199A17FDC0DB6C27B572C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05338E67072D75843BD0DB6C27B5C8D1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05338E67072D75843BD0DB6C27B5C8D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_49173372EC199A17FDC0DB6C27B572C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05338E67072D75843BD0DB6C27B5C8D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock_43B2FADC27A738C2A0A4DB6C27B5BB45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B600EB1C6ACE5F407FAFDB6C27B58F64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock_43B2FADC27A738C2A0A4DB6C27B5BB45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock_74209DCD41C7CE95E194DB6C27B51737" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B600EB1C6ACE5F407FAFDB6C27B58F64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock_74209DCD41C7CE95E194DB6C27B51737" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable_4127AA65001FB7735E89ED34332DCB9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable_4127AA65001FB7735E89ED34332DCB9A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_A52638ECEAD214EEA2AEED34332D9374" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable_4127AA65001FB7735E89ED34332DCB9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_A52638ECEAD214EEA2AEED34332D9374" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7BFC0753C3FADF6C8180ED34332DA03E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_A52638ECEAD214EEA2AEED34332D9374" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7BFC0753C3FADF6C8180ED34332DA03E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7BFC0753C3FADF6C8180ED34332DA03E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_A52638ECEAD214EEA2AEED34332D9374" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7BFC0753C3FADF6C8180ED34332DA03E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_792414583CC919CBB481ED34332D047E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7BFC0753C3FADF6C8180ED34332DA03E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_792414583CC919CBB481ED34332D047E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerListsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerListsMember_840B8765E4C6CC1E4E65ED34332D6E78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7BFC0753C3FADF6C8180ED34332DA03E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerListsMember_840B8765E4C6CC1E4E65ED34332D6E78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_86BF2A1937F61CC9B853ED34332E3BEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7BFC0753C3FADF6C8180ED34332DA03E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_86BF2A1937F61CC9B853ED34332E3BEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B1F50B88460EB56A4597ED34332E46C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable_4127AA65001FB7735E89ED34332DCB9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B1F50B88460EB56A4597ED34332E46C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_53E2471BE994822A148FED34332F7103_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B1F50B88460EB56A4597ED34332E46C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_53E2471BE994822A148FED34332F7103_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_53E2471BE994822A148FED34332F7103" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B1F50B88460EB56A4597ED34332E46C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_53E2471BE994822A148FED34332F7103" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_B2C8F7315FFBC2E1A9C4ED34332F0B86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_53E2471BE994822A148FED34332F7103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_B2C8F7315FFBC2E1A9C4ED34332F0B86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementAxis" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementAxis_4256A4CB3B8D2BC4B283ED34332F8A10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable_4127AA65001FB7735E89ED34332DCB9A" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementAxis_4256A4CB3B8D2BC4B283ED34332F8A10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementDomain_AC84C20A726C8D23D4D7ED34332FFCFA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementAxis_4256A4CB3B8D2BC4B283ED34332F8A10" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementDomain_AC84C20A726C8D23D4D7ED34332FFCFA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementDomain_AC84C20A726C8D23D4D7ED34332FFCFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementAxis_4256A4CB3B8D2BC4B283ED34332F8A10" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementDomain_AC84C20A726C8D23D4D7ED34332FFCFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_FirstLienLoanAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FirstLienLoanAgreementMember_5A4EB81D1AB0E45EDABFED34332F9004" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementDomain_AC84C20A726C8D23D4D7ED34332FFCFA" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FirstLienLoanAgreementMember_5A4EB81D1AB0E45EDABFED34332F9004" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_1B4E6D4E9A1FED1B8652ED343330FB6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable_4127AA65001FB7735E89ED34332DCB9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_1B4E6D4E9A1FED1B8652ED343330FB6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_A5BE22E119D4756032A0ED343330DBDE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_1B4E6D4E9A1FED1B8652ED343330FB6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_A5BE22E119D4756032A0ED343330DBDE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_A5BE22E119D4756032A0ED343330DBDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_1B4E6D4E9A1FED1B8652ED343330FB6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_A5BE22E119D4756032A0ED343330DBDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_54E4F7600D6E3C36D6B1ED34333098D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_A5BE22E119D4756032A0ED343330DBDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_54E4F7600D6E3C36D6B1ED34333098D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3659D98C7ADCA926D56EED3433305063" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable_4127AA65001FB7735E89ED34332DCB9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3659D98C7ADCA926D56EED3433305063" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_518D97DF0C8C1F5A307EED34333044BA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3659D98C7ADCA926D56EED3433305063" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_518D97DF0C8C1F5A307EED34333044BA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_518D97DF0C8C1F5A307EED34333044BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3659D98C7ADCA926D56EED3433305063" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_518D97DF0C8C1F5A307EED34333044BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubordinatedDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedDebtMember_5383DC8A075D8D09E823ED3433312E00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_518D97DF0C8C1F5A307EED34333044BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedDebtMember_5383DC8A075D8D09E823ED3433312E00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanFacilityMember_82255359B6C60F341044ED343331E497" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_518D97DF0C8C1F5A307EED34333044BA" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanFacilityMember_82255359B6C60F341044ED343331E497" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember_539D1D0F038B28B11870ED343331B5BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_518D97DF0C8C1F5A307EED34333044BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember_539D1D0F038B28B11870ED343331B5BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_097853B3AAE7262C1D92ED343331235D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_518D97DF0C8C1F5A307EED34333044BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_097853B3AAE7262C1D92ED343331235D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis_17D24B01C5E22804B303ED3433316EA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable_4127AA65001FB7735E89ED34332DCB9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis_17D24B01C5E22804B303ED3433316EA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_FA88AC4A8B2321FC2721ED3433315517_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis_17D24B01C5E22804B303ED3433316EA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_FA88AC4A8B2321FC2721ED3433315517_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_FA88AC4A8B2321FC2721ED3433315517" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis_17D24B01C5E22804B303ED3433316EA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_FA88AC4A8B2321FC2721ED3433315517" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquisitionRelatedCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquisitionRelatedCostsMember_D27E8DB666649D9D3452ED34333179B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_FA88AC4A8B2321FC2721ED3433315517" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquisitionRelatedCostsMember_D27E8DB666649D9D3452ED34333179B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessAcquisitionSecondaryAxis" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessAcquisitionSecondaryAxis_F6459C5A0DB36C8A41FDED3433313546" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable_4127AA65001FB7735E89ED34332DCB9A" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessAcquisitionSecondaryAxis_F6459C5A0DB36C8A41FDED3433313546" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessAcquisitionSecondaryDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessAcquisitionSecondaryDomain_FFB59785496303039877ED34333146D3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_BusinessAcquisitionSecondaryAxis_F6459C5A0DB36C8A41FDED3433313546" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessAcquisitionSecondaryDomain_FFB59785496303039877ED34333146D3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessAcquisitionSecondaryDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessAcquisitionSecondaryDomain_FFB59785496303039877ED34333146D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_BusinessAcquisitionSecondaryAxis_F6459C5A0DB36C8A41FDED3433313546" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessAcquisitionSecondaryDomain_FFB59785496303039877ED34333146D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DE7C0D19E07D179E3D1AED34333175C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable_4127AA65001FB7735E89ED34332DCB9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DE7C0D19E07D179E3D1AED34333175C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_3FCE00C0E5F60A7D6117ED3433311D6C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DE7C0D19E07D179E3D1AED34333175C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_3FCE00C0E5F60A7D6117ED3433311D6C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_3FCE00C0E5F60A7D6117ED3433311D6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DE7C0D19E07D179E3D1AED34333175C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_3FCE00C0E5F60A7D6117ED3433311D6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_MedicalStaffingNetworkMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MedicalStaffingNetworkMember_17416725ECC94D265DA0ED3433314B7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_3FCE00C0E5F60A7D6117ED3433311D6C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MedicalStaffingNetworkMember_17416725ECC94D265DA0ED3433314B7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_OnAssignmentMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OnAssignmentMember_8DA2B486689BED2EBCCAED343331923F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_3FCE00C0E5F60A7D6117ED3433311D6C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OnAssignmentMember_8DA2B486689BED2EBCCAED343331923F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_MDAHoldingsIncMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MDAHoldingsIncMember_8C7E493DD7F6F6B5DD99ED3433310E24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_3FCE00C0E5F60A7D6117ED3433311D6C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MDAHoldingsIncMember_8C7E493DD7F6F6B5DD99ED3433310E24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_26AD35BDF2662B0EDCE2ED34333213C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_26AD35BDF2662B0EDCE2ED34333213C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_F44FB070B1991D4BDE06ED343332F77F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_F44FB070B1991D4BDE06ED343332F77F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationAmountDepositedinEscrowWorkingCapitalAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationAmountDepositedinEscrowWorkingCapitalAdjustment_CE944BAD5075CFB3CD3CED343332AD44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationAmountDepositedinEscrowWorkingCapitalAdjustment_CE944BAD5075CFB3CD3CED343332AD44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferred" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferred_0E83F38C27CD68700522ED34333263C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferred_0E83F38C27CD68700522ED34333263C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod_7908306059A6CC62035DED343332D9EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod_7908306059A6CC62035DED343332D9EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPreviousAcquisition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPreviousAcquisition_F1364D2A2E76589B224BED343332D5A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPreviousAcquisition_F1364D2A2E76589B224BED343332D5A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_CEE486A95B848EAD8F49ED34333244DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_CEE486A95B848EAD8F49ED34333244DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_4F6281FC7C633D13BF77ED343336872D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_4F6281FC7C633D13BF77ED343336872D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_FFEA74C77711A688557FED3433361504" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_FFEA74C77711A688557FED3433361504" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_E4D30289210A91E4C887ED343336138C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_E4D30289210A91E4C887ED343336138C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_NumberofLocationsofOperations" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NumberofLocationsofOperations_87E38767E5956FCE12FDED343336F94C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NumberofLocationsofOperations_87E38767E5956FCE12FDED343336F94C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombination.RecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumedAccountsReceivableGross" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombination.RecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumedAccountsReceivableGross_A71126A844628B702F75ED3433361ABC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombination.RecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumedAccountsReceivableGross_A71126A844628B702F75ED3433361ABC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedBadDebts" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedBadDebts_6D5F78EFBBA28CA69BD8ED3433360523" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedBadDebts_6D5F78EFBBA28CA69BD8ED3433360523" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ProfessionalLiabilityInsuranceClaimAttached" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ProfessionalLiabilityInsuranceClaimAttached_2CD8D8185B79B698811CED343336B850" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ProfessionalLiabilityInsuranceClaimAttached_2CD8D8185B79B698811CED343336B850" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ProfessionalLiabilityPolicyLimit" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ProfessionalLiabilityPolicyLimit_AA94A71E52B60FA6C309ED3433364C78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ProfessionalLiabilityPolicyLimit_AA94A71E52B60FA6C309ED3433364C78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_HealthCareOrganizationStopLossPolicyEstimatedFairValueOfProfessionalLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_HealthCareOrganizationStopLossPolicyEstimatedFairValueOfProfessionalLiabilities_99F5B759C15B04FAE24BED343336FFF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_HealthCareOrganizationStopLossPolicyEstimatedFairValueOfProfessionalLiabilities_99F5B759C15B04FAE24BED343336FFF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_HealthCareOrganizationStopLossPolicyEstimatedRecoveryReceivable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_HealthCareOrganizationStopLossPolicyEstimatedRecoveryReceivable_483DD3F2FDBD2B758F1BED34333666C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_HealthCareOrganizationStopLossPolicyEstimatedRecoveryReceivable_483DD3F2FDBD2B758F1BED34333666C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_PrimaryProfessionalLiabilityPolicyCoverageperOccurrence" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PrimaryProfessionalLiabilityPolicyCoverageperOccurrence_1EDC1EF516350CD15416ED3433360580" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PrimaryProfessionalLiabilityPolicyCoverageperOccurrence_1EDC1EF516350CD15416ED3433360580" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_PrimaryProfessionalLiabilityPolicyCoverage" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PrimaryProfessionalLiabilityPolicyCoverage_353C172B570F31517771ED3433360B0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PrimaryProfessionalLiabilityPolicyCoverage_353C172B570F31517771ED3433360B0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ProfessionalLiabilityPolicyExcessLayerLimitperOccurrence" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ProfessionalLiabilityPolicyExcessLayerLimitperOccurrence_2A4DA3E8325483941CCCED3433369352" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ProfessionalLiabilityPolicyExcessLayerLimitperOccurrence_2A4DA3E8325483941CCCED3433369352" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ProfessionalLiabilityPolicyExcessLayerLimit" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ProfessionalLiabilityPolicyExcessLayerLimit_E3CDEB1D2CC8016A098DED343336DA67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ProfessionalLiabilityPolicyExcessLayerLimit_E3CDEB1D2CC8016A098DED343336DA67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_C25EC97C1B18803F6697ED34333658AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_C25EC97C1B18803F6697ED34333658AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_9FBC85AC46A1A25700FAED343337450C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_9FBC85AC46A1A25700FAED343337450C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_2F8EEA2FE419194AF6A1ED3433373F02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_2F8EEA2FE419194AF6A1ED3433373F02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_CA84C7B43F87244118F9ED3433371DEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_CA84C7B43F87244118F9ED3433371DEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_A2EBF63C44612754A5BDED343337367A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_A2EBF63C44612754A5BDED343337367A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionofLessthan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestValuationTechniqueDiscountedCashFlowMethodUtilizationPercentage" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionofLessthan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestValuationTechniqueDiscountedCashFlowMethodUtilizationPercentage_E4139B7F6DA39A7B6982ED343337DB8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionofLessthan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestValuationTechniqueDiscountedCashFlowMethodUtilizationPercentage_E4139B7F6DA39A7B6982ED343337DB8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionofLessthan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestValuationTechniqueGuidelinePublicCompanyMethodUtilizationPercentage" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionofLessthan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestValuationTechniqueGuidelinePublicCompanyMethodUtilizationPercentage_4AEDD9AC0A0656EB6F56ED343337DE8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionofLessthan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestValuationTechniqueGuidelinePublicCompanyMethodUtilizationPercentage_4AEDD9AC0A0656EB6F56ED343337DE8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionofLessthan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestValuationTechniqueMergersandAcquisitionMethodUtilizationPercentage" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionofLessthan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestValuationTechniqueMergersandAcquisitionMethodUtilizationPercentage_BD7EAE20BE91247D1B78ED3433372E1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionofLessthan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestValuationTechniqueMergersandAcquisitionMethodUtilizationPercentage_BD7EAE20BE91247D1B78ED3433372E1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_FA08A5896913DC4DF78FED343337ACB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_FA08A5896913DC4DF78FED343337ACB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionandIntegrationRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionandIntegrationRelatedCosts_7E10E7EB0259753AC94AED3433378FA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="31" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionandIntegrationRelatedCosts_7E10E7EB0259753AC94AED3433378FA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_9A5E5744214AB6BE6F4DED3433379AD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="32" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_9A5E5744214AB6BE6F4DED3433379AD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Cash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Cash_1D2CF5043559EBA2C1FCED343338D89D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="33" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Cash_1D2CF5043559EBA2C1FCED343338D89D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationNumberofBranchbasedEmployees" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationNumberofBranchbasedEmployees_ED39D7FAB4D9A786C06CED343339185A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="34" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationNumberofBranchbasedEmployees_ED39D7FAB4D9A786C06CED343339185A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationNumberofStaffingSpecialties" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationNumberofStaffingSpecialties_64C69D63459237C4F162ED343339A60D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="35" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationNumberofStaffingSpecialties_64C69D63459237C4F162ED343339A60D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationNumberofBranchOffices" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationNumberofBranchOffices_BFC2C56A806DA7E9A02AED3433396D17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="36" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationNumberofBranchOffices_BFC2C56A806DA7E9A02AED3433396D17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_BF68D8244F33C4C4F6F9ED343339BFE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="37" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_BF68D8244F33C4C4F6F9ED343339BFE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_EscrowDepositIndemnityRemainingAmount" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_EscrowDepositIndemnityRemainingAmount_59AFA85FE3FF03D0AF53ED343339B35F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="38" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLineItems_0E0E8FA6F17E44985E82ED34333234F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_EscrowDepositIndemnityRemainingAmount_59AFA85FE3FF03D0AF53ED343339B35F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsScheduleOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4EE7B16A108CCF925846EB23006642E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4EE7B16A108CCF925846EB23006642E7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B2A4E2C5EBC79F876073EB2300663F2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4EE7B16A108CCF925846EB23006642E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B2A4E2C5EBC79F876073EB2300663F2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_29747AB59F1BC7B21EEBEB230066EC0B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B2A4E2C5EBC79F876073EB2300663F2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_29747AB59F1BC7B21EEBEB230066EC0B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_29747AB59F1BC7B21EEBEB230066EC0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B2A4E2C5EBC79F876073EB2300663F2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_29747AB59F1BC7B21EEBEB230066EC0B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_OnAssignmentMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OnAssignmentMember_3EA59A15BDCA33321573EB230066A28B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_29747AB59F1BC7B21EEBEB230066EC0B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OnAssignmentMember_3EA59A15BDCA33321573EB230066A28B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_MedicalStaffingNetworkMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MedicalStaffingNetworkMember_4F7D0FF09580507F31BFEB230066C47E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_29747AB59F1BC7B21EEBEB230066EC0B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MedicalStaffingNetworkMember_4F7D0FF09580507F31BFEB230066C47E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_0913C3F441A1976E3621EB230066F51D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4EE7B16A108CCF925846EB23006642E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_0913C3F441A1976E3621EB230066F51D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E3ED54A5649669C867DFEB230066FFA7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_0913C3F441A1976E3621EB230066F51D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E3ED54A5649669C867DFEB230066FFA7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E3ED54A5649669C867DFEB230066FFA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_0913C3F441A1976E3621EB230066F51D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E3ED54A5649669C867DFEB230066FFA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_DBF82D58D28D67F644CEEB230066774D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_DBF82D58D28D67F644CEEB230066774D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_78BD16B10F4046585C2BEB2300678DC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_78BD16B10F4046585C2BEB2300678DC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther_84D5FBCDF14722435E26EB230067360D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther_84D5FBCDF14722435E26EB230067360D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_5DA90B0ED221668ADE63EB230067F7D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_5DA90B0ED221668ADE63EB230067F7D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_DFB4E5DC062ABEA5F785EB23006710D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_DFB4E5DC062ABEA5F785EB23006710D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_C22C8D428114EA5247C6EB230067352E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_C22C8D428114EA5247C6EB230067352E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_F783E1E196304C3F570BEB2300671C54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_F783E1E196304C3F570BEB2300671C54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_8281ADB39F6568CDFC4EEB2300673F11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_8281ADB39F6568CDFC4EEB2300673F11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable_2FC36F15F19D53D30B39EB2300671A0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable_2FC36F15F19D53D30B39EB2300671A0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAccruedEmployeeCompensationandBenefits" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAccruedEmployeeCompensationandBenefits_F9B7F33D3F9F4020EDD2EB230067E612" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAccruedEmployeeCompensationandBenefits_F9B7F33D3F9F4020EDD2EB230067E612" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther_9AE83E02F4EABB5ACC21EB230067E438" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther_9AE83E02F4EABB5ACC21EB230067E438" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_2D7502D5582D02B47C54EB230067D543" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_2D7502D5582D02B47C54EB230067D543" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_055487F84AE19AF6A8D8EB230067AB23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_055487F84AE19AF6A8D8EB230067AB23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterest_1991FDB1AF948EE2711CEB230067D07A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterest_1991FDB1AF948EE2711CEB230067D07A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_FB6714BC15F57E1C75A5EB230067203B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_625070EA04D7E56F01A1EB230066C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_FB6714BC15F57E1C75A5EB230067203B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsScheduleOfProFormaInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_FE4B20D5FA370C22FA3AEC229195354E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_17395AB093FFF5A207A6EC229195D406" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_FE4B20D5FA370C22FA3AEC229195354E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_17395AB093FFF5A207A6EC229195D406" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7D285FE634007EF0DC60EC229195BE4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_17395AB093FFF5A207A6EC229195D406" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7D285FE634007EF0DC60EC229195BE4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_465DAD0A253CD1DD16EBEC229195E879_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7D285FE634007EF0DC60EC229195BE4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_465DAD0A253CD1DD16EBEC229195E879_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_465DAD0A253CD1DD16EBEC229195E879" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7D285FE634007EF0DC60EC229195BE4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_465DAD0A253CD1DD16EBEC229195E879" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_OnAssignmentMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OnAssignmentMember_956A2E089BA87DED1AE9EC2291957743" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_465DAD0A253CD1DD16EBEC229195E879" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OnAssignmentMember_956A2E089BA87DED1AE9EC2291957743" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_0B616DEE57A2610C93C1EC22919558B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_17395AB093FFF5A207A6EC229195D406" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_0B616DEE57A2610C93C1EC22919558B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_CBF4AC311B9C746E4D66EC229195CD28_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_0B616DEE57A2610C93C1EC22919558B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_CBF4AC311B9C746E4D66EC229195CD28_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_CBF4AC311B9C746E4D66EC229195CD28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_0B616DEE57A2610C93C1EC22919558B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_CBF4AC311B9C746E4D66EC229195CD28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_1D14594038A47DDE8F32EC229196A5BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_FE4B20D5FA370C22FA3AEC229195354E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_1D14594038A47DDE8F32EC229196A5BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_F1899AD9013404F0959DEC2291968169" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_FE4B20D5FA370C22FA3AEC229195354E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_F1899AD9013404F0959DEC2291968169" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic_009B573A9D9812EC9193EC2291965C4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_FE4B20D5FA370C22FA3AEC229195354E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic_009B573A9D9812EC9193EC2291965C4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted_0822209A5108052B50A7EC229196A191" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_FE4B20D5FA370C22FA3AEC229195354E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted_0822209A5108052B50A7EC229196A191" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AggregateScheduledMaturitiesOfDebtDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E29E8E148D2983AFEEE6DB69ED9D649B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_7DCA7052CA76BFE5645BDB69ED9D77F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E29E8E148D2983AFEEE6DB69ED9D649B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_7DCA7052CA76BFE5645BDB69ED9D77F0" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_1968EE8782C06C05F629DB69ED9DC91B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_7DCA7052CA76BFE5645BDB69ED9D77F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_1968EE8782C06C05F629DB69ED9DC91B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3946E282097A3AC9D312DB69ED9DB9FD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_1968EE8782C06C05F629DB69ED9DC91B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3946E282097A3AC9D312DB69ED9DB9FD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3946E282097A3AC9D312DB69ED9DB9FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_1968EE8782C06C05F629DB69ED9DC91B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3946E282097A3AC9D312DB69ED9DB9FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanFacilityMember_36A47F8A2834F53E98FBDB69ED9DDE42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3946E282097A3AC9D312DB69ED9DB9FD" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanFacilityMember_36A47F8A2834F53E98FBDB69ED9DDE42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember_1BA716778B35D54445F8DB6E8B745E4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3946E282097A3AC9D312DB69ED9DB9FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember_1BA716778B35D54445F8DB6E8B745E4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_B98860F4B09DC0CAC073DB69ED9DF0E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3946E282097A3AC9D312DB69ED9DB9FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_B98860F4B09DC0CAC073DB69ED9DF0E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_CapitalLeaseAndPromissoryNoteMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CapitalLeaseAndPromissoryNoteMember_3EF5FB36DE4B48C48306DB69ED9DF944" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3946E282097A3AC9D312DB69ED9DB9FD" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CapitalLeaseAndPromissoryNoteMember_3EF5FB36DE4B48C48306DB69ED9DF944" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_69D3BB84D9787F8F3A11DB69ED9DEC40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E29E8E148D2983AFEEE6DB69ED9D649B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_69D3BB84D9787F8F3A11DB69ED9DEC40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_6C77151E32BAB7529AA1DB69ED9D5593" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E29E8E148D2983AFEEE6DB69ED9D649B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_6C77151E32BAB7529AA1DB69ED9D5593" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_CDB13C7B861744462391DB69ED9DB2D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E29E8E148D2983AFEEE6DB69ED9D649B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_CDB13C7B861744462391DB69ED9DB2D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_B21ACDAD176E54D5F09CDB69ED9EB37E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E29E8E148D2983AFEEE6DB69ED9D649B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_B21ACDAD176E54D5F09CDB69ED9EB37E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_59140D1B34454D411E60DB69ED9E0011" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E29E8E148D2983AFEEE6DB69ED9D649B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_59140D1B34454D411E60DB69ED9E0011" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_A0B07485D620BDAAF1D5DB70A25C0A13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E29E8E148D2983AFEEE6DB69ED9D649B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_A0B07485D620BDAAF1D5DB70A25C0A13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_FBECCA79CBFF8FF9ED4EDB69ED9E04B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E29E8E148D2983AFEEE6DB69ED9D649B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_FBECCA79CBFF8FF9ED4EDB69ED9E04B3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AssumptionsUsedToEstimateFairValueOfOptionsGrantedUsingBlackScholesOptionPricingModelDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetailsDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetailsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillBySegmentAdditionalDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_F0F9BF69B3298EFCE815EFBCF9740570" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_3004D1A84EB28227E5B3EFBCF97446C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_F0F9BF69B3298EFCE815EFBCF9740570" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_3004D1A84EB28227E5B3EFBCF97446C3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_DDE624C57E01EDCE8FDFEFD38E47D617" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_3004D1A84EB28227E5B3EFBCF97446C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_DDE624C57E01EDCE8FDFEFD38E47D617" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BE68A922E85863D53875EFD38E4EA546_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_DDE624C57E01EDCE8FDFEFD38E47D617" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BE68A922E85863D53875EFD38E4EA546_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BE68A922E85863D53875EFD38E4EA546" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_DDE624C57E01EDCE8FDFEFD38E47D617" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BE68A922E85863D53875EFD38E4EA546" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_A6CDD647E51E22B42414EFD40AA97E0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BE68A922E85863D53875EFD38E4EA546" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_A6CDD647E51E22B42414EFD40AA97E0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5C8C557F0B80F6B936F2EFBCF974725F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_3004D1A84EB28227E5B3EFBCF97446C3" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5C8C557F0B80F6B936F2EFBCF974725F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ED63EC4704A4AF62295FEFBCF9745979_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5C8C557F0B80F6B936F2EFBCF974725F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ED63EC4704A4AF62295FEFBCF9745979_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ED63EC4704A4AF62295FEFBCF9745979" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5C8C557F0B80F6B936F2EFBCF974725F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ED63EC4704A4AF62295FEFBCF9745979" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_7104ECDBE5F86E6BF5BFEFBCF9740B6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_F0F9BF69B3298EFCE815EFBCF9740570" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_7104ECDBE5F86E6BF5BFEFBCF9740B6B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillBySegmentDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_F19E470D34F56C35330AD673C232C6B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_B2BF092A04DD077199E3D673C2328600" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_F19E470D34F56C35330AD673C232C6B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_B2BF092A04DD077199E3D673C2328600" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2C4ADAD92FCE06AFEF3AD673C232C910" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_B2BF092A04DD077199E3D673C2328600" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2C4ADAD92FCE06AFEF3AD673C232C910" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_9241CA6956A2DD94E054D673C2328E5C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2C4ADAD92FCE06AFEF3AD673C232C910" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_9241CA6956A2DD94E054D673C2328E5C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_9241CA6956A2DD94E054D673C2328E5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2C4ADAD92FCE06AFEF3AD673C232C910" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_9241CA6956A2DD94E054D673C2328E5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A8D2118F61D6805A0B75D673C2325E96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_B2BF092A04DD077199E3D673C2328600" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A8D2118F61D6805A0B75D673C2325E96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A27648049380F90767B2D673C2325809_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A8D2118F61D6805A0B75D673C2325E96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A27648049380F90767B2D673C2325809_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A27648049380F90767B2D673C2325809" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A8D2118F61D6805A0B75D673C2325E96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A27648049380F90767B2D673C2325809" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_A56F91BA7CC2B2884E89D673C2323B3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A27648049380F90767B2D673C2325809" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_A56F91BA7CC2B2884E89D673C2323B3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_C3352F7189ECC5E3DBB7D673C23294BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A27648049380F90767B2D673C2325809" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_C3352F7189ECC5E3DBB7D673C23294BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember_25CFDEF3494D0E327FDED673C232D0A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A27648049380F90767B2D673C2325809" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember_25CFDEF3494D0E327FDED673C232D0A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_37C150BA38512FDE5B0FD673C2337E02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_F19E470D34F56C35330AD673C232C6B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_37C150BA38512FDE5B0FD673C2337E02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_0FED56DD62428EF23E42D673C233B4A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_37C150BA38512FDE5B0FD673C2337E02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_0FED56DD62428EF23E42D673C233B4A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_669A79247FD78068C043D673C2333739" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_37C150BA38512FDE5B0FD673C2337E02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_669A79247FD78068C043D673C2333739" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_8E0CFCBF7A1CFAB67978D673C23371D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_37C150BA38512FDE5B0FD673C2337E02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_8E0CFCBF7A1CFAB67978D673C23371D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustmentsAbstract_17AF2F1C0A11DBCACDCAD673C23254D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_F19E470D34F56C35330AD673C232C6B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustmentsAbstract_17AF2F1C0A11DBCACDCAD673C23254D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_FA0D45CCA406A3579B6BD673C233BF8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustmentsAbstract_17AF2F1C0A11DBCACDCAD673C23254D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_FA0D45CCA406A3579B6BD673C233BF8A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentAndContingenciesNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_AB5F741B07586B56FCBFDCB4E5B5A728" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_90AD587FB3D9330C548EDCB4E5B34305" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_AB5F741B07586B56FCBFDCB4E5B5A728" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_90AD587FB3D9330C548EDCB4E5B34305" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_1381E43862DAD5DC6BE2DCB4E5B33517" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_90AD587FB3D9330C548EDCB4E5B34305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_1381E43862DAD5DC6BE2DCB4E5B33517" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_694E3604DC38CE1BC554DCB4E5B41E21_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_1381E43862DAD5DC6BE2DCB4E5B33517" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_694E3604DC38CE1BC554DCB4E5B41E21_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_694E3604DC38CE1BC554DCB4E5B41E21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_1381E43862DAD5DC6BE2DCB4E5B33517" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_694E3604DC38CE1BC554DCB4E5B41E21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_TaxYears2008To2010Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TaxYears2008To2010Member_003BB34F3194AB5EFCF3DCB4E5B42121" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_694E3604DC38CE1BC554DCB4E5B41E21" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TaxYears2008To2010Member_003BB34F3194AB5EFCF3DCB4E5B42121" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_TaxYears2005To2011Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TaxYears2005To2011Member_55AECCA1AD7F7764A92BDCB4E5B57CEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_694E3604DC38CE1BC554DCB4E5B41E21" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TaxYears2005To2011Member_55AECCA1AD7F7764A92BDCB4E5B57CEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_TaxYears2007to2012Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TaxYears2007to2012Member_A39AEA139C803CF4C3CEDCB4E5B51EE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_694E3604DC38CE1BC554DCB4E5B41E21" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TaxYears2007to2012Member_A39AEA139C803CF4C3CEDCB4E5B51EE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseNet_43EBCFCEC40323060656DCB4E5B53397" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_AB5F741B07586B56FCBFDCB4E5B5A728" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseNet_43EBCFCEC40323060656DCB4E5B53397" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_LossContingencyNonIncomeTaxMattersPreTax" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LossContingencyNonIncomeTaxMattersPreTax_19DB9C74A28AAF2F4263DCB4E5B5AB50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_AB5F741B07586B56FCBFDCB4E5B5A728" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LossContingencyNonIncomeTaxMattersPreTax_19DB9C74A28AAF2F4263DCB4E5B5AB50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_NonIncomeTaxMattersTaxPaidState" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NonIncomeTaxMattersTaxPaidState_59A5CB7579C6494C5D09DCB4E5B5C0CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_AB5F741B07586B56FCBFDCB4E5B5A728" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NonIncomeTaxMattersTaxPaidState_59A5CB7579C6494C5D09DCB4E5B5C0CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount_8E705A0DB64974736002DCB4E5B63192" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_AB5F741B07586B56FCBFDCB4E5B5A728" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount_8E705A0DB64974736002DCB4E5B63192" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements_87770012DB7D57B1EBF2DCCB73FF70B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_AB5F741B07586B56FCBFDCB4E5B5A728" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements_87770012DB7D57B1EBF2DCCB73FF70B2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ComponentsOfIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxesDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ComponentsOfNumeratorAndDenominatorForComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E9BF575776C3FEE74B98E102D74CB9BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3586B3F0FD040170D57AE102D74BC506" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E9BF575776C3FEE74B98E102D74CB9BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3586B3F0FD040170D57AE102D74BC506" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_C94E6670D1AD46162835E102D74CD2B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3586B3F0FD040170D57AE102D74BC506" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_C94E6670D1AD46162835E102D74CD2B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8E4841D3272CF00F6765E102D74C0237_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_C94E6670D1AD46162835E102D74CD2B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8E4841D3272CF00F6765E102D74C0237_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8E4841D3272CF00F6765E102D74C0237" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_C94E6670D1AD46162835E102D74CD2B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8E4841D3272CF00F6765E102D74C0237" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_44F80780540344CA7EE3E102D74CD6BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8E4841D3272CF00F6765E102D74C0237" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_44F80780540344CA7EE3E102D74CD6BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_6C2C5FBB6984D28194B8E102D74C44E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8E4841D3272CF00F6765E102D74C0237" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_6C2C5FBB6984D28194B8E102D74C44E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_76FDF8D6C2AB3243B148E102D74C60AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8E4841D3272CF00F6765E102D74C0237" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_76FDF8D6C2AB3243B148E102D74C60AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_D381A348E8CE757A2F8CE102D74CE947" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8E4841D3272CF00F6765E102D74C0237" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_D381A348E8CE757A2F8CE102D74CE947" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_90B7DC5A3874C676A056E102D74C5074" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8E4841D3272CF00F6765E102D74C0237" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_90B7DC5A3874C676A056E102D74C5074" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E9BF575776C3FEE74B98E102D74CB9BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_DBF8FDACA220FA05B2FEE102D74D0174" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_DBF8FDACA220FA05B2FEE102D74D0174" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_5598AAC00F0ADC6C07DDE102D74DBE1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_5598AAC00F0ADC6C07DDE102D74DBE1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_AA6196B2959981A00525E102D74D9643" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_AA6196B2959981A00525E102D74D9643" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_DC3D74E42213EE6D52DDE102D74D2C45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_DC3D74E42213EE6D52DDE102D74D2C45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_C63EA447060B14E65381E102D74D4947" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_C63EA447060B14E65381E102D74D4947" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet_D92CA91D17A103A6DE1BE102D7527A9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet_D92CA91D17A103A6DE1BE102D7527A9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_7067B662C60A1763B02EE102D752E35C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_7067B662C60A1763B02EE102D752E35C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_DE97C3DE40AADD48804AE102D75208BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_DE97C3DE40AADD48804AE102D75208BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_4DDC820A9AC1850649EAE102D75232D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_4DDC820A9AC1850649EAE102D75232D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_33AC82D2FC3570A07C6CE109A4E2D4C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_33AC82D2FC3570A07C6CE109A4E2D4C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_D4CC27FA222DBF8ECA2CE102D75282CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_D4CC27FA222DBF8ECA2CE102D75282CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIRealizedUponSaleOrLiquidationBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIRealizedUponSaleOrLiquidationBeforeTax_38E1DAEBD1959E77109CE102D752B01C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIRealizedUponSaleOrLiquidationBeforeTax_38E1DAEBD1959E77109CE102D752B01C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_7E993E81AB2D0BD71B06E102D7520D13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_7E993E81AB2D0BD71B06E102D7520D13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_76DB4EC2C3199267EE52E102D752D354" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_76DB4EC2C3199267EE52E102D752D354" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_59969F0ECDF31C6D4D39E102D7536A1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_3B7D2BE451BD9B9039FFE102D74C693C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_59969F0ECDF31C6D4D39E102D7536A1F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConvertibleNotesDerivativeLiability" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConvertibleNotesDerivativeLiabilityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4AB8D5DA211AE86EEFE6E71FB724B3F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_D088609711B9FD12A29AE71FB720ECD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4AB8D5DA211AE86EEFE6E71FB724B3F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_D088609711B9FD12A29AE71FB720ECD2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_A1E9F17F466337752171E71FF2885FEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_D088609711B9FD12A29AE71FB720ECD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_A1E9F17F466337752171E71FF2885FEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_1F1183AF5BA2D57CC4D8E71FF28C6DBA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_A1E9F17F466337752171E71FF2885FEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_1F1183AF5BA2D57CC4D8E71FF28C6DBA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_1F1183AF5BA2D57CC4D8E71FF28C6DBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_A1E9F17F466337752171E71FF2885FEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_1F1183AF5BA2D57CC4D8E71FF28C6DBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_EmbeddedDerivativeLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_EmbeddedDerivativeLiabilityMember_8BB597DDA5810345B2EDE720C4A5B19A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_1F1183AF5BA2D57CC4D8E71FF28C6DBA" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_EmbeddedDerivativeLiabilityMember_8BB597DDA5810345B2EDE720C4A5B19A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_564859EF7DD511BDAA7FE71091883185" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4AB8D5DA211AE86EEFE6E71FB724B3F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_564859EF7DD511BDAA7FE71091883185" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExercisePrice_B9F947E8C21711BA1596E7109188AACF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4AB8D5DA211AE86EEFE6E71FB724B3F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExercisePrice_B9F947E8C21711BA1596E7109188AACF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_9F55A0A96AE6608CCE89E7109189B799" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4AB8D5DA211AE86EEFE6E71FB724B3F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_9F55A0A96AE6608CCE89E7109189B799" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_169B0C6F19256BDD8983E71091894953" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4AB8D5DA211AE86EEFE6E71FB724B3F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_169B0C6F19256BDD8983E71091894953" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_20055028FEFFC91C0532E71091896A93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4AB8D5DA211AE86EEFE6E71FB724B3F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_20055028FEFFC91C0532E71091896A93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm_9F230F514C89D97C8B5EE7109189811C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4AB8D5DA211AE86EEFE6E71FB724B3F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm_9F230F514C89D97C8B5EE7109189811C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_FairValueInputsSensitivityAnalysisChangeinStockPrice" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FairValueInputsSensitivityAnalysisChangeinStockPrice_85BB23AF8C827991C4D2E71DEC28247C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4AB8D5DA211AE86EEFE6E71FB724B3F5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FairValueInputsSensitivityAnalysisChangeinStockPrice_85BB23AF8C827991C4D2E71DEC28247C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiabilityChangeInValuationDueToDollarIncreaseDecreaseInStockPrice" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiabilityChangeInValuationDueToDollarIncreaseDecreaseInStockPrice_9838928B6B6C2C137E07E71091897A2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4AB8D5DA211AE86EEFE6E71FB724B3F5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiabilityChangeInValuationDueToDollarIncreaseDecreaseInStockPrice_9838928B6B6C2C137E07E71091897A2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_FairValueInputsSensitivityAnalysisChangeinInterestRates" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FairValueInputsSensitivityAnalysisChangeinInterestRates_F2863580A361CA4CBC1BE723F425F404" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4AB8D5DA211AE86EEFE6E71FB724B3F5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FairValueInputsSensitivityAnalysisChangeinInterestRates_F2863580A361CA4CBC1BE723F425F404" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiabilityChangeInValuationDueToDollarIncreaseDecreaseInInterestRates" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiabilityChangeInValuationDueToDollarIncreaseDecreaseInInterestRates_3C6EA81A064C727AE1D0E7109189C1EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4AB8D5DA211AE86EEFE6E71FB724B3F5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiabilityChangeInValuationDueToDollarIncreaseDecreaseInInterestRates_3C6EA81A064C727AE1D0E7109189C1EE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConvertibleNotesDerivativeLiabilityTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DiscontinuedOperations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_ADC7CD56AE1C62863644C38D26E2C80E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_00BD9C4C6B9359BFDCADC38D26E2B79B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_ADC7CD56AE1C62863644C38D26E2C80E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_00BD9C4C6B9359BFDCADC38D26E2B79B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_5DC62D305D211B2DD309C39D0C2907FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_00BD9C4C6B9359BFDCADC38D26E2B79B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_5DC62D305D211B2DD309C39D0C2907FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_873999F182D056C163CFC39D0C2C014F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_5DC62D305D211B2DD309C39D0C2907FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_873999F182D056C163CFC39D0C2C014F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_873999F182D056C163CFC39D0C2C014F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_5DC62D305D211B2DD309C39D0C2907FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_873999F182D056C163CFC39D0C2C014F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ClinicalTrialServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ClinicalTrialServicesMember_13291F41F0C455FECB93C38D26E2207F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_873999F182D056C163CFC39D0C2C014F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ClinicalTrialServicesMember_13291F41F0C455FECB93C38D26E2207F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue_369B6AB5D2614CCC300AC38D26E24996" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_ADC7CD56AE1C62863644C38D26E2C80E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue_369B6AB5D2614CCC300AC38D26E24996" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax_77E982C43C793C02E2A3C38D26E34D8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_ADC7CD56AE1C62863644C38D26E2C80E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax_77E982C43C793C02E2A3C38D26E34D8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax_ED8D45246C82EC4C99ACC38D26E35F4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_ADC7CD56AE1C62863644C38D26E2C80E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax_ED8D45246C82EC4C99ACC38D26E35F4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation_E43790A098E59FA1F603C38D26E30AB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_ADC7CD56AE1C62863644C38D26E2C80E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation_E43790A098E59FA1F603C38D26E30AB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity_A2784B7C2CE110DB1AC1C38D26E3CB00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_ADC7CD56AE1C62863644C38D26E2C80E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity_A2784B7C2CE110DB1AC1C38D26E3CB00" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_F9F1BB367709AEC15E76ED5B5DEADD81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_033B68ED4B2E5F0EB860ED5B5DE4A1F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_F9F1BB367709AEC15E76ED5B5DEADD81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_033B68ED4B2E5F0EB860ED5B5DE4A1F6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_48F38B731C908DCCBED6ED5B5DE42B52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_033B68ED4B2E5F0EB860ED5B5DE4A1F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_48F38B731C908DCCBED6ED5B5DE42B52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_94C50F81E368CE0D9038ED5B5DE400B3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_48F38B731C908DCCBED6ED5B5DE42B52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_94C50F81E368CE0D9038ED5B5DE400B3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_94C50F81E368CE0D9038ED5B5DE400B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_48F38B731C908DCCBED6ED5B5DE42B52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_94C50F81E368CE0D9038ED5B5DE400B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ClinicalTrialServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ClinicalTrialServicesMember_D0C319CAE61F1A373E84ED5B5DE48859" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_94C50F81E368CE0D9038ED5B5DE400B3" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ClinicalTrialServicesMember_D0C319CAE61F1A373E84ED5B5DE48859" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_ACF14C60B844887E08E0ED5B5DE46ED2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_033B68ED4B2E5F0EB860ED5B5DE4A1F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_ACF14C60B844887E08E0ED5B5DE46ED2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C1BB623E61A812314BB9ED5B5DE4AF4B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_ACF14C60B844887E08E0ED5B5DE46ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C1BB623E61A812314BB9ED5B5DE4AF4B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C1BB623E61A812314BB9ED5B5DE4AF4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_ACF14C60B844887E08E0ED5B5DE46ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C1BB623E61A812314BB9ED5B5DE4AF4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ClinicalTrialServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ClinicalTrialServicesMember_C2A2473B493BA372FB84ED5B5DE47E64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C1BB623E61A812314BB9ED5B5DE4AF4B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ClinicalTrialServicesMember_C2A2473B493BA372FB84ED5B5DE47E64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_E33817A3470E37B5053BED5B5DE46A23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_033B68ED4B2E5F0EB860ED5B5DE4A1F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_E33817A3470E37B5053BED5B5DE46A23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_1604A568597C74D68CEDED5B5DE40B20_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_E33817A3470E37B5053BED5B5DE46A23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_1604A568597C74D68CEDED5B5DE40B20_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_1604A568597C74D68CEDED5B5DE40B20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_E33817A3470E37B5053BED5B5DE46A23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_1604A568597C74D68CEDED5B5DE40B20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_A38D38FD288F1ACFD7B1ED5B5DE495E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_1604A568597C74D68CEDED5B5DE40B20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_A38D38FD288F1ACFD7B1ED5B5DE495E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_8C26C3ECCD5A477390B2ED5B5DEA7814" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_033B68ED4B2E5F0EB860ED5B5DE4A1F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_8C26C3ECCD5A477390B2ED5B5DEA7814" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7BC6A69677C570614C33ED5B5DEA1760_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_8C26C3ECCD5A477390B2ED5B5DEA7814" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7BC6A69677C570614C33ED5B5DEA1760_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7BC6A69677C570614C33ED5B5DEA1760" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_8C26C3ECCD5A477390B2ED5B5DEA7814" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7BC6A69677C570614C33ED5B5DEA1760" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TrademarksMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksMember_49F20585D9A4EB1196F6ED5B5DEAC11A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7BC6A69677C570614C33ED5B5DEA1760" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksMember_49F20585D9A4EB1196F6ED5B5DEAC11A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses_77272807206CD9E5E987ED5B5DEA05E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_F9F1BB367709AEC15E76ED5B5DEADD81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses_77272807206CD9E5E987ED5B5DEA05E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationAmountOfAdjustmentToPriorPeriodGainLossOnDisposalNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationAmountOfAdjustmentToPriorPeriodGainLossOnDisposalNetOfTax_B93F494000B9C1D4A46BED5B5DEA3313" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_F9F1BB367709AEC15E76ED5B5DEADD81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationAmountOfAdjustmentToPriorPeriodGainLossOnDisposalNetOfTax_B93F494000B9C1D4A46BED5B5DEA3313" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_EarnoutConsiderationFromDivestitureOfBusiness" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_EarnoutConsiderationFromDivestitureOfBusiness_FF94FEE21976DB2333B6ED5B5DEA6935" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_F9F1BB367709AEC15E76ED5B5DEADD81" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_EarnoutConsiderationFromDivestitureOfBusiness_FF94FEE21976DB2333B6ED5B5DEA6935" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_Releaseofescrowtothebuyer" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_Releaseofescrowtothebuyer_E6C744B8E87BF0DA627BED5B5DEA7E40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_F9F1BB367709AEC15E76ED5B5DEADD81" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_Releaseofescrowtothebuyer_E6C744B8E87BF0DA627BED5B5DEA7E40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EscrowDeposit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EscrowDeposit_0D9DB95AAC62E9A7E788ED5B5DEA8236" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_F9F1BB367709AEC15E76ED5B5DEADD81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EscrowDeposit_0D9DB95AAC62E9A7E788ED5B5DEA8236" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_EscrowDepositTerm" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_EscrowDepositTerm_B44B9DE0A2423E582EFCED5B5DEA13BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_F9F1BB367709AEC15E76ED5B5DEADD81" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_EscrowDepositTerm_B44B9DE0A2423E582EFCED5B5DEA13BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_13AF84C9E4E135036DD5ED5B5DEA8A27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_F9F1BB367709AEC15E76ED5B5DEADD81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_13AF84C9E4E135036DD5ED5B5DEA8A27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_F0E31BCD23CE5B82B1A6ED5B5DEA2193" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_F9F1BB367709AEC15E76ED5B5DEADD81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_F0E31BCD23CE5B82B1A6ED5B5DEA2193" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax_44C99E0775BF3445920BED5B5DEAA14F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_F9F1BB367709AEC15E76ED5B5DEADD81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax_44C99E0775BF3445920BED5B5DEAA14F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_CFEA4A21F2A630BB7357C38D25F7B722" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_D23BE4617E8F8276F03DC38D25F733EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_CFEA4A21F2A630BB7357C38D25F7B722" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_D23BE4617E8F8276F03DC38D25F733EA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_C39332CEFF23E1BA110AC38D25F7CD93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_D23BE4617E8F8276F03DC38D25F733EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_C39332CEFF23E1BA110AC38D25F7CD93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_3C11A7ECDE71061ED491C38D25F77CA6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_C39332CEFF23E1BA110AC38D25F7CD93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_3C11A7ECDE71061ED491C38D25F77CA6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_3C11A7ECDE71061ED491C38D25F77CA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_C39332CEFF23E1BA110AC38D25F7CD93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_3C11A7ECDE71061ED491C38D25F77CA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_2BD1870EFA804C25833BC38D25F73EE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_3C11A7ECDE71061ED491C38D25F77CA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_2BD1870EFA804C25833BC38D25F73EE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_0D0B184266D831D8506DC38D25F7FEAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_CFEA4A21F2A630BB7357C38D25F7B722" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_0D0B184266D831D8506DC38D25F7FEAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_DilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_3E050AD7B8C8C2537D5DC38D25F789C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_CFEA4A21F2A630BB7357C38D25F7B722" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_3E050AD7B8C8C2537D5DC38D25F789C9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EstimatedAnnualAmortizationExpenseDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EstimatedFairValueOfGoodwillMeasuredOnNonrecurringBasisDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_683560004016E1E67F4BED2BE6A82B8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_6E86F04304D1194825B2ED2BE6A0E4DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_683560004016E1E67F4BED2BE6A82B8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_6E86F04304D1194825B2ED2BE6A0E4DD" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5A5A8E9EB338D8DB017DED2BE6A6F8DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_6E86F04304D1194825B2ED2BE6A0E4DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5A5A8E9EB338D8DB017DED2BE6A6F8DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_D8CA7F0F56E67094EB7DED2BE6A6B2AD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5A5A8E9EB338D8DB017DED2BE6A6F8DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_D8CA7F0F56E67094EB7DED2BE6A6B2AD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_D8CA7F0F56E67094EB7DED2BE6A6B2AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5A5A8E9EB338D8DB017DED2BE6A6F8DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_D8CA7F0F56E67094EB7DED2BE6A6B2AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember_F149AEA2E38A007BAD63ED2BE6A7C8B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_D8CA7F0F56E67094EB7DED2BE6A6B2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember_F149AEA2E38A007BAD63ED2BE6A7C8B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_AA36CED01A672A87D4E8ED2BE6A75118" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_6E86F04304D1194825B2ED2BE6A0E4DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_AA36CED01A672A87D4E8ED2BE6A75118" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2B9E879D4F3602349109ED2BE6A770E6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_AA36CED01A672A87D4E8ED2BE6A75118" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2B9E879D4F3602349109ED2BE6A770E6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2B9E879D4F3602349109ED2BE6A770E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_AA36CED01A672A87D4E8ED2BE6A75118" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2B9E879D4F3602349109ED2BE6A770E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_40C5ED323F0B1CA757C4ED2BE6A78A55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2B9E879D4F3602349109ED2BE6A770E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_40C5ED323F0B1CA757C4ED2BE6A78A55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillFairValueDisclosure_830E3DFFC27A97C24DA4ED3557C7403B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_683560004016E1E67F4BED2BE6A82B8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillFairValueDisclosure_830E3DFFC27A97C24DA4ED3557C7403B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EstimatedFairValuesAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4A9CB8F9CFD513BEFD6DEBCE7B2A3A61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_32439BFEAD7766EC94CEEBCE7B24C6E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4A9CB8F9CFD513BEFD6DEBCE7B2A3A61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_32439BFEAD7766EC94CEEBCE7B24C6E3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2004B663FBCEF7885AADEBCE7B24437B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_32439BFEAD7766EC94CEEBCE7B24C6E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2004B663FBCEF7885AADEBCE7B24437B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_55CEDAC8F9CC603A6223EBCE7B246967_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2004B663FBCEF7885AADEBCE7B24437B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_55CEDAC8F9CC603A6223EBCE7B246967_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_55CEDAC8F9CC603A6223EBCE7B246967" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2004B663FBCEF7885AADEBCE7B24437B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_55CEDAC8F9CC603A6223EBCE7B246967" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ConvertibleNotesNetMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleNotesNetMember_765F0779703FD4D74995EBCE7B24AA8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_55CEDAC8F9CC603A6223EBCE7B246967" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleNotesNetMember_765F0779703FD4D74995EBCE7B24AA8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_93413585F9895778D8E1EBCE7B25742B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_32439BFEAD7766EC94CEEBCE7B24C6E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_93413585F9895778D8E1EBCE7B25742B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_DBDCEB8A11A8FD44D590EBCE7B259E5D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_93413585F9895778D8E1EBCE7B25742B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_DBDCEB8A11A8FD44D590EBCE7B259E5D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_DBDCEB8A11A8FD44D590EBCE7B259E5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_93413585F9895778D8E1EBCE7B25742B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_DBDCEB8A11A8FD44D590EBCE7B259E5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_DeferredCompensationMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DeferredCompensationMember_5C4FE624583AD6419894EBCE7B25DA6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_DBDCEB8A11A8FD44D590EBCE7B259E5D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DeferredCompensationMember_5C4FE624583AD6419894EBCE7B25DA6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_70DCEDABA0C45F0CB595EBCE7B256333" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_32439BFEAD7766EC94CEEBCE7B24C6E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_70DCEDABA0C45F0CB595EBCE7B256333" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_79BE4F214364BC4F0992EBCE7B2564C9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_70DCEDABA0C45F0CB595EBCE7B256333" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_79BE4F214364BC4F0992EBCE7B2564C9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_79BE4F214364BC4F0992EBCE7B2564C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_70DCEDABA0C45F0CB595EBCE7B256333" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_79BE4F214364BC4F0992EBCE7B2564C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_36ABCABF38083BCBA2E3EBCE7B2A1FE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_79BE4F214364BC4F0992EBCE7B2564C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_36ABCABF38083BCBA2E3EBCE7B2A1FE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_BA3ECA4191AFBB6A090FEBCE7B2A4CE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_79BE4F214364BC4F0992EBCE7B2564C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_BA3ECA4191AFBB6A090FEBCE7B2A4CE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_EscrowDepositFairValue" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_EscrowDepositFairValue_B120FADBA14CBC971971EBCE7B2B4105" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4A9CB8F9CFD513BEFD6DEBCE7B2A3A61" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_EscrowDepositFairValue_B120FADBA14CBC971971EBCE7B2B4105" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations_86B1A791482F04D29D3DEBCE7B2B442A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4A9CB8F9CFD513BEFD6DEBCE7B2A3A61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations_86B1A791482F04D29D3DEBCE7B2B442A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_4BEF8225BF7BD7A8584DEBCE7B2BBAD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4A9CB8F9CFD513BEFD6DEBCE7B2A3A61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_4BEF8225BF7BD7A8584DEBCE7B2BBAD1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentsThatWereNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_09AE92B689C36BBD4C7DE777A6E6AA34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_3D65808A7BFF16A807C4E777A6E58ECC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_09AE92B689C36BBD4C7DE777A6E6AA34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_3D65808A7BFF16A807C4E777A6E58ECC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_31AD563B1DFFFC2D6F83E777A6E5A685" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_3D65808A7BFF16A807C4E777A6E58ECC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_31AD563B1DFFFC2D6F83E777A6E5A685" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_256BE481AC3AE4A7DD11E777A6E54D83_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_31AD563B1DFFFC2D6F83E777A6E5A685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_256BE481AC3AE4A7DD11E777A6E54D83_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_256BE481AC3AE4A7DD11E777A6E54D83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_31AD563B1DFFFC2D6F83E777A6E5A685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_256BE481AC3AE4A7DD11E777A6E54D83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_SecondLienTermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SecondLienTermLoanMember_8DA8B44412EDA39249D7E777A6E590A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_256BE481AC3AE4A7DD11E777A6E54D83" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SecondLienTermLoanMember_8DA8B44412EDA39249D7E777A6E590A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ConvertibleNotesNetMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleNotesNetMember_C8457FA8694E7240D974E777A6E59128" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_256BE481AC3AE4A7DD11E777A6E54D83" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleNotesNetMember_C8457FA8694E7240D974E777A6E59128" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_FirstLienTermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FirstLienTermLoanMember_3D4D47B5A93D9E225370E777A6E56C2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_256BE481AC3AE4A7DD11E777A6E54D83" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FirstLienTermLoanMember_3D4D47B5A93D9E225370E777A6E56C2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2E6A5684239510B2BDD4E777A6E5721B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_3D65808A7BFF16A807C4E777A6E58ECC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2E6A5684239510B2BDD4E777A6E5721B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F4C63BB3D35A0C09FD83E777A6E55125_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2E6A5684239510B2BDD4E777A6E5721B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F4C63BB3D35A0C09FD83E777A6E55125_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F4C63BB3D35A0C09FD83E777A6E55125" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2E6A5684239510B2BDD4E777A6E5721B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F4C63BB3D35A0C09FD83E777A6E55125" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_4CA27058F71DC7BDB04DE777A6E5FF00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F4C63BB3D35A0C09FD83E777A6E55125" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_4CA27058F71DC7BDB04DE777A6E5FF00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_B96FF4BB2214F1D7ACFAE777A6E5B3CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_3D65808A7BFF16A807C4E777A6E58ECC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_B96FF4BB2214F1D7ACFAE777A6E5B3CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_520BF0996B851AE981A4E7AFC23D1B51_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_B96FF4BB2214F1D7ACFAE777A6E5B3CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_520BF0996B851AE981A4E7AFC23D1B51_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_220511A0D08129DBEC40E777A6E6CA43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_B96FF4BB2214F1D7ACFAE777A6E5B3CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_220511A0D08129DBEC40E777A6E6CA43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_520BF0996B851AE981A4E7AFC23D1B51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_220511A0D08129DBEC40E777A6E6CA43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_520BF0996B851AE981A4E7AFC23D1B51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_903354B5DF017E7CC9E1E777A6E69768" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_220511A0D08129DBEC40E777A6E6CA43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_903354B5DF017E7CC9E1E777A6E69768" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_DEE3B8EDEADE0F2B31CDE777A6E6B1C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_220511A0D08129DBEC40E777A6E6CA43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_DEE3B8EDEADE0F2B31CDE777A6E6B1C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_EECD777AD22C79F38A18E777A6E67588" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_09AE92B689C36BBD4C7DE777A6E6AA34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_EECD777AD22C79F38A18E777A6E67588" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_88A7E0F52A8AD9FDA04EE777A6E69C04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_09AE92B689C36BBD4C7DE777A6E6AA34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_88A7E0F52A8AD9FDA04EE777A6E69C04" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_3330AB2BE231AA2BB894EFBD12F1F2E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_93F944369AC362AC0018EFBD12F0FA68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_3330AB2BE231AA2BB894EFBD12F1F2E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_93F944369AC362AC0018EFBD12F0FA68" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_53E37E0174D5F491F114EFD9FFD8B7ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_93F944369AC362AC0018EFBD12F0FA68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_53E37E0174D5F491F114EFD9FFD8B7ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B55797FF1A7C6E826F8EEFD9FFD95D5B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_53E37E0174D5F491F114EFD9FFD8B7ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B55797FF1A7C6E826F8EEFD9FFD95D5B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B55797FF1A7C6E826F8EEFD9FFD95D5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_53E37E0174D5F491F114EFD9FFD8B7ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B55797FF1A7C6E826F8EEFD9FFD95D5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_DA5DDF7A489F9F031612EFDA00105C25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B55797FF1A7C6E826F8EEFD9FFD95D5B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_DA5DDF7A489F9F031612EFDA00105C25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_CA79592E5922DD16B2D9EFBD12F01B47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_93F944369AC362AC0018EFBD12F0FA68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_CA79592E5922DD16B2D9EFBD12F01B47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_087A44611022033B2B0AEFBD12F0B35A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_CA79592E5922DD16B2D9EFBD12F01B47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_087A44611022033B2B0AEFBD12F0B35A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_087A44611022033B2B0AEFBD12F0B35A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_CA79592E5922DD16B2D9EFBD12F01B47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_087A44611022033B2B0AEFBD12F0B35A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_759239773538747940A0EFBD12F0556D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_087A44611022033B2B0AEFBD12F0B35A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_759239773538747940A0EFBD12F0556D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_FEBA588D31F0CE70E9F4EFBD12F095BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_087A44611022033B2B0AEFBD12F0B35A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_FEBA588D31F0CE70E9F4EFBD12F095BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_CB6ACAF0B29B52A29CACEFBD12F0821A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_93F944369AC362AC0018EFBD12F0FA68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_CB6ACAF0B29B52A29CACEFBD12F0821A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DE840BCF6221AA830A2AEFBD12F1E411_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_CB6ACAF0B29B52A29CACEFBD12F0821A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DE840BCF6221AA830A2AEFBD12F1E411_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DE840BCF6221AA830A2AEFBD12F1E411" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_CB6ACAF0B29B52A29CACEFBD12F0821A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DE840BCF6221AA830A2AEFBD12F1E411" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_BE968BC7CFA60C563725EFBD12F14ADE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DE840BCF6221AA830A2AEFBD12F1E411" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_BE968BC7CFA60C563725EFBD12F14ADE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D882FEC81BD7F42ED62BEFBD12F1B728" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_93F944369AC362AC0018EFBD12F0FA68" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D882FEC81BD7F42ED62BEFBD12F1B728" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_84B4FE5D948D8F09A2CCEFBD12F1F460_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D882FEC81BD7F42ED62BEFBD12F1B728" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_84B4FE5D948D8F09A2CCEFBD12F1F460_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_84B4FE5D948D8F09A2CCEFBD12F1F460" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D882FEC81BD7F42ED62BEFBD12F1B728" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_84B4FE5D948D8F09A2CCEFBD12F1F460" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ClinicalTrialServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ClinicalTrialServicesMember_274005C93B87E076B670EFBD12F1B0C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_84B4FE5D948D8F09A2CCEFBD12F1F460" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ClinicalTrialServicesMember_274005C93B87E076B670EFBD12F1B0C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EscrowDeposit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EscrowDeposit_30A96DA4CAAE4281BE08EFBD12F19CDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_3330AB2BE231AA2BB894EFBD12F1F2E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EscrowDeposit_30A96DA4CAAE4281BE08EFBD12F19CDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_8FC4ADC264F13BFB5775EFBD12F14A74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_3330AB2BE231AA2BB894EFBD12F1F2E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_8FC4ADC264F13BFB5775EFBD12F14A74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided_B33DA0F67B1DDE471522EFBD12F1C135" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_3330AB2BE231AA2BB894EFBD12F1F2E8" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided_B33DA0F67B1DDE471522EFBD12F1C135" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsScheduleOfReconciliationOfOpeningAndClosingBalancesForFairValueMeasurementsCategorizedWithinLevel3Details" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_E883C956CD8C5F55C41FED2BE7386488" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_DA425E29B477BDEE348AED2BE737B4E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_E883C956CD8C5F55C41FED2BE7386488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_DA425E29B477BDEE348AED2BE737B4E5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_664A910C6BE538397308ED2BE73779FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_DA425E29B477BDEE348AED2BE737B4E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_664A910C6BE538397308ED2BE73779FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_FBC667633B7DC198B9C0ED2BE73820A8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_664A910C6BE538397308ED2BE73779FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_FBC667633B7DC198B9C0ED2BE73820A8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_FBC667633B7DC198B9C0ED2BE73820A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_664A910C6BE538397308ED2BE73779FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_FBC667633B7DC198B9C0ED2BE73820A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember_3F95C60FE993E4DD5208ED2BE738E209" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_FBC667633B7DC198B9C0ED2BE73820A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember_3F95C60FE993E4DD5208ED2BE738E209" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_19F7F049356F963BD3B1ED2BE7385524" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_DA425E29B477BDEE348AED2BE737B4E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_19F7F049356F963BD3B1ED2BE7385524" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_6B412A7769A9D75479F4ED2BE738290C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_19F7F049356F963BD3B1ED2BE7385524" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_6B412A7769A9D75479F4ED2BE738290C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_6B412A7769A9D75479F4ED2BE738290C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_19F7F049356F963BD3B1ED2BE7385524" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_6B412A7769A9D75479F4ED2BE738290C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_EscrowReceivableMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_EscrowReceivableMember_D40FBEB4BD6FF312F063ED2BE738432D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_6B412A7769A9D75479F4ED2BE738290C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_EscrowReceivableMember_D40FBEB4BD6FF312F063ED2BE738432D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_3AF08AFF29939BB612CBED2BE738FF99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_E883C956CD8C5F55C41FED2BE7386488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_3AF08AFF29939BB612CBED2BE738FF99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue_E2BCC51BAE4B74AB8915ED2BE738B807" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_3AF08AFF29939BB612CBED2BE738FF99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue_E2BCC51BAE4B74AB8915ED2BE738B807" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues_AE550A1D4914D0E6FB2DED2FF98C14F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_3AF08AFF29939BB612CBED2BE738FF99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues_AE550A1D4914D0E6FB2DED2FF98C14F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements_1F5AB39CB017D6CAA61AED2BE738A38D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_3AF08AFF29939BB612CBED2BE738FF99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements_1F5AB39CB017D6CAA61AED2BE738A38D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1_30B28060B51C162646F5ED4608FF118E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_3AF08AFF29939BB612CBED2BE738FF99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1_30B28060B51C162646F5ED4608FF118E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A1EC31222D3465A92F04ED2BE7397C56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_E883C956CD8C5F55C41FED2BE7386488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A1EC31222D3465A92F04ED2BE7397C56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_35949B4DE04C914EAE75ED2BE739A3AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A1EC31222D3465A92F04ED2BE7397C56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_35949B4DE04C914EAE75ED2BE739A3AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues_7C40AD2C9E02B5DE7270ED2D0AE5A951" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A1EC31222D3465A92F04ED2BE7397C56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues_7C40AD2C9E02B5DE7270ED2D0AE5A951" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_6F03E5A1DC345C661182ED2BE739CEE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A1EC31222D3465A92F04ED2BE7397C56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_6F03E5A1DC345C661182ED2BE739CEE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_AB3B0187B234E384DFC0ED2EC504C7BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A1EC31222D3465A92F04ED2BE7397C56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_AB3B0187B234E384DFC0ED2EC504C7BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability_7CAD3AC42D8BF010A19BED2BE73958AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_E883C956CD8C5F55C41FED2BE7386488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability_7CAD3AC42D8BF010A19BED2BE73958AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_279D718A66C80F7360B3ED2BE73918A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_E883C956CD8C5F55C41FED2BE7386488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_279D718A66C80F7360B3ED2BE73918A4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIdentifiableIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIdentifiableIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_BF97763639A151B11FCBEFBCFA8DB65E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_67AD541365159AE66BEDEFBCFA8C8051" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_BF97763639A151B11FCBEFBCFA8DB65E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_67AD541365159AE66BEDEFBCFA8C8051" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_DD3D6993260D866F072AEFBCFA8C81D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_67AD541365159AE66BEDEFBCFA8C8051" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_DD3D6993260D866F072AEFBCFA8C81D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_C5BB77831F044CE58F24EFBCFA8CA058_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_DD3D6993260D866F072AEFBCFA8C81D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_C5BB77831F044CE58F24EFBCFA8CA058_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_C5BB77831F044CE58F24EFBCFA8CA058" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_DD3D6993260D866F072AEFBCFA8C81D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_C5BB77831F044CE58F24EFBCFA8CA058" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_5FB8655EE1B9C2FC1858EFBCFA8C9E86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_C5BB77831F044CE58F24EFBCFA8CA058" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_5FB8655EE1B9C2FC1858EFBCFA8C9E86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FB8987C55C3C5F03ADBDEFBCFA8CF78E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_67AD541365159AE66BEDEFBCFA8C8051" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FB8987C55C3C5F03ADBDEFBCFA8CF78E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BBA31EC22BD8DBACC735EFBCFA8C4018_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FB8987C55C3C5F03ADBDEFBCFA8CF78E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BBA31EC22BD8DBACC735EFBCFA8C4018_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BBA31EC22BD8DBACC735EFBCFA8C4018" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FB8987C55C3C5F03ADBDEFBCFA8CF78E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BBA31EC22BD8DBACC735EFBCFA8C4018" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E5FA4E46EC21B8FCC660EFBCFA8DF0C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_67AD541365159AE66BEDEFBCFA8C8051" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E5FA4E46EC21B8FCC660EFBCFA8DF0C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ACB3B51B7ED7BC4EBE40EFBCFA8DA914_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E5FA4E46EC21B8FCC660EFBCFA8DF0C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ACB3B51B7ED7BC4EBE40EFBCFA8DA914_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ACB3B51B7ED7BC4EBE40EFBCFA8DA914" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E5FA4E46EC21B8FCC660EFBCFA8DF0C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ACB3B51B7ED7BC4EBE40EFBCFA8DA914" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_51A7BDA85A792591233CEFBCFA8D0A25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ACB3B51B7ED7BC4EBE40EFBCFA8DA914" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_51A7BDA85A792591233CEFBCFA8D0A25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_F170B981F161A2FE61EEEFBCFA8D3E53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ACB3B51B7ED7BC4EBE40EFBCFA8DA914" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_F170B981F161A2FE61EEEFBCFA8D3E53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_EducationAndTrainingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_EducationAndTrainingMember_CD32E0C5F1B1D0C17740EFBCFA8D1EBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ACB3B51B7ED7BC4EBE40EFBCFA8DA914" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_EducationAndTrainingMember_CD32E0C5F1B1D0C17740EFBCFA8D1EBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_E3D4C98EBF7120B974C9EFBCFA8D2547" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_67AD541365159AE66BEDEFBCFA8C8051" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_E3D4C98EBF7120B974C9EFBCFA8D2547" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_CFADA751CFC68D1CA9AFEFBCFA8D0372_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_E3D4C98EBF7120B974C9EFBCFA8D2547" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_CFADA751CFC68D1CA9AFEFBCFA8D0372_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_CFADA751CFC68D1CA9AFEFBCFA8D0372" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_E3D4C98EBF7120B974C9EFBCFA8D2547" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_CFADA751CFC68D1CA9AFEFBCFA8D0372" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember_12EBA5A9989AB3DAD30EEFBCFA8DFFD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_CFADA751CFC68D1CA9AFEFBCFA8D0372" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember_12EBA5A9989AB3DAD30EEFBCFA8DFFD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember_D414E3E6DC88A23FA30EEFBCFA8D3CE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_CFADA751CFC68D1CA9AFEFBCFA8D0372" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember_D414E3E6DC88A23FA30EEFBCFA8D3CE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_864636F60216C1530683EFBCFA8D8600" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_67AD541365159AE66BEDEFBCFA8C8051" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_864636F60216C1530683EFBCFA8D8600" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_19BCAB623CDB9FA8F741EFBCFA8DA043_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_864636F60216C1530683EFBCFA8D8600" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_19BCAB623CDB9FA8F741EFBCFA8DA043_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_19BCAB623CDB9FA8F741EFBCFA8DA043" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_864636F60216C1530683EFBCFA8D8600" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_19BCAB623CDB9FA8F741EFBCFA8DA043" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_C9AF3E04711AAB94CFEDEFBCFA8DB708" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_19BCAB623CDB9FA8F741EFBCFA8DA043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_C9AF3E04711AAB94CFEDEFBCFA8DB708" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_C7907F64C57B4628B3D3EFBCFA8DDF04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_19BCAB623CDB9FA8F741EFBCFA8DA043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_C7907F64C57B4628B3D3EFBCFA8DDF04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_B590E57045EE8AAFA8F2EFBCFA8D6AB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_BF97763639A151B11FCBEFBCFA8DB65E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_B590E57045EE8AAFA8F2EFBCFA8D6AB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsImpairmentTestNumberOfYearsOfProjectedCashFlow" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsImpairmentTestNumberOfYearsOfProjectedCashFlow_F6FCA25102FEE76EE540EFBCFA8D1CA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_BF97763639A151B11FCBEFBCFA8DB65E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsImpairmentTestNumberOfYearsOfProjectedCashFlow_F6FCA25102FEE76EE540EFBCFA8D1CA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLongTermRevenueGrowthRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLongTermRevenueGrowthRate_48A5695D1300A49FD8ACEFBCFA8E569D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_BF97763639A151B11FCBEFBCFA8DB65E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLongTermRevenueGrowthRate_48A5695D1300A49FD8ACEFBCFA8E569D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate_5D03202F2552DBC5FEE2EFBCFA8E4589" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_BF97763639A151B11FCBEFBCFA8DB65E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate_5D03202F2552DBC5FEE2EFBCFA8E4589" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsRevenueMultiple" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsRevenueMultiple_C1D856FB5E8409719A88EFBCFA8E595E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_BF97763639A151B11FCBEFBCFA8DB65E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsRevenueMultiple_C1D856FB5E8409719A88EFBCFA8E595E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsEarningsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortizationMultiple" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsEarningsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortizationMultiple_C01E71A748C6534D717CEFBCFA8E5F54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_BF97763639A151B11FCBEFBCFA8DB65E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsEarningsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortizationMultiple_C01E71A748C6534D717CEFBCFA8E5F54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_FairValueInputsWeightingToRevenueMultiples" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FairValueInputsWeightingToRevenueMultiples_61B6403B3414D0A31FCFEFBCFA8E4D10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_BF97763639A151B11FCBEFBCFA8DB65E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FairValueInputsWeightingToRevenueMultiples_61B6403B3414D0A31FCFEFBCFA8E4D10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_FairValueInputsWeightingToEBITDAMultiples" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FairValueInputsWeightingToEBITDAMultiples_5CE21D7BFC474E2B792BEFBCFA8E0C41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_BF97763639A151B11FCBEFBCFA8DB65E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FairValueInputsWeightingToEBITDAMultiples_5CE21D7BFC474E2B792BEFBCFA8E0C41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_D72E209E4DC95EE9158FEFBCFA8E2310" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_BF97763639A151B11FCBEFBCFA8DB65E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_D72E209E4DC95EE9158FEFBCFA8E2310" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIdentifiableIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_BDD737C0166961473CE8E710914C98CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_BF206A9D080953846791E710914B717E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_BDD737C0166961473CE8E710914C98CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_BF206A9D080953846791E710914B717E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_BD3EA6BE2D3C016FFE2EE710914B9549" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_BF206A9D080953846791E710914B717E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_BD3EA6BE2D3C016FFE2EE710914B9549" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_EE18DC0CCE7795778320E710914B746A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_BD3EA6BE2D3C016FFE2EE710914B9549" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_EE18DC0CCE7795778320E710914B746A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_EE18DC0CCE7795778320E710914B746A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_BD3EA6BE2D3C016FFE2EE710914B9549" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_EE18DC0CCE7795778320E710914B746A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_C72136D812AB82CA80D1E710914BA88A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_EE18DC0CCE7795778320E710914B746A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_C72136D812AB82CA80D1E710914BA88A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_7A0EC9D499B30D57BC88E710914B7259" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_BF206A9D080953846791E710914B717E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_7A0EC9D499B30D57BC88E710914B7259" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_5D11AC984BF5AF623499E710914B8B43_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_7A0EC9D499B30D57BC88E710914B7259" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_5D11AC984BF5AF623499E710914B8B43_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_5D11AC984BF5AF623499E710914B8B43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_7A0EC9D499B30D57BC88E710914B7259" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_5D11AC984BF5AF623499E710914B8B43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestatementAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestatementAdjustmentMember_D24D3DC75D214032F9C8E710914BB8BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_5D11AC984BF5AF623499E710914B8B43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestatementAdjustmentMember_D24D3DC75D214032F9C8E710914BB8BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0E3D9DF35738BA4CE902E710914BD62A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_BF206A9D080953846791E710914B717E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0E3D9DF35738BA4CE902E710914BD62A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_B2FE07A5F8313D22FD79E710914B189D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0E3D9DF35738BA4CE902E710914BD62A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_B2FE07A5F8313D22FD79E710914B189D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_B2FE07A5F8313D22FD79E710914B189D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0E3D9DF35738BA4CE902E710914BD62A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_B2FE07A5F8313D22FD79E710914B189D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefinitelivedIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefinitelivedIntangibleAssetsMember_1A4D52BAF61C88EDE799E710914BB0AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_B2FE07A5F8313D22FD79E710914B189D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefinitelivedIntangibleAssetsMember_1A4D52BAF61C88EDE799E710914BB0AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_0D55E7EA0C82045EE807E710914C7685" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_BF206A9D080953846791E710914B717E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_0D55E7EA0C82045EE807E710914C7685" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_BE4D939B4BC8E06262E4E710914C400D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_0D55E7EA0C82045EE807E710914C7685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_BE4D939B4BC8E06262E4E710914C400D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_BE4D939B4BC8E06262E4E710914C400D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_0D55E7EA0C82045EE807E710914C7685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_BE4D939B4BC8E06262E4E710914C400D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_C664517D302E56459583E75DAAA05397" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_BE4D939B4BC8E06262E4E710914C400D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_C664517D302E56459583E75DAAA05397" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember_B97E69B91EB8B095B6D7E7637E71C564" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_BE4D939B4BC8E06262E4E710914C400D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember_B97E69B91EB8B095B6D7E7637E71C564" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets_C8BEF6F82602E98944DEE710914C6A5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_BDD737C0166961473CE8E710914C98CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets_C8BEF6F82602E98944DEE710914C6A5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_F120865DE7661A1F73B3E710914C5913" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_BDD737C0166961473CE8E710914C98CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_F120865DE7661A1F73B3E710914C5913" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_7D67FF609616F314D019E710914CE467" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_BDD737C0166961473CE8E710914C98CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_7D67FF609616F314D019E710914CE467" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_12A97BA222494CDE9D2DE710914C5311" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_BDD737C0166961473CE8E710914C98CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_12A97BA222494CDE9D2DE710914C5311" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_PriorPeriodAdjustmentDecreaseinLossPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PriorPeriodAdjustmentDecreaseinLossPerShareDiluted_CA5039651E9BDE42C315E710914C4DCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_BDD737C0166961473CE8E710914C98CE" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PriorPeriodAdjustmentDecreaseinLossPerShareDiluted_CA5039651E9BDE42C315E710914C4DCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUndistributedForeignEarnings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUndistributedForeignEarnings_16A83A0381240D68F5C8E72AA242066D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_BDD737C0166961473CE8E710914C98CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUndistributedForeignEarnings_16A83A0381240D68F5C8E72AA242066D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsOfForeignSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsOfForeignSubsidiaries_AA718920CE16FEADCE91E710914C9CD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_BDD737C0166961473CE8E710914C98CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsOfForeignSubsidiaries_AA718920CE16FEADCE91E710914C9CD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_RepatriationOfForeignEarningsAmount" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_RepatriationOfForeignEarningsAmount_6A782D8E5709B7C8AFFCE710914CACFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_BDD737C0166961473CE8E710914C98CE" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_RepatriationOfForeignEarningsAmount_6A782D8E5709B7C8AFFCE710914CACFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_44DCB7F4610074B2CA0FE710914C606A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_BDD737C0166961473CE8E710914C98CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_44DCB7F4610074B2CA0FE710914C606A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate_28AE8BDF4A4AAED24D4AE710914C507C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_BDD737C0166961473CE8E710914C98CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate_28AE8BDF4A4AAED24D4AE710914C507C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPeriodGrossIncreases" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPeriodGrossIncreases_A682484E8F05D6312BD3E710914CC827" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_BDD737C0166961473CE8E710914C98CE" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPeriodGrossIncreases_A682484E8F05D6312BD3E710914CC827" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPeriodGrossDecreases" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPeriodGrossDecreases_8650B82968CB76BBA96DE710914C20B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_BDD737C0166961473CE8E710914C98CE" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPeriodGrossDecreases_8650B82968CB76BBA96DE710914C20B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestExpense_49BE4CF7ED83F52C8C53E710914C9076" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_BDD737C0166961473CE8E710914C98CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestExpense_49BE4CF7ED83F52C8C53E710914C9076" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_115332947005076D80F2E710914C3D65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_BDD737C0166961473CE8E710914C98CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_115332947005076D80F2E710914C3D65" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/InformationOnOperatingSegmentsAndReconciliationToIncomeFromOperationsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EF1E333E725942E1C123ED02C862DD28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_742FECEF655A904CC7D9ED02C8612DC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EF1E333E725942E1C123ED02C862DD28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_742FECEF655A904CC7D9ED02C8612DC2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_97837E920EC54B57E416ED144E15BC78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_742FECEF655A904CC7D9ED02C8612DC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_97837E920EC54B57E416ED144E15BC78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_BCAEEEB0DF9DDCFC65FFED144E278453_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_97837E920EC54B57E416ED144E15BC78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_BCAEEEB0DF9DDCFC65FFED144E278453_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_BCAEEEB0DF9DDCFC65FFED144E278453" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_97837E920EC54B57E416ED144E15BC78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_BCAEEEB0DF9DDCFC65FFED144E278453" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_C52E8B9B7DD2D9A4A3AEED144F87680A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_BCAEEEB0DF9DDCFC65FFED144E278453" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_C52E8B9B7DD2D9A4A3AEED144F87680A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_1E5E301DF976C7C8405FED02C86135C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_742FECEF655A904CC7D9ED02C8612DC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_1E5E301DF976C7C8405FED02C86135C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_8FB42F9052E940BEC9BFED02C861690D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_1E5E301DF976C7C8405FED02C86135C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_8FB42F9052E940BEC9BFED02C861690D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_8FB42F9052E940BEC9BFED02C861690D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_1E5E301DF976C7C8405FED02C86135C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_8FB42F9052E940BEC9BFED02C861690D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember_1D2FDD6A5E2478F85039ED02C8629DBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_8FB42F9052E940BEC9BFED02C861690D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember_1D2FDD6A5E2478F85039ED02C8629DBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_309FBE429C27305F89E1ED02C862F22D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_742FECEF655A904CC7D9ED02C8612DC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_309FBE429C27305F89E1ED02C862F22D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B6C54497CAD0A629AC13ED02C86245DD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_309FBE429C27305F89E1ED02C862F22D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B6C54497CAD0A629AC13ED02C86245DD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B6C54497CAD0A629AC13ED02C86245DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_309FBE429C27305F89E1ED02C862F22D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B6C54497CAD0A629AC13ED02C86245DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_0E7601326022464EDBAFED02C862F591" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B6C54497CAD0A629AC13ED02C86245DD" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_0E7601326022464EDBAFED02C862F591" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_A71FD0EBA404CDE25F20ED02C862E8D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B6C54497CAD0A629AC13ED02C86245DD" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_A71FD0EBA404CDE25F20ED02C862E8D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember_F53CF511A5CEC4E41EC0ED02C8623F8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B6C54497CAD0A629AC13ED02C86245DD" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember_F53CF511A5CEC4E41EC0ED02C8623F8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_931E116B8576138C9F88ED02C8624220" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EF1E333E725942E1C123ED02C862DD28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_931E116B8576138C9F88ED02C8624220" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet_23B95AB54A62C7DA2F67ED02C862E36F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EF1E333E725942E1C123ED02C862DD28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet_23B95AB54A62C7DA2F67ED02C862E36F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossBeforeDepreciationAndAmortizationAndUnallocatedCorporateExpenses" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossBeforeDepreciationAndAmortizationAndUnallocatedCorporateExpenses_CD425681395FA14DB44DED02C862D787" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EF1E333E725942E1C123ED02C862DD28" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossBeforeDepreciationAndAmortizationAndUnallocatedCorporateExpenses_CD425681395FA14DB44DED02C862D787" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_SegmentReportingUnallocatedCorporateExpenses" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SegmentReportingUnallocatedCorporateExpenses_F2223D94C0A9B05AB4B4ED02C862E757" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EF1E333E725942E1C123ED02C862DD28" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SegmentReportingUnallocatedCorporateExpenses_F2223D94C0A9B05AB4B4ED02C862E757" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_F6062718484579E5DB7FED02C862F782" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EF1E333E725942E1C123ED02C862DD28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_F6062718484579E5DB7FED02C862F782" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_D1830C7B38EB222C669EED02C8626F27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EF1E333E725942E1C123ED02C862DD28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_D1830C7B38EB222C669EED02C8626F27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionandIntegrationRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionandIntegrationRelatedCosts_F5C128CE3FB032C9B83DED02C8627EE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EF1E333E725942E1C123ED02C862DD28" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionandIntegrationRelatedCosts_F5C128CE3FB032C9B83DED02C8627EE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_BB3C144F6417048FBE55ED02C8622229" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EF1E333E725942E1C123ED02C862DD28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_BB3C144F6417048FBE55ED02C8622229" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlement" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlement_15740B730386C1B2DD11ED02C86346DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EF1E333E725942E1C123ED02C862DD28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlement_15740B730386C1B2DD11ED02C86346DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_71CF56FD2A68C5EAD3D1ED02C8638380" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EF1E333E725942E1C123ED02C862DD28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_71CF56FD2A68C5EAD3D1ED02C8638380" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_C436D582FFF534EE6F21ED02C8637E1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EF1E333E725942E1C123ED02C862DD28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_C436D582FFF534EE6F21ED02C8637E1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_6FA6B929A098C3D08BC6ED02C8637F8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EF1E333E725942E1C123ED02C862DD28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_6FA6B929A098C3D08BC6ED02C8637F8D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3ED6D53A2758B04ED09EDBBFC7A81BD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_0039CF96EA16F4F06AE5DBBFC7A60D91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3ED6D53A2758B04ED09EDBBFC7A81BD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_0039CF96EA16F4F06AE5DBBFC7A60D91" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E515FB4F5D9E98AB01D6DBBFC7A6D35C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_0039CF96EA16F4F06AE5DBBFC7A60D91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E515FB4F5D9E98AB01D6DBBFC7A6D35C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_97E978CB10F7AE63FEDEDBBFC7A687E5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E515FB4F5D9E98AB01D6DBBFC7A6D35C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_97E978CB10F7AE63FEDEDBBFC7A687E5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_97E978CB10F7AE63FEDEDBBFC7A687E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E515FB4F5D9E98AB01D6DBBFC7A6D35C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_97E978CB10F7AE63FEDEDBBFC7A687E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember_C7CED47D0C8BC0BF389ADBBFC7A74AE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_97E978CB10F7AE63FEDEDBBFC7A687E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember_C7CED47D0C8BC0BF389ADBBFC7A74AE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanFacilityMember_255E63CB196D52C5CEC0DBBFC7A77783" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_97E978CB10F7AE63FEDEDBBFC7A687E5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanFacilityMember_255E63CB196D52C5CEC0DBBFC7A77783" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_0222ED8D22C462CF1B62DB69ED676DE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3ED6D53A2758B04ED09EDBBFC7A81BD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_0222ED8D22C462CF1B62DB69ED676DE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_11ED3EBC41061D4AB6D7DB69ED677AB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3ED6D53A2758B04ED09EDBBFC7A81BD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_11ED3EBC41061D4AB6D7DB69ED677AB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_48F205BCC4894BCBA180DB69ED67D610" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3ED6D53A2758B04ED09EDBBFC7A81BD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_48F205BCC4894BCBA180DB69ED67D610" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LongTermDebtDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1805654CC4BA872A6956E6DB57F075A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_72B7DCA1C6FD764D9F17E6DB57EF69B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1805654CC4BA872A6956E6DB57F075A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_72B7DCA1C6FD764D9F17E6DB57EF69B1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E0665A26D4F857E5C042E6DB57EF97C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_72B7DCA1C6FD764D9F17E6DB57EF69B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E0665A26D4F857E5C042E6DB57EF97C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_111D6A72C4C5D717AA34E6DB57EF4B5E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E0665A26D4F857E5C042E6DB57EF97C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_111D6A72C4C5D717AA34E6DB57EF4B5E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_111D6A72C4C5D717AA34E6DB57EF4B5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E0665A26D4F857E5C042E6DB57EF97C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_111D6A72C4C5D717AA34E6DB57EF4B5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_C04D8767DDFCBE011B38E6DB57EFFF86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_111D6A72C4C5D717AA34E6DB57EF4B5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_C04D8767DDFCBE011B38E6DB57EFFF86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanFacilityMember_4AB6EEF9D8E66A90D725E6DB57EFC3CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_111D6A72C4C5D717AA34E6DB57EF4B5E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanFacilityMember_4AB6EEF9D8E66A90D725E6DB57EFC3CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember_B485FEA8047B01D135F2E6DB57EF6C8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_111D6A72C4C5D717AA34E6DB57EF4B5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember_B485FEA8047B01D135F2E6DB57EF6C8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ConvertibleNoteDerivativeLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleNoteDerivativeLiabilityMember_3359EE5F5CAF5E47F43EE6DB57F02E69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_111D6A72C4C5D717AA34E6DB57EF4B5E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleNoteDerivativeLiabilityMember_3359EE5F5CAF5E47F43EE6DB57F02E69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_BCE8B87071FCE6658208E6DB57F07211" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1805654CC4BA872A6956E6DB57F075A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_BCE8B87071FCE6658208E6DB57F07211" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_CapitalLeaseObligationsAndOther" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CapitalLeaseObligationsAndOther_397006B2E6BAED619232E6DB57F03949" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1805654CC4BA872A6956E6DB57F075A4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CapitalLeaseObligationsAndOther_397006B2E6BAED619232E6DB57F03949" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_33F7A1BEC5680AF3D943E6DB57F05562" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1805654CC4BA872A6956E6DB57F075A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_33F7A1BEC5680AF3D943E6DB57F05562" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_E2A1F823628AE65381AEE6DB57F0205C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1805654CC4BA872A6956E6DB57F075A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_E2A1F823628AE65381AEE6DB57F0205C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_7E5FADA61CA24443314BE6DB57F06644" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1805654CC4BA872A6956E6DB57F075A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_7E5FADA61CA24443314BE6DB57F06644" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LongTermDebtNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DF827B737F721E7D9C83E71091A5D53D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DF827B737F721E7D9C83E71091A5D53D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_BCFB6FA63866C49F759EE71091A536B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DF827B737F721E7D9C83E71091A5D53D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_BCFB6FA63866C49F759EE71091A536B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_9ACCF40E22EB7E0A20A9E71091A5A9F8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_BCFB6FA63866C49F759EE71091A536B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_9ACCF40E22EB7E0A20A9E71091A5A9F8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_9ACCF40E22EB7E0A20A9E71091A5A9F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_BCFB6FA63866C49F759EE71091A536B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_9ACCF40E22EB7E0A20A9E71091A5A9F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_TreasuryRateMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TreasuryRateMember_ECB623C5D6A0A60CA08EE71091A56696" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_9ACCF40E22EB7E0A20A9E71091A5A9F8" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TreasuryRateMember_ECB623C5D6A0A60CA08EE71091A56696" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2232AE9CF9E9B07D9086E71091A5524C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DF827B737F721E7D9C83E71091A5D53D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2232AE9CF9E9B07D9086E71091A5524C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_995E52F3EBD66AA0F5D4E71091A509F6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2232AE9CF9E9B07D9086E71091A5524C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_995E52F3EBD66AA0F5D4E71091A509F6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_995E52F3EBD66AA0F5D4E71091A509F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2232AE9CF9E9B07D9086E71091A5524C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_995E52F3EBD66AA0F5D4E71091A509F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ConvertibleSeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleSeniorNotesMember_EB1D4D7DE4CCE85D6FD1E71091A568C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_995E52F3EBD66AA0F5D4E71091A509F6" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleSeniorNotesMember_EB1D4D7DE4CCE85D6FD1E71091A568C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_1320559B6D629421280AE71091A5E7D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DF827B737F721E7D9C83E71091A5D53D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_1320559B6D629421280AE71091A5E7D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_BE3BD191EBF823380A5CE71091A5FFE4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_1320559B6D629421280AE71091A5E7D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_BE3BD191EBF823380A5CE71091A5FFE4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_BE3BD191EBF823380A5CE71091A5FFE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_1320559B6D629421280AE71091A5E7D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_BE3BD191EBF823380A5CE71091A5FFE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember_3DE42782DED1536248CEE71091A5C743" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_BE3BD191EBF823380A5CE71091A5FFE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember_3DE42782DED1536248CEE71091A5C743" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember_177B2C62F5B7C6FE1425E71091A5CD63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_BE3BD191EBF823380A5CE71091A5FFE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember_177B2C62F5B7C6FE1425E71091A5CD63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember_180B0B6826673821EA17E71091A5A220" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_BE3BD191EBF823380A5CE71091A5FFE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember_180B0B6826673821EA17E71091A5A220" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementAxis" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementAxis_C87F56664BF0B6BFDE6FE71091A519B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DF827B737F721E7D9C83E71091A5D53D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementAxis_C87F56664BF0B6BFDE6FE71091A519B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementDomain_E0F8D7625DCB790F7B55E71091A62E3F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementAxis_C87F56664BF0B6BFDE6FE71091A519B5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementDomain_E0F8D7625DCB790F7B55E71091A62E3F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementDomain_E0F8D7625DCB790F7B55E71091A62E3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementAxis_C87F56664BF0B6BFDE6FE71091A519B5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementDomain_E0F8D7625DCB790F7B55E71091A62E3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_SecondLienTermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SecondLienTermLoanMember_A0B2CBF661C3B0FD851AE71091A6C56D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementDomain_E0F8D7625DCB790F7B55E71091A62E3F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SecondLienTermLoanMember_A0B2CBF661C3B0FD851AE71091A6C56D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_FirstLienLoanAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FirstLienLoanAgreementMember_02B9326E26E0A8A40A84E71091A6378B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_LongTermLoanAndSecurityAgreementDomain_E0F8D7625DCB790F7B55E71091A62E3F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FirstLienLoanAgreementMember_02B9326E26E0A8A40A84E71091A6378B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_E381DFE0883F51518291E71091A64585" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DF827B737F721E7D9C83E71091A5D53D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_E381DFE0883F51518291E71091A64585" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_D07BD41D67ADF45E9A67E71091A6A494_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_E381DFE0883F51518291E71091A64585" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_D07BD41D67ADF45E9A67E71091A6A494_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_D07BD41D67ADF45E9A67E71091A6A494" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_E381DFE0883F51518291E71091A64585" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_D07BD41D67ADF45E9A67E71091A6A494" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember_B768D6BBF31ACCFE90BEE71091A64774" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_D07BD41D67ADF45E9A67E71091A6A494" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember_B768D6BBF31ACCFE90BEE71091A64774" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_SwinglineBorrowingsMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SwinglineBorrowingsMember_7052A4E8862821B5EDDDE71091A69E33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_D07BD41D67ADF45E9A67E71091A6A494" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SwinglineBorrowingsMember_7052A4E8862821B5EDDDE71091A69E33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_D168D5C9C4D97992FFF0E71091A66DA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DF827B737F721E7D9C83E71091A5D53D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_D168D5C9C4D97992FFF0E71091A66DA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_AFD6EF5F13DABF1FF36CE71091A6843B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_D168D5C9C4D97992FFF0E71091A66DA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_AFD6EF5F13DABF1FF36CE71091A6843B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_AFD6EF5F13DABF1FF36CE71091A6843B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_D168D5C9C4D97992FFF0E71091A66DA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_AFD6EF5F13DABF1FF36CE71091A6843B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanFacilityMember_16B0B40BF5496DEC1411E71091A6CBC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_AFD6EF5F13DABF1FF36CE71091A6843B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanFacilityMember_16B0B40BF5496DEC1411E71091A6CBC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_2089A1387112381D9D5BE71091A653F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_AFD6EF5F13DABF1FF36CE71091A6843B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_2089A1387112381D9D5BE71091A653F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_BEA277D5B00B658296F4E71091A6B1F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DF827B737F721E7D9C83E71091A5D53D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_BEA277D5B00B658296F4E71091A6B1F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_BD0F56EBD9146557493BE71091A683CA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_BEA277D5B00B658296F4E71091A6B1F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_BD0F56EBD9146557493BE71091A683CA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_BD0F56EBD9146557493BE71091A683CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_BEA277D5B00B658296F4E71091A6B1F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_BD0F56EBD9146557493BE71091A683CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_DebtModificationsMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtModificationsMember_4B23A26A5C63476604EEE71091A6339F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_BD0F56EBD9146557493BE71091A683CA" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtModificationsMember_4B23A26A5C63476604EEE71091A6339F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_LiborMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LiborMember_5799BA7204C61111FE7DE71091A65A85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_BD0F56EBD9146557493BE71091A683CA" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LiborMember_5799BA7204C61111FE7DE71091A65A85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_2661FBF78D215B56B7D8E71091A6A21A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_BD0F56EBD9146557493BE71091A683CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_2661FBF78D215B56B7D8E71091A6A21A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_FirstLienLoanAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FirstLienLoanAgreementMember_4E12D8166FC7E14FA76CE71091A77324" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_BD0F56EBD9146557493BE71091A683CA" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FirstLienLoanAgreementMember_4E12D8166FC7E14FA76CE71091A77324" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_3D342879062887A4F58EE71091A7926F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_3D342879062887A4F58EE71091A7926F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts_AEEC3BEFC45AE1BE7492E71091A79301" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts_AEEC3BEFC45AE1BE7492E71091A79301" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_1B08079084B0DA3C2E3AE71091A7AA76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_1B08079084B0DA3C2E3AE71091A7AA76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubLimitForLettersOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubLimitForLettersOfCredit_BE6222610F3727E788FFE71091A74770" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubLimitForLettersOfCredit_BE6222610F3727E788FFE71091A74770" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_3E0D2D86A8355C1204E0E71091A7BD58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_3E0D2D86A8355C1204E0E71091A7BD58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BorrowingAvailabilityAsPercentageOfCommitments" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BorrowingAvailabilityAsPercentageOfCommitments_E102A6237DFB96C90E9BE71091A715F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BorrowingAvailabilityAsPercentageOfCommitments_E102A6237DFB96C90E9BE71091A715F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingBase" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingBase_78A9B013ADFD004E602CE71091A7E8E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingBase_78A9B013ADFD004E602CE71091A7E8E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingBasePercentageOfEligibleBilledAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingBasePercentageOfEligibleBilledAccountsReceivable_C3CB62270A6B1E24F614E71091A7B75C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingBasePercentageOfEligibleBilledAccountsReceivable_C3CB62270A6B1E24F614E71091A7B75C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingBasePercentageOfEligibleUnbilledAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingBasePercentageOfEligibleUnbilledAccountsReceivable_5E0EAC1079068033ADBCE71091A77A79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingBasePercentageOfEligibleUnbilledAccountsReceivable_5E0EAC1079068033ADBCE71091A77A79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingBasePlusEligibleUnbilledAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingBasePlusEligibleUnbilledAccountsReceivable_FBFC1A95B724E9F4F4A7E71091A740BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingBasePlusEligibleUnbilledAccountsReceivable_FBFC1A95B724E9F4F4A7E71091A740BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_E92E244CA457F79A631AE71091A7C9A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_E92E244CA457F79A631AE71091A7C9A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDescription" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDescription_CFF6EE2164D1B84480D9E71091A76438" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDescription_CFF6EE2164D1B84480D9E71091A76438" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateIncreaseDecrease_9A38632DF4CF58978CBDE71091A75B0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateIncreaseDecrease_9A38632DF4CF58978CBDE71091A75B0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_FB65DDAB9DC0D3B63CD1E71091A7498F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_FB65DDAB9DC0D3B63CD1E71091A7498F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentCovenantLoanCapThreshold" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentCovenantLoanCapThreshold_A4F77CDE17141D2C2098E71091A7BEB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentCovenantLoanCapThreshold_A4F77CDE17141D2C2098E71091A7BEB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentCovenantThreshold" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentCovenantThreshold_0836866193F5D8821F71E71091A75551" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentCovenantThreshold_0836866193F5D8821F71E71091A75551" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentCovenantAvailabilityThreshold" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentCovenantAvailabilityThreshold_6D6E9DF0C6EB0C9EBD2FE71091A71D1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentCovenantAvailabilityThreshold_6D6E9DF0C6EB0C9EBD2FE71091A71D1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_FixedChargeCoverageRatioMinimum" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FixedChargeCoverageRatioMinimum_2647D929CA38DC7120AEE71091A8C2A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FixedChargeCoverageRatioMinimum_2647D929CA38DC7120AEE71091A8C2A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_E28C89E2E7872E05CA2FE71091A8DDA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_E28C89E2E7872E05CA2FE71091A8DDA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_D130DAE459F05EEC8308E71091A8A17A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_D130DAE459F05EEC8308E71091A8A17A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_D1C5B62F23B384791A72E7432C02BB68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_D1C5B62F23B384791A72E7432C02BB68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_977947706DF50F24B2DCE71091A8A773" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_977947706DF50F24B2DCE71091A8A773" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_B3C3F8AD237F9D7C9FAEE71091A8F997" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_B3C3F8AD237F9D7C9FAEE71091A8F997" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_92141127C40D06056814E71091A8A835" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_92141127C40D06056814E71091A8A835" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_F1E2B340A5C7FD8B2460E71091A831B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_F1E2B340A5C7FD8B2460E71091A831B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadonVariableRateFloor" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadonVariableRateFloor_5FFDBCA24B30D994E804E71091A8E9C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadonVariableRateFloor_5FFDBCA24B30D994E804E71091A8E9C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_PrepaymentofDebtPrepaymentPremiumPercentofAggregatePrincipal" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PrepaymentofDebtPrepaymentPremiumPercentofAggregatePrincipal_5C243024259108D4589AE71091A8D0B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PrepaymentofDebtPrepaymentPremiumPercentofAggregatePrincipal_5C243024259108D4589AE71091A8D0B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_DebtBasisSpreadonDiscountRateonPrepaymentPercentage" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtBasisSpreadonDiscountRateonPrepaymentPercentage_767926A1F37B8197449BE71091A8E53F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtBasisSpreadonDiscountRateonPrepaymentPercentage_767926A1F37B8197449BE71091A8E53F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed_DD4C6BB2E4825DACBC4DE71091A8C62B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed_DD4C6BB2E4825DACBC4DE71091A8C62B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_MandatoryPrepaymentsAsPercentageOfExcessCashFlow" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MandatoryPrepaymentsAsPercentageOfExcessCashFlow_D014A11FF74063B4F656E71091A80667" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MandatoryPrepaymentsAsPercentageOfExcessCashFlow_D014A11FF74063B4F656E71091A80667" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_MandatoryPrepaymentsinExcessofCashFlowThreshold" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MandatoryPrepaymentsinExcessofCashFlowThreshold_06FC0CF2F61512449732E71091A8083D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="31" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MandatoryPrepaymentsinExcessofCashFlowThreshold_06FC0CF2F61512449732E71091A8083D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_MandatoryPrepaymentsPercentageofNetCashProceedsofAssetSold" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MandatoryPrepaymentsPercentageofNetCashProceedsofAssetSold_F9ECBCEF063384FD4B8AE71091A89A2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="32" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MandatoryPrepaymentsPercentageofNetCashProceedsofAssetSold_F9ECBCEF063384FD4B8AE71091A89A2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_MandatoryPrepaymentsPercentofCashProceedsofIssuancesofDebt" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MandatoryPrepaymentsPercentofCashProceedsofIssuancesofDebt_2472B91DF95AB7E3F584E71091A81910" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="33" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MandatoryPrepaymentsPercentofCashProceedsofIssuancesofDebt_2472B91DF95AB7E3F584E71091A81910" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_MandatoryPrepaymentPercentofNetCashProceedsofEquityOffering" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MandatoryPrepaymentPercentofNetCashProceedsofEquityOffering_8FB7948C7EBBF136A5AAE71091A8F0B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="34" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MandatoryPrepaymentPercentofNetCashProceedsofEquityOffering_8FB7948C7EBBF136A5AAE71091A8F0B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_DebtToEbitdaRatio" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtToEbitdaRatio_C5DFA92DA4FB033BA89EE71091A80932" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="35" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtToEbitdaRatio_C5DFA92DA4FB033BA89EE71091A80932" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_2D04EC0B9F98402DDAB6E74790B7623A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="36" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_2D04EC0B9F98402DDAB6E74790B7623A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountInterestRatePortion" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountInterestRatePortion_F3F4B57C3E4A3375F82CE74BB9989891" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="37" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountInterestRatePortion_F3F4B57C3E4A3375F82CE74BB9989891" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountConversionandRedemptionFeatures" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountConversionandRedemptionFeatures_B6AF376D394523767574E74D4DA33EA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="38" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountConversionandRedemptionFeatures_B6AF376D394523767574E74D4DA33EA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_C56A7FB28EE0CFF2A692E71091A8E76A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="39" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_C56A7FB28EE0CFF2A692E71091A8E76A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_B7BE9AFF688EEF4C090BE71091A9C2A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="40" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_B7BE9AFF688EEF4C090BE71091A9C2A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleNumberOfEquityInstruments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleNumberOfEquityInstruments_54E199873D50C080065FE71091A93FAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="41" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleNumberOfEquityInstruments_54E199873D50C080065FE71091A93FAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPercentageOfStockPriceTrigger" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPercentageOfStockPriceTrigger_2068309173792BF7DCA8E71091A98C90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="42" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPercentageOfStockPriceTrigger_2068309173792BF7DCA8E71091A98C90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdTradingDays" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdTradingDays_C7321D5C4E679CB91D62E71091A99B67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="43" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdTradingDays_C7321D5C4E679CB91D62E71091A99B67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays_D6D7E13D37C39BF42299E71091A90EC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="44" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays_D6D7E13D37C39BF42299E71091A90EC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_29F3C70765A2797A43F1E71091A93314" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="45" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_29F3C70765A2797A43F1E71091A93314" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentInterestPercentPaidinKindMaximum" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentInterestPercentPaidinKindMaximum_C3B4F91C5C0E94C4E855E71091A991DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="46" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentInterestPercentPaidinKindMaximum_C3B4F91C5C0E94C4E855E71091A991DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ConvertibleDebtRedeemedAfterPermissibleDateRedemptionPremiumPercentofPrincipal" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleDebtRedeemedAfterPermissibleDateRedemptionPremiumPercentofPrincipal_953E59DE60D30AC9E8B9E71091A9B5BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="47" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleDebtRedeemedAfterPermissibleDateRedemptionPremiumPercentofPrincipal_953E59DE60D30AC9E8B9E71091A9B5BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ConvertibleDebtRedeemedBeforePermissibleDateRedemptionPremiumPercentofPrincipal" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleDebtRedeemedBeforePermissibleDateRedemptionPremiumPercentofPrincipal_2F2C4A3A3B9AB6771149E71091A9779B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="48" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleDebtRedeemedBeforePermissibleDateRedemptionPremiumPercentofPrincipal_2F2C4A3A3B9AB6771149E71091A9779B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ConvertibleDebtBasisSpreadonDiscountRateonRedemptionPercentage" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleDebtBasisSpreadonDiscountRateonRedemptionPercentage_D1064A1C6F94800838EBE71091A99838" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="49" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2500EAF96113098D956E71091A7234E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleDebtBasisSpreadonDiscountRateonRedemptionPercentage_D1064A1C6F94800838EBE71091A99838" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipment" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_FF31DC3F474E2431374AD673C1BD3F62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_83B9E84169DA7DA0677ED673C1BC008B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_FF31DC3F474E2431374AD673C1BD3F62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_83B9E84169DA7DA0677ED673C1BC008B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_50825D1E3CB041DC1FB3D673C1BC5637" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_83B9E84169DA7DA0677ED673C1BC008B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_50825D1E3CB041DC1FB3D673C1BC5637" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_8C7211D31E7C78B9D139D673C1BC6955_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_50825D1E3CB041DC1FB3D673C1BC5637" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_8C7211D31E7C78B9D139D673C1BC6955_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_8C7211D31E7C78B9D139D673C1BC6955" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_50825D1E3CB041DC1FB3D673C1BC5637" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_8C7211D31E7C78B9D139D673C1BC6955" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember_7B85A45B38D3125E7F1AD673C1BCA584" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_8C7211D31E7C78B9D139D673C1BC6955" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember_7B85A45B38D3125E7F1AD673C1BCA584" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember_D3E69459AD56DCF4D02AD673C1BCF872" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_8C7211D31E7C78B9D139D673C1BC6955" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember_D3E69459AD56DCF4D02AD673C1BCF872" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember_94988B76F4503121A84CD673C1BCA649" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_8C7211D31E7C78B9D139D673C1BC6955" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember_94988B76F4503121A84CD673C1BCA649" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_4EE609E0376CE2B53698D673C1BC0A85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_8C7211D31E7C78B9D139D673C1BC6955" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_4EE609E0376CE2B53698D673C1BC0A85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_4D45CECE1A60797BBC49D673C1BCAA9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_8C7211D31E7C78B9D139D673C1BC6955" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_4D45CECE1A60797BBC49D673C1BCAA9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9D960FF6C735D0DB433ED673C1BCEA37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_83B9E84169DA7DA0677ED673C1BC008B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9D960FF6C735D0DB433ED673C1BCEA37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_580AB6D37AA1A80302D4D673C1BCA178_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9D960FF6C735D0DB433ED673C1BCEA37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_580AB6D37AA1A80302D4D673C1BCA178_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_580AB6D37AA1A80302D4D673C1BCA178" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9D960FF6C735D0DB433ED673C1BCEA37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_580AB6D37AA1A80302D4D673C1BCA178" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_FD86603DAAB10114AD07D673C1BC413E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_580AB6D37AA1A80302D4D673C1BCA178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_FD86603DAAB10114AD07D673C1BC413E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_CF74D1E8E1BB000C3F4CD673C1BCC28B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_580AB6D37AA1A80302D4D673C1BCA178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_CF74D1E8E1BB000C3F4CD673C1BCC28B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_63AA5678778123D03D84D673C1BD37E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_FF31DC3F474E2431374AD673C1BD3F62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_63AA5678778123D03D84D673C1BD37E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_AD72FFD4936FC650C8CAD673C1BD57AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_FF31DC3F474E2431374AD673C1BD3F62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_AD72FFD4936FC650C8CAD673C1BD57AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_1C51AF838774D9C9EFF0D673C1BDB1A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_FF31DC3F474E2431374AD673C1BD3F62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_1C51AF838774D9C9EFF0D673C1BDB1A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_880F7296869776F00AA0D673C1BDEFB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_FF31DC3F474E2431374AD673C1BD3F62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_880F7296869776F00AA0D673C1BDEFB0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_85259D89DC7AA4EAA632EF738EC79046" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_140AE4244337FC272514EF738EC62A0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_85259D89DC7AA4EAA632EF738EC79046" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_140AE4244337FC272514EF738EC62A0B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_8BD258B5D68BFAD05F69EF738EC6E674" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_140AE4244337FC272514EF738EC62A0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_8BD258B5D68BFAD05F69EF738EC6E674" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0BF09226861A17D7FC5AEF738EC706C5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_8BD258B5D68BFAD05F69EF738EC6E674" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0BF09226861A17D7FC5AEF738EC706C5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0BF09226861A17D7FC5AEF738EC706C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_8BD258B5D68BFAD05F69EF738EC6E674" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0BF09226861A17D7FC5AEF738EC706C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_10FF56A2138E455E2DF4EF738EC7C3CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0BF09226861A17D7FC5AEF738EC706C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_10FF56A2138E455E2DF4EF738EC7C3CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_83E2F3028C20A454EA38EF738EC7AFEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_140AE4244337FC272514EF738EC62A0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_83E2F3028C20A454EA38EF738EC7AFEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_ECB9ECAF65727A939545EF738EC731D1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_83E2F3028C20A454EA38EF738EC7AFEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_ECB9ECAF65727A939545EF738EC731D1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_ECB9ECAF65727A939545EF738EC731D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_83E2F3028C20A454EA38EF738EC7AFEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_ECB9ECAF65727A939545EF738EC731D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ClinicalTrialServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ClinicalTrialServicesMember_FEA11E61B5D8EB1BD9F1EF738EC79946" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_ECB9ECAF65727A939545EF738EC731D1" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ClinicalTrialServicesMember_FEA11E61B5D8EB1BD9F1EF738EC79946" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionandIntegrationRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionandIntegrationRelatedCosts_F0C3C9079CDB006ACD83EF738EC7A034" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_85259D89DC7AA4EAA632EF738EC79046" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionandIntegrationRelatedCosts_F0C3C9079CDB006ACD83EF738EC7A034" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet_79A085912AAF729A814DEF738EC72C25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_85259D89DC7AA4EAA632EF738EC79046" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet_79A085912AAF729A814DEF738EC72C25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_1D3AD12391C1F7362F83EF738EC79D82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_85259D89DC7AA4EAA632EF738EC79046" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_1D3AD12391C1F7362F83EF738EC79D82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax_696E48DC45190D19CD22EF738EC7C8C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_85259D89DC7AA4EAA632EF738EC79046" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax_696E48DC45190D19CD22EF738EC7C8C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_04231794BF50AA9594E9EF738EC86E88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_85259D89DC7AA4EAA632EF738EC79046" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_04231794BF50AA9594E9EF738EC86E88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_2E55DC4C7E0A5CD9ABCAEF738EC8B974" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_85259D89DC7AA4EAA632EF738EC79046" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_2E55DC4C7E0A5CD9ABCAEF738EC8B974" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingBalanceOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ReconciliationOfIncomeTaxComputedAtUSFederalStatutoryRateToIncomeTaxBenefitExpenseDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_940376BA9D1C782E98D9DC3D058D89CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_329BCEB9AD984930310ADC3D058C8386" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_940376BA9D1C782E98D9DC3D058D89CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_329BCEB9AD984930310ADC3D058C8386" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_6C7C00E9BDE21FCFD823DC3D058C8C9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_329BCEB9AD984930310ADC3D058C8386" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_6C7C00E9BDE21FCFD823DC3D058C8C9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_E6519349136E94048C8EDC3D058C1119_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_6C7C00E9BDE21FCFD823DC3D058C8C9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_E6519349136E94048C8EDC3D058C1119_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_E6519349136E94048C8EDC3D058C1119" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_6C7C00E9BDE21FCFD823DC3D058C8C9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_E6519349136E94048C8EDC3D058C1119" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember_8D10C12DD02CB30E60B3DC3D058C7179" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_E6519349136E94048C8EDC3D058C1119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember_8D10C12DD02CB30E60B3DC3D058C7179" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_647BA331A322F60AE2E2DC3D058C3E16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_329BCEB9AD984930310ADC3D058C8386" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_647BA331A322F60AE2E2DC3D058C3E16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_093E0D3AF0F582297DE4DC3D058D44EA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_647BA331A322F60AE2E2DC3D058C3E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_093E0D3AF0F582297DE4DC3D058D44EA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_093E0D3AF0F582297DE4DC3D058D44EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_647BA331A322F60AE2E2DC3D058C3E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_093E0D3AF0F582297DE4DC3D058D44EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_6E10AF206CC3E8C52865DC3D058DFEEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_940376BA9D1C782E98D9DC3D058D89CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_6E10AF206CC3E8C52865DC3D058DFEEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties_8BC90E78497F189AFA2ADC3D0592822F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_940376BA9D1C782E98D9DC3D058D89CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties_8BC90E78497F189AFA2ADC3D0592822F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_JointVenturePercentOwnership" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_JointVenturePercentOwnership_0AC4EED064255CD9B58DDC3D05925AA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_940376BA9D1C782E98D9DC3D058D89CE" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_JointVenturePercentOwnership_0AC4EED064255CD9B58DDC3D05925AA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromJointVenturesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromJointVenturesCurrent_B64DED5D79DE1A6565BBDC3D05923B0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_940376BA9D1C782E98D9DC3D058D89CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromJointVenturesCurrent_B64DED5D79DE1A6565BBDC3D05923B0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent_787D121B538A5D7A2EDEDC3D0592D4B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_940376BA9D1C782E98D9DC3D058D89CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent_787D121B538A5D7A2EDEDC3D0592D4B0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsdetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_554A2F8FAC9FDCB2682FDB122E55D2EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_D32245AB8ECB4104F695DB122E55D12F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_554A2F8FAC9FDCB2682FDB122E55D2EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_D32245AB8ECB4104F695DB122E55D12F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_65AA8E98054FDEBDEC5DDB122E555AC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_D32245AB8ECB4104F695DB122E55D12F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_65AA8E98054FDEBDEC5DDB122E555AC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_DEA88C7F454C8BAF24D1DB122E555F86_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_65AA8E98054FDEBDEC5DDB122E555AC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_DEA88C7F454C8BAF24D1DB122E555F86_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_DEA88C7F454C8BAF24D1DB122E555F86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_65AA8E98054FDEBDEC5DDB122E555AC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_DEA88C7F454C8BAF24D1DB122E555F86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember_B27E5838B58581AF6C97DB122E556D81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_DEA88C7F454C8BAF24D1DB122E555F86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember_B27E5838B58581AF6C97DB122E556D81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember_94BAA0C710B8D249E99BDB122E557035" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_DEA88C7F454C8BAF24D1DB122E555F86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember_94BAA0C710B8D249E99BDB122E557035" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_45C490E666ABCE3BE5EEDB122E553C31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_554A2F8FAC9FDCB2682FDB122E55D2EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_45C490E666ABCE3BE5EEDB122E553C31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense_DCC8B71D0E97C9244747DB122E56A0A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_554A2F8FAC9FDCB2682FDB122E55D2EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense_DCC8B71D0E97C9244747DB122E56A0A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions_156E86D0B0EE8F33DCE4DB122E56F6C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_554A2F8FAC9FDCB2682FDB122E55D2EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions_156E86D0B0EE8F33DCE4DB122E56F6C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesRecoveries" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesRecoveries_FDE4B17C36C12CFDFD52DB122E56E1FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_554A2F8FAC9FDCB2682FDB122E55D2EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesRecoveries_FDE4B17C36C12CFDFD52DB122E56E1FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesAdjustments_E4844335EDCEC52F9928DB122E56699D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_554A2F8FAC9FDCB2682FDB122E55D2EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesAdjustments_E4844335EDCEC52F9928DB122E56699D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SignificantComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockOptionsAndStockAppreciationRightsGrantedAndExercisedDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DA0A7079FC61933D5C90E777A6549AF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DA0A7079FC61933D5C90E777A6549AF7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_AED79CC0D0CF7A29D35CE777A65404AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DA0A7079FC61933D5C90E777A6549AF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_AED79CC0D0CF7A29D35CE777A65404AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_CA28FBFBE10FD7313228E777A654F4D4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_AED79CC0D0CF7A29D35CE777A65404AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_CA28FBFBE10FD7313228E777A654F4D4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_CA28FBFBE10FD7313228E777A654F4D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_AED79CC0D0CF7A29D35CE777A65404AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_CA28FBFBE10FD7313228E777A654F4D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_A2014OmnibusIncentivePlanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_A2014OmnibusIncentivePlanMember_D19761C0DF1E413EA625E777A6543090" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_CA28FBFBE10FD7313228E777A654F4D4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_A2014OmnibusIncentivePlanMember_D19761C0DF1E413EA625E777A6543090" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_IncentiveCompensationPlan2007Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_IncentiveCompensationPlan2007Member_615B82200B296F7B37A5E777A659F966" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_CA28FBFBE10FD7313228E777A654F4D4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_IncentiveCompensationPlan2007Member_615B82200B296F7B37A5E777A659F966" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_StockOptionAndEquityParticipationPlan1999Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_StockOptionAndEquityParticipationPlan1999Member_6B11984BADCC2FB61F4EE777A659502E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_CA28FBFBE10FD7313228E777A654F4D4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_StockOptionAndEquityParticipationPlan1999Member_6B11984BADCC2FB61F4EE777A659502E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_36B5F583FB99305C4C0AE777A659EA42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DA0A7079FC61933D5C90E777A6549AF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_36B5F583FB99305C4C0AE777A659EA42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_35CEA38FA70C629074A6E777A6595953_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_36B5F583FB99305C4C0AE777A659EA42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_35CEA38FA70C629074A6E777A6595953_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_35CEA38FA70C629074A6E777A6595953" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_36B5F583FB99305C4C0AE777A659EA42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_35CEA38FA70C629074A6E777A6595953" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_8A6C21C746D79C658493E777A6591756" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_35CEA38FA70C629074A6E777A6595953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_8A6C21C746D79C658493E777A6591756" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_E2292AE781F8ED33B999E777A6597065" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_35CEA38FA70C629074A6E777A6595953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_E2292AE781F8ED33B999E777A6597065" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember_7B892ACD5810EAB40C34E777A659742A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_35CEA38FA70C629074A6E777A6595953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember_7B892ACD5810EAB40C34E777A659742A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_3E656EAC846C1CF3F9FDE777A6596B22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DA0A7079FC61933D5C90E777A6549AF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_3E656EAC846C1CF3F9FDE777A6596B22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_83F3F387A23823646E10E777A65AC63D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_3E656EAC846C1CF3F9FDE777A6596B22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_83F3F387A23823646E10E777A65AC63D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_83F3F387A23823646E10E777A65AC63D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_3E656EAC846C1CF3F9FDE777A6596B22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_83F3F387A23823646E10E777A65AC63D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_TenPercentOrMoreStockholdersMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TenPercentOrMoreStockholdersMember_8E64AD1B46D7E87F7C90E777A65AA5AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_83F3F387A23823646E10E777A65AC63D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TenPercentOrMoreStockholdersMember_8E64AD1B46D7E87F7C90E777A65AA5AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_A7FBC14137B4AA60B477E777A65ACAA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DA0A7079FC61933D5C90E777A6549AF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_A7FBC14137B4AA60B477E777A65ACAA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A6288E6B18FF9DB0B3E1E777A65AD945_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_A7FBC14137B4AA60B477E777A65ACAA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A6288E6B18FF9DB0B3E1E777A65AD945_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A6288E6B18FF9DB0B3E1E777A65AD945" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_A7FBC14137B4AA60B477E777A65ACAA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A6288E6B18FF9DB0B3E1E777A65AD945" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_7E00564693AC6912C224E777A65A3F87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A6288E6B18FF9DB0B3E1E777A65AD945" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_7E00564693AC6912C224E777A65A3F87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_ECBA87E732D769E07356E777A65A7648" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A6288E6B18FF9DB0B3E1E777A65AD945" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_ECBA87E732D769E07356E777A65A7648" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased_1EE62658110C873A4CD0E777A65AD18C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased_1EE62658110C873A4CD0E777A65AD18C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_9C76D6182CCE1968253FE777A65AD3A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_9C76D6182CCE1968253FE777A65AD3A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_B01764733B9C794F455EE777A65A0321" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_B01764733B9C794F455EE777A65A0321" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_EF016C13996DDADE9D96E777A65AE524" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_EF016C13996DDADE9D96E777A65AE524" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased_C077614B18FCE2B9668BE777A65A2D51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased_C077614B18FCE2B9668BE777A65A2D51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_199D94008EEE7BD56474E777A65B1F82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_199D94008EEE7BD56474E777A65B1F82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_69A819C36C7E026A2DE3E777A65BEEB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_69A819C36C7E026A2DE3E777A65BEEB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_834F6DA6C28A928FDC1EE777A65B80B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_834F6DA6C28A928FDC1EE777A65B80B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationPeriod_A9A9FE03E38DB0925315E777A65BE155" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationPeriod_A9A9FE03E38DB0925315E777A65BE155" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_A375F4B5C81C274B857CE777A65B9AC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_A375F4B5C81C274B857CE777A65B9AC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_6781E0AB4D8A3EBB3884E777A65B8CF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_6781E0AB4D8A3EBB3884E777A65B8CF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_061A57CA9F48A6AA7883E777A65B970D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_061A57CA9F48A6AA7883E777A65B970D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions_9464E39B97DB06D0A17DE777A65B43A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions_9464E39B97DB06D0A17DE777A65B43A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested_A19F295963626A09BF54E777A65B2053" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested_A19F295963626A09BF54E777A65B2053" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_BEA6BAF54AEB782A8FEEE777A65B7210" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_BEA6BAF54AEB782A8FEEE777A65B7210" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_F7F3B8E5056747981402E777A65B44A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_F7F3B8E5056747981402E777A65B44A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber_CB687CAECD64B0B36637E777A65B755B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber_CB687CAECD64B0B36637E777A65B755B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_D53E790640E5BE06C9D3E777A65BE7EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_D53E790640E5BE06C9D3E777A65BE7EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue_6241B96DA1BDC062DD39E777A65B5CD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue_6241B96DA1BDC062DD39E777A65B5CD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_CFD5ADD1DDD23E10702DE777A65BE08E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_CFD5ADD1DDD23E10702DE777A65BE08E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ShelfRegistrationShares" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ShelfRegistrationShares_E62F8763C6A96B327072E777A65BA036" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ShelfRegistrationShares_E62F8763C6A96B327072E777A65BA036" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_85C85CDD107ADC7FACFEE777A65B53EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_546199D49EC7A177FD89E777A65AD8CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_85C85CDD107ADC7FACFEE777A65B53EF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfCompanysShareOptionPlansActivitiesDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AF2F66165ABD67EA501FF0DF6498C36E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8699337009BDE533AD30F0DF649830CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AF2F66165ABD67EA501FF0DF6498C36E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8699337009BDE533AD30F0DF649830CA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_A893B7CDB7C70E5AD72CF0DF649825B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8699337009BDE533AD30F0DF649830CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_A893B7CDB7C70E5AD72CF0DF649825B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5827C0E682C552AD10EAF0DF6498E4D3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_A893B7CDB7C70E5AD72CF0DF649825B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5827C0E682C552AD10EAF0DF6498E4D3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5827C0E682C552AD10EAF0DF6498E4D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_A893B7CDB7C70E5AD72CF0DF649825B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5827C0E682C552AD10EAF0DF6498E4D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_FE4185A263841DFEF010F0DF6498C22A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5827C0E682C552AD10EAF0DF6498E4D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_FE4185A263841DFEF010F0DF6498C22A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_8A69A350D2B1321B1EF8F0DF6498527A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5827C0E682C552AD10EAF0DF6498E4D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_8A69A350D2B1321B1EF8F0DF6498527A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_8333DE3E7B238479E1F6F0DF64995520" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AF2F66165ABD67EA501FF0DF6498C36E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_8333DE3E7B238479E1F6F0DF64995520" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_239B7E6404EA79FF91B2F0DF64991C08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_8333DE3E7B238479E1F6F0DF64995520" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_239B7E6404EA79FF91B2F0DF64991C08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod_C4726617F19A03C97AB4F0DF6499793D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_8333DE3E7B238479E1F6F0DF64995520" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod_C4726617F19A03C97AB4F0DF6499793D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_3DC9FB2B7B5392DF7F05F0DF64990BB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_8333DE3E7B238479E1F6F0DF64995520" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_3DC9FB2B7B5392DF7F05F0DF64990BB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_6610D2C27B89744B0F3DF0DF6499E7A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_8333DE3E7B238479E1F6F0DF64995520" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_6610D2C27B89744B0F3DF0DF6499E7A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_E86489A00123256ED43DF0DF649915AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_8333DE3E7B238479E1F6F0DF64995520" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_E86489A00123256ED43DF0DF649915AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_A5FD6A9DD85DD46B70DCF0EE8A5409DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_8333DE3E7B238479E1F6F0DF64995520" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_A5FD6A9DD85DD46B70DCF0EE8A5409DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_B94D4DBDA5350AC80CEEF0DF649FC7A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AF2F66165ABD67EA501FF0DF6498C36E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_B94D4DBDA5350AC80CEEF0DF649FC7A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_59C3AEBB91AF7CDE926AF0DF649F3BED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_B94D4DBDA5350AC80CEEF0DF649FC7A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_59C3AEBB91AF7CDE926AF0DF649F3BED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_7110456372B4C78ED1DEF0DF649FC386" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_B94D4DBDA5350AC80CEEF0DF649FC7A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_7110456372B4C78ED1DEF0DF649FC386" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_B8C52131815314FE58B6F0DF649FA2D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_B94D4DBDA5350AC80CEEF0DF649FC7A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_B8C52131815314FE58B6F0DF649FA2D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_50AF097428A6DA6F3413F0DF649F9D0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_B94D4DBDA5350AC80CEEF0DF649FC7A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_50AF097428A6DA6F3413F0DF649F9D0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_C698CCEEFB7A3B6B60BCF0DF649F5046" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_B94D4DBDA5350AC80CEEF0DF649FC7A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_C698CCEEFB7A3B6B60BCF0DF649F5046" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_60D37EE349F35B06A41DF0DF649F2AB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_B94D4DBDA5350AC80CEEF0DF649FC7A5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_60D37EE349F35B06A41DF0DF649F2AB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_30B86C5577F6B4FDFBC7F0DF649FE454" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AF2F66165ABD67EA501FF0DF6498C36E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_30B86C5577F6B4FDFBC7F0DF649FE454" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_432321B40D28F947B32EF0DF649FF78B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AF2F66165ABD67EA501FF0DF6498C36E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_432321B40D28F947B32EF0DF649FF78B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm_05B09A53BE89FD510322F0DF649F8A56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AF2F66165ABD67EA501FF0DF6498C36E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm_05B09A53BE89FD510322F0DF649F8A56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_D448AEDE70F0BFDF9998F0DF649F6102" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AF2F66165ABD67EA501FF0DF6498C36E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_D448AEDE70F0BFDF9998F0DF649F6102" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_0C81781EC53BB646C90EF0DF649F3BEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AF2F66165ABD67EA501FF0DF6498C36E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_0C81781EC53BB646C90EF0DF649F3BEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedAggregateIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedAggregateIntrinsicValue_AF02D495AFAEA6448C7CF0DF649F3410" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AF2F66165ABD67EA501FF0DF6498C36E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedAggregateIntrinsicValue_AF02D495AFAEA6448C7CF0DF649F3410" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfRestrictedStockAwardActivityAndPerformanceStockAwardsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_B51F49CAE93BF9A7676DC6515C9A884A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CEF1525477219058FA4BC6515C9A9BF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_B51F49CAE93BF9A7676DC6515C9A884A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CEF1525477219058FA4BC6515C9A9BF8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_312C0F8E98BE10B6B269C6515C9A395A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CEF1525477219058FA4BC6515C9A9BF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_312C0F8E98BE10B6B269C6515C9A395A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_EA17BC8FEF333143DAD2C6515C9A422F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_312C0F8E98BE10B6B269C6515C9A395A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_EA17BC8FEF333143DAD2C6515C9A422F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_EA17BC8FEF333143DAD2C6515C9A422F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_312C0F8E98BE10B6B269C6515C9A395A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_EA17BC8FEF333143DAD2C6515C9A422F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_C5171CD769AE6CE128D3C652BC6FB6C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_EA17BC8FEF333143DAD2C6515C9A422F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_C5171CD769AE6CE128D3C652BC6FB6C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_A740100E79DF67F56A0BC652BC79CA38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_EA17BC8FEF333143DAD2C6515C9A422F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_A740100E79DF67F56A0BC652BC79CA38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0AB45B398CEA7C0D72E4C6515C9A98C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_B51F49CAE93BF9A7676DC6515C9A884A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0AB45B398CEA7C0D72E4C6515C9A98C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_49C9846EF2C78C3C864CC6515C9A71DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0AB45B398CEA7C0D72E4C6515C9A98C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_49C9846EF2C78C3C864CC6515C9A71DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_FBD3C20DE77383262DE9C6515C9A1F31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0AB45B398CEA7C0D72E4C6515C9A98C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_FBD3C20DE77383262DE9C6515C9A1F31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_C5035DAB5DFB172C894FC6515C9A78A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0AB45B398CEA7C0D72E4C6515C9A98C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_C5035DAB5DFB172C894FC6515C9A78A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_EA18A89C19BA8D773B43C6515C9A1A38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0AB45B398CEA7C0D72E4C6515C9A98C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_EA18A89C19BA8D773B43C6515C9A1A38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_2D72BE1ACAD90B6D696EC6515C9A53EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_B51F49CAE93BF9A7676DC6515C9A884A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_2D72BE1ACAD90B6D696EC6515C9A53EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_AFFDC6F870D700602262C6515C9BB28C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_2D72BE1ACAD90B6D696EC6515C9A53EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_AFFDC6F870D700602262C6515C9BB28C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_C26988F5B04B9A5EADA4C6515C9B6F5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_2D72BE1ACAD90B6D696EC6515C9A53EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_C26988F5B04B9A5EADA4C6515C9B6F5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_331139A3BF74E01238D5C6515C9B8A6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_2D72BE1ACAD90B6D696EC6515C9A53EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_331139A3BF74E01238D5C6515C9B8A6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_329CCE4B69FDA6A6F4BEC6515C9B4426" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_2D72BE1ACAD90B6D696EC6515C9A53EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_329CCE4B69FDA6A6F4BEC6515C9B4426" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_77D1944997D64CC5C120F0DD7C54A8F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_77D1944997D64CC5C120F0DD7C54A8F5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_F0EC65BA82379D8305C1F0DD7C54372C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_77D1944997D64CC5C120F0DD7C54A8F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_F0EC65BA82379D8305C1F0DD7C54372C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_12FF5E5E0C75DA893CB2F0DD7C54C3C0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_F0EC65BA82379D8305C1F0DD7C54372C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_12FF5E5E0C75DA893CB2F0DD7C54C3C0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_12FF5E5E0C75DA893CB2F0DD7C54C3C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_F0EC65BA82379D8305C1F0DD7C54372C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_12FF5E5E0C75DA893CB2F0DD7C54C3C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_62136244C3FCA56CE402F0DD7C54BCB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_77D1944997D64CC5C120F0DD7C54A8F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_62136244C3FCA56CE402F0DD7C54BCB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_802D6DEFFFAD94FE26D8F0DD7C54FF49_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_62136244C3FCA56CE402F0DD7C54BCB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_802D6DEFFFAD94FE26D8F0DD7C54FF49_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_802D6DEFFFAD94FE26D8F0DD7C54FF49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_62136244C3FCA56CE402F0DD7C54BCB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_802D6DEFFFAD94FE26D8F0DD7C54FF49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_199F9AC128F74285F542F0DD7C54B046" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_802D6DEFFFAD94FE26D8F0DD7C54FF49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_199F9AC128F74285F542F0DD7C54B046" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_F86C2077DFCA4A2887AEF0DD7C544245" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_802D6DEFFFAD94FE26D8F0DD7C54FF49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_F86C2077DFCA4A2887AEF0DD7C544245" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_F2436FBC7E8F4B721484F0DD7C542226" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_77D1944997D64CC5C120F0DD7C54A8F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_F2436FBC7E8F4B721484F0DD7C542226" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_75CC2BB7F5AE6273EC90F0DD7C5585FA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_F2436FBC7E8F4B721484F0DD7C542226" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_75CC2BB7F5AE6273EC90F0DD7C5585FA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_75CC2BB7F5AE6273EC90F0DD7C5585FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_F2436FBC7E8F4B721484F0DD7C542226" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_75CC2BB7F5AE6273EC90F0DD7C5585FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember_BCE445C35B5192ED83C5F0DD7C5597ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_75CC2BB7F5AE6273EC90F0DD7C5585FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember_BCE445C35B5192ED83C5F0DD7C5597ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_ED2003309D37E4D6F7CCF0DD7C5503B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_77D1944997D64CC5C120F0DD7C54A8F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_ED2003309D37E4D6F7CCF0DD7C5503B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_F37ABE43D85245F46860F0DD7C555EED_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_ED2003309D37E4D6F7CCF0DD7C5503B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_F37ABE43D85245F46860F0DD7C555EED_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_F37ABE43D85245F46860F0DD7C555EED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_ED2003309D37E4D6F7CCF0DD7C5503B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_F37ABE43D85245F46860F0DD7C555EED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_68775008E015946648E2F0DD7C557050" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_77D1944997D64CC5C120F0DD7C54A8F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_68775008E015946648E2F0DD7C557050" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_BA70F2C2CD5CAF26B5FBF0DD7C552A1D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_68775008E015946648E2F0DD7C557050" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_BA70F2C2CD5CAF26B5FBF0DD7C552A1D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_BA70F2C2CD5CAF26B5FBF0DD7C552A1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_68775008E015946648E2F0DD7C557050" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_BA70F2C2CD5CAF26B5FBF0DD7C552A1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_371E8BF1642557272962F0DD7C558C03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_77D1944997D64CC5C120F0DD7C54A8F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_371E8BF1642557272962F0DD7C558C03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_1CAF99E1233EB02A36AFF0DD7C55AAF4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_371E8BF1642557272962F0DD7C558C03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_1CAF99E1233EB02A36AFF0DD7C55AAF4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_1CAF99E1233EB02A36AFF0DD7C55AAF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_371E8BF1642557272962F0DD7C558C03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_1CAF99E1233EB02A36AFF0DD7C55AAF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationChannelNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationChannelNameAxis_27C1BAB94265512F9310F0DD7C55E201" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_77D1944997D64CC5C120F0DD7C54A8F5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationChannelNameAxis_27C1BAB94265512F9310F0DD7C55E201" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationChannelNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationChannelNameDomain_99DE081DA2D78B390730F0DD7C555C0E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationChannelNameAxis_27C1BAB94265512F9310F0DD7C55E201" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationChannelNameDomain_99DE081DA2D78B390730F0DD7C555C0E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationChannelNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationChannelNameDomain_99DE081DA2D78B390730F0DD7C555C0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationChannelNameAxis_27C1BAB94265512F9310F0DD7C55E201" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationChannelNameDomain_99DE081DA2D78B390730F0DD7C555C0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_1CBD60AED60238091ADBF0DD7C55843F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_77D1944997D64CC5C120F0DD7C54A8F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_1CBD60AED60238091ADBF0DD7C55843F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_E387D90FF4BC6F9B354DF0DD7C551D18_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_1CBD60AED60238091ADBF0DD7C55843F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_E387D90FF4BC6F9B354DF0DD7C551D18_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_E387D90FF4BC6F9B354DF0DD7C551D18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_1CBD60AED60238091ADBF0DD7C55843F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_E387D90FF4BC6F9B354DF0DD7C551D18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_85EE83D8F92B45150340F0DD7C554061" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_E387D90FF4BC6F9B354DF0DD7C551D18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_85EE83D8F92B45150340F0DD7C554061" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis_97161E399B06089F3E95F0DD7C556FE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_77D1944997D64CC5C120F0DD7C54A8F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis_97161E399B06089F3E95F0DD7C556FE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_A836D139A213FAC8041EF0DD7C55434D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis_97161E399B06089F3E95F0DD7C556FE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_A836D139A213FAC8041EF0DD7C55434D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_A836D139A213FAC8041EF0DD7C55434D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis_97161E399B06089F3E95F0DD7C556FE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_A836D139A213FAC8041EF0DD7C55434D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_OccurrenceBasedProfessionalLiabilityInsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OccurrenceBasedProfessionalLiabilityInsuranceMember_3AC1F270D882B7941F09F0DD7C55676F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_A836D139A213FAC8041EF0DD7C55434D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OccurrenceBasedProfessionalLiabilityInsuranceMember_3AC1F270D882B7941F09F0DD7C55676F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D10143D2E7F369643523F0DD7C556FC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_77D1944997D64CC5C120F0DD7C54A8F5" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D10143D2E7F369643523F0DD7C556FC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8479F974D1734E8F4D6AF0DD7C56D478_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D10143D2E7F369643523F0DD7C556FC9" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8479F974D1734E8F4D6AF0DD7C56D478_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8479F974D1734E8F4D6AF0DD7C56D478" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D10143D2E7F369643523F0DD7C556FC9" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8479F974D1734E8F4D6AF0DD7C56D478" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_MDAHoldingsIncMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MDAHoldingsIncMember_925589A3A9A5A89BBC8DF0DD7C56A028" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8479F974D1734E8F4D6AF0DD7C56D478" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MDAHoldingsIncMember_925589A3A9A5A89BBC8DF0DD7C56A028" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_B6D4EE8725661864C9D1F0DD7C566835" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_77D1944997D64CC5C120F0DD7C54A8F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_B6D4EE8725661864C9D1F0DD7C566835" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_CE33E3874C6CE8834F6DF0DD7C56254D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_B6D4EE8725661864C9D1F0DD7C566835" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_CE33E3874C6CE8834F6DF0DD7C56254D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_CE33E3874C6CE8834F6DF0DD7C56254D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_B6D4EE8725661864C9D1F0DD7C566835" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_CE33E3874C6CE8834F6DF0DD7C56254D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_DADE4C741E754822738BF0DD7C56BE78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_77D1944997D64CC5C120F0DD7C54A8F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_DADE4C741E754822738BF0DD7C56BE78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_61F9ED01334D0A15F96FF0DD7C5608AC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_DADE4C741E754822738BF0DD7C56BE78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_61F9ED01334D0A15F96FF0DD7C5608AC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_61F9ED01334D0A15F96FF0DD7C5608AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_DADE4C741E754822738BF0DD7C56BE78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_61F9ED01334D0A15F96FF0DD7C5608AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_OngoingPostemploymentBenefitsMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OngoingPostemploymentBenefitsMember_082FA017BB9DE4B85283F0DD7C56DFE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_61F9ED01334D0A15F96FF0DD7C5608AC" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OngoingPostemploymentBenefitsMember_082FA017BB9DE4B85283F0DD7C56DFE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember_C7CB90B67CA6B8EC0F24F0DD7C568EA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_61F9ED01334D0A15F96FF0DD7C5608AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember_C7CB90B67CA6B8EC0F24F0DD7C568EA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ExitCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ExitCostsMember_BDB21C0DBBE49E0D3393F0DD7C566B79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_61F9ED01334D0A15F96FF0DD7C5608AC" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ExitCostsMember_BDB21C0DBBE49E0D3393F0DD7C566B79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_ContractualTerm" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ContractualTerm_35E9BA8C16D19B37A201F0DD7C5656D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ContractualTerm_35E9BA8C16D19B37A201F0DD7C5656D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_LeaseExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LeaseExpirationPeriod_574A411E982F7C8EAA6FF0DD7C563F35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LeaseExpirationPeriod_574A411E982F7C8EAA6FF0DD7C563F35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_8A4495879FF20FF6FC8AF0DD7C568313" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_8A4495879FF20FF6FC8AF0DD7C568313" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_FEFEB722180FC01F5807F0DD7C564AF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_FEFEB722180FC01F5807F0DD7C564AF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_OutstandingLettersOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OutstandingLettersOfCredit_38209A967B1FEBFE944DF0DD7C567769" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OutstandingLettersOfCredit_38209A967B1FEBFE944DF0DD7C567769" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MalpracticeLossContingencyLettersOfCreditAndSuretyBonds" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MalpracticeLossContingencyLettersOfCreditAndSuretyBonds_564EF93869AD8F16AE9EF0DD7C56845C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MalpracticeLossContingencyLettersOfCreditAndSuretyBonds_564EF93869AD8F16AE9EF0DD7C56845C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedFeesAndOtherRevenueReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedFeesAndOtherRevenueReceivable_F7C72104926863384E74F0DD7C577C90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedFeesAndOtherRevenueReceivable_F7C72104926863384E74F0DD7C577C90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_8453F6D395D48DE37C39F0DD7C57A7B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_8453F6D395D48DE37C39F0DD7C57A7B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_5137F6BE5801124421C0F0DD7C579501" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_5137F6BE5801124421C0F0DD7C579501" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities_7E27C8D0356FB99A2D73F0DD7C57A222" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities_7E27C8D0356FB99A2D73F0DD7C57A222" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense_1E2B738CB5C9622BC782F0DD7C57E84B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense_1E2B738CB5C9622BC782F0DD7C57E84B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidAdvertising" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidAdvertising_10D762C2C548210CD7E6F0DD7C57B550" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidAdvertising_10D762C2C548210CD7E6F0DD7C57B550" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ccrn-20141231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionandIntegrationRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionandIntegrationRelatedCosts_67D81820D4B1BF389608F0DD7C570E80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionandIntegrationRelatedCosts_67D81820D4B1BF389608F0DD7C570E80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_064A2A0249F3EEC909EFF0DD7C57E05C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_064A2A0249F3EEC909EFF0DD7C57E05C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationIntegrationRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationIntegrationRelatedCosts_C46EDF424C30B1B2455CF0DD7C575ACE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationIntegrationRelatedCosts_C46EDF424C30B1B2455CF0DD7C575ACE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRestructuringLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRestructuringLiabilities_56129B9BEE97323CBD3EF0DD7C572B94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRestructuringLiabilities_56129B9BEE97323CBD3EF0DD7C572B94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_8A8E71A2F90502B76D79F0DD7C57A60B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_8A8E71A2F90502B76D79F0DD7C57A60B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIRealizedUponSaleOrLiquidationBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIRealizedUponSaleOrLiquidationBeforeTax_89FC9A5BBE96AE910734F0DD7C57238E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIRealizedUponSaleOrLiquidationBeforeTax_89FC9A5BBE96AE910734F0DD7C57238E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParent1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParent1_5E4848274244384E6CA0F0DD7C57E8FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_0413EB5CF197F1B67DC6F0DD7C5616CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParent1_5E4848274244384E6CA0F0DD7C57E8FD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
</linkbase>
