FAQ's

The Basics

1.

What are the requirements to be a traveler?

2.

What does it take to be a successful traveler?
Flexibility, a positive outlook, an eagerness to enjoy a new adventure coupled with excellent clinical skills and a desire to make some excellent money.
 

3.

Will traveling look good on my resume?
Yes! Changing locations as a traveler demonstrates your dedication to your profession, as well as your personal adaptability and the flexibility of your clinical practice. As the travel healthcare industry is well-understood by nurse managers and hospital human resource professionals, when your travel career is over and you are seeking a permanent position, your resume will be strengthened by the list of travel assignments.
 

4.

Where will I work?
All types of hospitals use travel nurses. If your only job so far has been in a small hospital and you wish to continue at a similar facility, your travel nurse company will find an assignment that is right for you. Whatever your goal, there is a travel nurse assignment that meets your needs and goals.
 

5.

How will I learn about the hospital at which I will be working?
Each hospital has its own way of integrating travelers, depending on the size of the facility, how many travelers they use, how they orient their permanent staff, the orientation procedures of your individual assignment unit, etc. Your placement officer at our company will be able to provide you with many of these orientation details when you discuss potential assignments. This is also a great question to bring up during your interviews with the hiring managers at potential assignment locations.
 

6.

Do I need a new license for each state I travel to?
Quality management specialists at the best travel nursing companies will work with you and your recruiter to ensure that you have all the necessary information to obtain the required license for your assignment state well before your start date. As each state does have its own rules and regulations (which change frequently), we encourage you to contact the individual state boards directly to obtain the most up-to-date information and application paperwork.
 

Assignments   

1.

What is the length of travel assignments?
The majority of assignments range between 8 and 13 weeks. It is possible to extend an assignment beyond its original length, which many travelers do.
 

2.

Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
No. The contractual relationship between you and your travel nursing company is based on an assignment-by-assignment basis.
 

3.

What is a full-time schedule for a travel nurse?
Forty hours per week is considered full-time for travelers working 8 or 10-hour shifts. Travelers who work 12-hour shifts are considered full-time at 36 hours per week.
 

4.

Where are the assignments?
Assignments are available throughout the 50 states in all types of hospital facilities.
 

5.

Can I travel with family, friends or pets to my assignments?
Yes! Traveling as a healthcare professional is a fantastic way to explore the country as a family.
 

6.

Is it possible for a friend to take an assignment with me?
Yes! Many "travel partners" select their assignments together and either work at the same hospital or at different hospitals in the same city. Some share apartments while others arrange to have their own private apartments in the same complex.
 

7.

How long will it take before I can start my first assignment?
Much of it depends on you and when you want to start. After your application has been accepted and processed, many travel nursing companies immediately present you as a possible candidate to hospitals. Some travelers have started an assignment one week after sending in their initial application.
 

8.

Will I have flexibility in choosing my assignments?
Please let your recruiter know about any specific requests, needs and wants you have concerning the locations and jobs that interest you. Your recruiter will work to make sure that your requests are met.
 

Compensation and Benefits  

1.

What will my pay rate be?
Pay rates depend on the facility, location and clinical specialty. The pay rates for RNs generally range from $250 to $450 per day take home.
 

2.

How is my travel reimbursement determined?
Travel reimbursement is usually paid at the rate of 20 cents per mile with a one-way round trip cap and generally is paid to the traveler directly by the travel nursing company.
 

3.

Are continuing education hours offered?
The best travel companies offer courses to travelers on assignment at no charge, and discounted continuing education contact hours to travelers who are not currently on assignment.
 

4.

What about a 401(k) program?
We offer an excellent retirement 401(k).
 

5.

Will I receive medical and dental insurance?
We offer full healthcare coverage. Be sure to ask for details from your placement officer before you sign a contract.
 

Housing

1.

If I don't use the company's housing, will I receive a housing allowance?
Usually you will receive a monthly housing allowance or subsidy if you arrange and pay for your own housing.
 

2.

Can I bring my pet?
Yes, and you will need to take advantage of the private housing option, with a nominal co-payment. The apartment complexes often require a separate pet deposit for which you will be responsible.
 

Questions

1.

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.
 

2.

What happens to my banking as I move every few months?
This is entirely up to you. One of the most popular benefits offered by travel nursing companies is the direct deposit service, which enables you to stay with your hometown bank. Alternatively, you can establish a new account for each new assignment location.