Travel Nursing FAQs
Becoming a Travel Nurse
Why do RNs take travel nursing jobs?
Some nurses travel to see different parts of the country, while others travel because they will receive better compensation. It depends on the individual, but most nurses travel for a combination of location, pay, benefits, and professional opportunities.
What are the minimum requirements for a travel nursing job?
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 in your given specialty.
How do I become a travel nurse?
Applying is easy&emdash;Just complete an online travel nursing application with our sponsor company, Onward Healthcare, and an experienced nurse recruiter will call you to explain the process and discuss the available career options.
Do I have to fill out an application, or can I just send my resume?
In order to find you the perfect travel nursing assignment, we need more details than a resume can provide. Once you complete your online travel nursing application, you be able to start begin the process of finding your dream job.
Am I required to accept a travel nursing job once I have submitted my application?
No. Your application is simply used to qualify you for a travel nursing job. 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 me a travel nurse job?
The application approval is complete as soon as your references have been verified. You could begin your first travel nursing 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 with an agency in order to become a travel nurse?
No. You are contractually committed for each assignment you take, but to the travel nursing agency in general.
Assignment Details
How long are travel nursing assignments?
A typical travel nursing assignment is 13 weeks, but most travel nurse employment agencies offer a range of assignments, as well as permanent positions and per diem work.
Where can I go on a travel nursing job?
You will have the flexibility to travel almost anywhere in the country. Travel nursing 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 on travel nursing jobs?
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.
How do I lock in a travel nursing 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 prior to your new travel nursing job.
How will my travel nursing 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 travel nurse job, including information on your accommodations.
How do I get to my travel nursing assignment?
Most travel nursing agencies provide you with partial to full reimbursement to and from your assignment. 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 the terms of your assignment. Once your assignment is complete, your next move it up to you.
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 your travel nurse 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 travel nursing job is complete?
If the facility would like to extend your current 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 nursing agency to sign up for a new assignment or permanent position elsewhere.
Can I travel with family or friends to my assignments?
Yes. Travel nursing jobs are 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 a travel nursing assignment together with a friend?
Yes. Many traveler RNs 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.
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 nursing agency will always negotiate top dollar for you.
When and how will I be paid on a travel nursing job?
Your travel nursing 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?
Many facilities offer cash bonuses&emdash;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 nursing 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 nursing 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.
Will my travel nursing agency provide me with medical benefits?
Yes. Travel nurse employment comprehensive benefits include medical and dental insurance, 401(k)’s, and basic life insurance. Travel RNs can also get nominal fee coverage for dependents.
Do travel nursing agencies offer a sign-on bonus?
Many offer up to $1,000 sign-on bonuses for travel RNs depending on the assignment.
Do travel nursing agencies provide programs / reimbursement for Continuing Education?
Most travel nursing agencies do maintain a program to help you enhance your credentials and education. For more information, it is best to ask your travel nurse recruiter.
Housing
Where will I live on my travel nurse job?
Most agencies offer free, private housing for RNs on travel nursing jobs. Premium one-bedroom apartments are often available for a fee in selected locations.
If I don’t use the company’s housing, will I receive a housing allowance?
Yes. 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?
Travel RNs typically 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 are not. Most insurance companies offer short-term, inexpensive renters’ insurance that will cover your personal belongings.
Can I bring my pet to my travel nursing assignment?
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.
