Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a Travel Nurse

Why do healthcare professionals travel?

Some healthcare professionals travel to see different parts of the country, while others travel because they will receive better compensation. It depends on the individual, but most healthcare professionals travel for a combination of location, pay, benefits, and professional opportunities.

What are the minimum requirements to become a travel nurse?

You must have a degree from an accredited healthcare professional program in the United States or Canada and at least one year of hospital experience.

How do I become a travel nurse?

Applying is easy. Just complete our online application and we will have all the information we need so you can get started.

Do I have to fill out an application, or can I just send my resume?

In order to find the perfect assignment for you, we need more details than a resume can provide. Once your online application is filled out, signed and returned, you can get started on your journey.

Do I have to travel with you once I have submitted my application?

No. Your application is simply used to qualify you for travel. If you decide you want to travel, the perfect assignment will be waiting for you.

How long will it take to approve my application and find an assignment?

Application approval is complete after your references have been verified. You could begin your first assignment within one week, so long as your documentation is in order and you have a current license in the state to which you're traveling.

Do I need to sign an employment contract in order to become a travel nurse?

No. You are contractually committed for each assignment you take, but not with the travel nurse employment agency in general.

Assignment Details

How long are travel assignments?

A typical assignment is 13 weeks, but most travel nurse employment agencies offer a range of assignments, as well as permanent positions.

Where can I go?

You will have the flexibility to travel almost anywhere in the country. Travel nurse employment agencies have positions from coast to coast, in small towns and large cities. When you speak with a recruiter, you'll be able to specify where you'd like to go and they will work to find you the assignment you want.

What shifts are available?

Shifts range from 8, 10 and 12 hours, depending on the facility. Your recruiter will also work with hospitals to make sure that you are not floating unnecessarily.

When am I committed to an assignment?

After interviewing with the facility, they will decide if they want to extend an offer to you. At that time, you decide if you would like to accept the assignment. You are never obligated to take an assignment and not taking an assignment will not affect your future assignments.

What happens after I accept an assignment?

Your travel nurse employment agency will send all of your paperwork to the facility for their review. If you have any additional questions for the facility, be sure to have them prepared for your phone interview so that you are completely comfortable with your assignment.

How will my travel nurse employment agency prepare me for my assignment?

Once you have accepted an assignment, your recruiter will confirm your start date, shift, unit and salary. They will send you a package with all the information you will need to start your assignment, including accommodations.

How do I get to my assignments?

Most travel agencies provide you with partial to full reimbursement for your travel. You can drive, take a train, or a plane, but we always recommend having a car at your assignment unless you are in an area that has reliable mass transit.

If I'm on assignment and don't like it, do I have to stay?

You are obligated to the facility and your travel nurse employment agency to complete your assignment. Once an assignment is complete, it is up to you to continue traveling.

Can I be fired by a facility while I'm on assignment?

Facilities are contractually obligated to you, just as you are to them for the duration of the assignment. Only in cases of documented poor behavior, can the facility cancel the contract. Recruiters and support staff should be able to work with you and the facility to ensure that this does not happen.

What happens once my assignment is complete?

If the facility would like to extend your assignment, you can continue with them if you'd like. If you, or the facility, do not wish to extend your assignment, you may contact your travel nurse employment agency to sign up for a new assignment or permanent position elsewhere.

Can I travel with family or friends to my assignments?

Yes! Traveling as a health care professional is a fantastic way to explore the country with your family or best friends. Let your recruiter know whom you will be traveling with to ensure that you are provided with housing that suits your travel lifestyle.

Is it possible for me to take an assignment together with a friend?

Yes! Many travelers select their assignments together and either work at the same hospital or at different hospitals in the same city. Some travelers share apartments while others arrange to have their own private apartments in the same complex.

Your Travel Nursing Salary and Benefits

What will my travel nursing salary be?

Travel nursing salary depends on your specialty and experience, as well as the facility and the location. Your travel nurse employment agency will always negotiate top dollar for you.

When and how will I be paid?

Your travel nurse employment agency will normally pay you on a weekly basis using a direct deposit to the bank account of your choice.

Are cash bonuses paid at any assignments?

Yes, many facilities offer cash bonuses -- some up to $5,000. These completion bonuses are paid at the end of your assignment. Ask a recruiter for more details.

Am I eligible for any bonuses if I refer a friend for a travel nursing job?

Absolutely! Most travel nurse employment agencies offer a referral program, which provides you with a various bonuses for any friends you refer who complete a 13-week assignment.

How are my taxes handled?

As your employer, your travel nurse employment agency should withhold your taxes; you are not an independent contractor. At the end of the year, you will receive a W-2 from every state in which you've worked. See your tax planner for specific tax questions.

Do travel nurse employment agencies provide medical benefits?

Yes! Travel nurse employment comprehensive benefits include medical and dental insurance, 401(k)'s, and basic life insurance. Travel nurses can also get nominal fee coverage for dependents.

Do travel nurse employment agencies offer a sign-on bonus?

Many offer up to $1,000 sign-on bonuses for travelers depending on the assignment.

Do travel nurse employment agencies provide programs / reimbursement for Continuing Education?

Yes! Most maintain a program to help you enhance your credentials and education. For more information, please review the Continuing Education Programs section of our web site.

Housing

Where will I live?

Most travel nurse employment agencies offer free, private housing on our assignments. Premium one-bedroom apartments are available for a fee in selected locations.

If I don't use the company's housing, will I receive a housing allowance?

You will receive a monthly housing subsidy if you arrange for your own housing. The amount varies for each assignment and location.

How do I keep up with my mail?

Travelers deal with their mail by many different means. One solution is to forward your mail with the postal service each time you move. Some travelers maintain a permanent address for their mail at a friend's or family member's house and have their mail forwarded to them on a weekly basis. Other travelers prefer to rent a private post office box, and the proprietor forwards all mail on a predefined basis.

If I reside in prearranged accommodations, are my personal items insured?

No, they aren't. Most insurance companies offer short-term, inexpensive renters' insurance that will cover your personal belongings.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes, but you will need to take advantage of private housing, and a nominal co-payment. The apartment complexes often require a separate pet deposit for which you will be responsible.