August 8, 2018

54609 Views

Step #7: Research Travel Nurse Agencies

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

How to Research Travel Nurse Agencies

There are several factors in determining what agencies to work with. As you learn how to research travel nurse agencies, keep in mind that you need an agency that you can trust, that has the benefits and services that you want and need and can accommodate your deal breakers.

Get Travel Nurse Agency Referrals

Before you start Googling or calling random agencies, ask for recommendations from your travel nurse friends or on the Gypsy Nurse Facebook Network. Choosing a travel nurse agency is about more than what agency shows up on a search first, so be thoughtful about this step.

Read Travel Nurse Agency Reviews

When you are researching travel nurse agencies, start at our Review Page. If you have completed a contract, make sure to fill out an agency review to help the next travel nurse trying to research travel nurse agencies.

Check Our Yearly Rankings

Here at Gypsy Nurse, we have the most comprehensive agency review program in the industry. We hired two top independent market research firms to create and conduct a yearly survey of our travel nurses to help with choosing a travel nurse agency. You can see all of our current and previous rankings here.

Make Agency Contact

When you have a list of several companies that you want to pursue, then you can start making calls. If you have a specific recruiter that you want to contact make this clear on your initial contact with the agency. Make certain to note if someone directly referred you to the agency, because they might be eligible for a referral bonus.

It’s not recommend signing up with job boards when choosing a travel nurse agency as you will be bombarded with phone calls/emails from these sites. We recommend that you connect directly with the agencies that you are interested in after doing some individual research. The Gypsy Nurse Job Listings allow you to search and apply with ONLY the company that you are interested in!

Interviewing the Agency

When you interview travel nurse recruiters (yes, YOU will interview THEM), it’s important to address your questions in the order of importance to you. If a company isn’t able to meet your deal-breakers, it probably isn’t worth your time or theirs to continue. Make sure to find a recruiter who will be patient and in depth with explaining things like pay, especially for your first contract. Travel nurse pay can be very confusing. Make sure you understand your pay and then you can diagnose your pay package more effectively.

Keep in mind that not all recruiters have the same style or approach. If you have positive experiences with a company but are struggling to connect with your recruiter, don’t be afraid to ask for a different recruiter! Part of learning how to research travel nurse agencies is learning how to interview recruiters and find your best fit as well.

EXPERT TIP:

VET YOUR CHOSEN COMPANY/RECRUITER VIA THE GYPSY NURSE NETWORK BY ASKING FOR SPECIFIC FEEDBACK ON THE AGENCY OR USING THE SEARCH OPTION AT THE TOP OF THE GROUP.

How to Research Travel Nurse Agencies – Interview the Agency

Potential Questions for Choosing a Travel Nurse Agency

PAY
- Ask the recruiter first and foremost to explain the company’s pay structure
- What is the Average Pay? Low/high amount for specialty based on location.
- Missed shift penalties and ability to make up shift
BENEFITS
- What benefits are offered? Health insurance, 401K, paid time off, holiday pay, overtime pay, bonus, sick time, travel reimbursement, license reimbursement, etc.
- If they offer a 401k match, how long until the traveler is vested?
HOUSING
- What options do you offer for Housing?
- Does the agency offer furnished housing/stipend/both?
- Here is where you will ask about any housing details or options that you want.
- Do you pay for parking? This is especially important in a large city i.e. San Francisco
- How early can I move into my housing? How long at end of contract do I have to move out?
- Will you provide pet-friendly housing?
CONTRACTS
- Do they contract in all states, one state or in a particular area of the country?
- Do they have ‘exclusive’ contracts? Where?
- Are there penalties for early termination of contract? What are they?
- What is the notice given if a hospital cancels a contract?
- If you’re looking for a transitional contract that will turn into permanent, ask if there are penalties/or exclusion clauses for you or the hospital. Any non-compete clauses you should be aware of?
OTHER
- What is the structure of the company? Does the recruiter do everything for you (housing, time sheets, contracts, etc) or are there separate people for these duties?
- How often does the recruiter ‘check-in’ with you during contract?
- Is there someone who will answer calls during off-hours if you find yourself in a bad situation at work during nights or weekends?
- Last but not least….make sure to ask about your specific Deal-Breakers and anything that is on your want’s/needs list.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the questions to ask when choosing a travel nurse agency, but hopefully it will get you started!

Create Your Profile

It’s time now to narrow down your choices to about three companies that you want to fill out paperwork for and potentially work with. It is common in the travel nurse industry to have your profile with several companies. Once you have your choice of companies narrowed down, it’s time to submit your profile to them. If you find other companies you want to work with later on, you can always add more. Working with too many companies can get confusing and overwhelming, so it’s usually easier to pick a few recruiters and companies that you really like.

Make sure that you take notes on what each company offers (or have them email the information to you) to refer back to. Choosing a travel nurse agency is a lot of work up front, but once you are set with your favorites, it gets much easier.

Are there other questions that are on your list when you research travel nurse agencies? Is there something that you want to ask but are not sure if it’s appropriate? Post your thoughts or questions in the comments below, and I will try to address them.

You can return to the the introduction or move forward or back using the article links below.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

18226 Views

Step #8: Submission of Your Profile

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Travel Nurse Application Submission

It’s time now to submit your travel nurse application for the agencies that you are interested in. In Step #7: How to Research Travel Nurse Companies you narrowed your preferred companies list down to three or so. Now it is time to apply for travel nurse jobs!

The Travel nurse application process is a bit different than the standard job application. You will fill out an “application” with the agency, but then to actually apply for travel nurse jobs, your recruiter will have to “submit” your profile to each job need.

YOUR PORTFOLIO

In step #6 we discussed Building your Travel Portfolio. Now it’s time to put that portfolio to work.

If you already have your profile finished it’s a quick step to simply email the completed profile to the recruiter in .pdf format or via Google Drive. Your recruiter should let you know ASAP if there is anything else they need to complete your profile and submit your travel nurse application for jobs.

EXTRA’s

Some agencies may require skills testing before allowing you to apply for travel nurse jobs. This is simply to verify your ability within your speciality. These “tests” take 20-30 minutes to complete and are usually pretty straightforward for experienced nurses.

CONFIRMATION

When the recruiter confirms that all of your paperwork is complete, they can officially start submitting your travel nurse application! By now, you have hopefully discussed where you would like to go, what type of pay you are looking for, and any other important details. Your recruiter can send over a list of jobs, and you let them know which ones you want to submit for.

Due to the fact that most travel nurses work concurrently with several agencies when searching for their next contract it is VERY important to make it clear to your recruiter(s) that they are NOT to submit your profile to any hospital without your prior approval. This is imperative to make clear to the recruiter. It can be very frustrating and appear unprofessional to receive a phone call for a job interview you are not prepared for, so just make sure your recruiter is communicating with you. Ask them to simply confirm when you are submitted, so you know to be watching for a phone call!

HOSPITAL SUBMISSION

It’s perfectly acceptable to be submitted to several hospitals at the same time. You should keep notes on which company has permission to submit you to which hospitals. Keeping track of this information makes it easy to follow-up with the correct recruiter.

TRAVEL NURSE APPLICATION EXPERT TIP

It is okay to let your recruiter know you are working with other agencies! This is to be expected, and a good recruiter will be professional about it.

You can return to the the introduction, or move forward or back using the article links below.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

28456 Views

Step #9: Working With Your Recruiter (s)

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

The Travel Nurse Recruiter

Building and maintaining a solid relationship with your travel nursing recruiter is an important aspect of your professional career. Whether searching for a job or happily employed, maintaining a good relationship with your travel nurse recruiter keeps your options open. One important fact to remember is that your relationship with your recruiter is a professional one. It is okay to have a fun and friendly relationship, but make sure that your decisions aren’t made out of concern for offending your recruiter.

Communication

Communication is key to building a good relationship with your travel nursing recruiter. Keep your lines of communication open, and be especially responsive when you are actively looking for jobs. Make sure they know the easiest way to get in touch with you. Travel nursing is a competitive market, and when a job becomes available, it is beneficial to you and your recruiter to act quickly, and knowing the quickest and easiest way to contact you eliminates any potential communication barriers.

If you’re actively looking for a position, check in every few days to update your status and see if they have anything new. Recruiters generally work with dozens of travel nurses, and if they don’t get back right away, they aren’t ignoring you. They just have a busy schedule. Take initiative and contact your recruiter instead of waiting around for them to call you. Make it a point to keep up with your recruiter at least once a week, whether you stay in contact via e-mail or telephone.

Honesty

Being honest with your recruiter is crucial. First, be upfront with your recruiter before they start looking for a position for you. Refer back to your deal-breakers and make certain that your recruiter knows and understands what they are.

During your contract, if there are issues (no matter how small), make certain to touch base with your travel nursing recruiter and inform them. Let them know that you are/are not able to handle the situation at the present but want them to be aware.

Your recruiter’s job is to help you find a position that suits you. They cannot ease worries of which they are unaware, and they cannot fix something that they don’t know is broken. Open and honest communication with your recruiter will help you find the right job more efficiently.

Keep your travel nursing recruiter up-to-date.

Your recruiter is your ally in helping you find a suitable job. Notify them of any changes or updates made to your resume as soon as you make them. Have your skills and experiences changed? Keep your recruiter informed and ensure you stay on top of their list of desirable candidates.

When you become unavailable for a job, inform the recruiter. Don’t hide your unavailability in fear of hurting your recruiter’s feelings. Remember, this is a business relationship. Be pleasant and inform them that you look forward to connecting with them when the current contract is finished.

Maintain the Relationship

Once you land a new job, keep your best travel nursing recruiters in the loop. Check in with them once in a while. A good recruiter should touch base with you a few weeks before the end of your assignment, even if you took an assignment with a different company. It’s important to maintain a good relationship once established. You never know when you or a close friend will need their assistance. Keeping that bond will make the recruiter want to spend the time and effort to help you down the road. For some additional tips on travel nurse recruiter relationships, check out this article.

Referrals, not gifts

It is a kind thought to want to get a thank you gift for your recruiter. Referrals are the best way to thank your travel nurse recruiter for helping you get where you want to go. Don’t worry about gift baskets or thank you cards. Good referrals equal better business for your recruiter, and many companies offer referral bonuses for referring a qualified candidate.

You can return to the the introduction or move forward or back using the article links below.

Need help finding a reliable travel nursing recruiter? Our Facebook group can help with that!

Find a GREAT Travel Nurse Agency

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

43122 Views

Step #10 Prepare For the Interview

Posted on August 8, 2018March 19, 2024 by The Gypsy Nurse

Travel Nurse Interview Process

The first thing to remember about travel nurse interviews is that this is the time to interview the facility just as much as it is the time for them to interview you. You want your travel contract to be a good fit, and in order to get the best results, you must ask questions.

A travel nurse interview is unique because you will most generally be interviewed via phone. You can make time for your interview anywhere–from a coffee shop to your couch to the beach! Unsure about etiquette for a phone interview? This article on Indeed has some great basic tips!

It’s important to have a plan for how you will make time for your travel nursing interview between the time when you submit for a job and the manager calls. The majority of the time, the nurse manager will randomly call and interview you, so be sure to have a way to get to a quiet place with minimal distractions during that time frame.

Having earbuds nearby can be a great way to answer a call and sneak away if necessary. In addition, it’s a good idea to have any questions you want to ask typed up on a note in your phone so you can access them if the manager calls at a time when you are out and about.

Because there are usually multiple applicants for each travel nursing position, it is highly recommended to answer the phone if at all possible. If you don’t, there is a good chance the hiring manager will simply move on to the next candidate. Worst case scenario, answer the phone and quickly explain why you can’t talk, and don’t hang up until you have a set time to have a call later!

Who is Interviewing You?

Every nurse manager and hospital will have a slightly different process for a travel nurse interview. Ask about the interviewer’s job position and title. If the person interviewing you can’t answer all your questions, it is okay to ask for an email contact who can get you the answers you need.

What About Auto Offers?

As crazy as it sounds, some hospitals have started to skip travel nursing interviews altogether. Instead, they rely on their resume screening process to determine if a travel nurse is qualified. In these instances, you may receive what is known as an “auto offer.” This is an offer for a contract without any contact with the hospital.

It is perfectly okay to accept an auto offer if it feels right for you. However, if you have specific concerns or questions you want answered before accepting, be sure to ask if there is a way to connect with someone in the unit before signing your contract. Usually, a nurse manager is happy to answer questions to help make sure the unit is a good fit.

Travel Nurse Interview – Questions to Ask a Nurse Manager

The following is a list of potential questions to ask your nurse manager during your travel nursing interview. This is not an inclusive list, but it is a great place to get started.

What is the staffing ratio?
Is floating required? Will you always float first?
Is On-Call required? How often?
Does the unit have mandatory overtime? Are you able to take a different day off if mandated?
Is overtime available to pick up on a volunteer basis?
Verify the shift that you will be working. If rotating shifts, what is the schedule?
Scheduling? Can you get your shifts back to back? How far in advance is the schedule available? How much notice is given for scheduling changes?

Expert TIP

If you have specific dates that you need to be off, this is the time to ask. More importantly, make sure that this time off is noted in your final signed contract.

What is the policy for breaks/lunch? Is there someone to relieve you?
What assistive staff is available on the unit? IV team, Secretary, CNAs, etc.?
What type of charting system is used? Will there be training?

EXPERT TIP

Do not ask the nurse manager about pay in your travel nursing interview. They have very little direct influence over pay!

What is the dress code?
Will there be requirements to act as a charge nurse?
What is the process for shift-to-shift report? Bedside? Recorded? Group?
Has the hospital or unit used travelers before? Have any extended? How many travelers are in the facility currently?
Is there a possibility for an extension?
How often are unit meetings? Is attendance required at meetings?
What is the orientation process for travelers? Classroom hours? Unit orientation hours? Will you receive orientation on each unit you will work?
Unit-specific information: Patient mix? The average length of stay? Average census?

Most importantly, if any of your Deal Breakers are appropriate to address with the individual hospital, don’t forget to ask about them.

As you get more experience as a travel nurse, your list of questions for your travel nurse interviews may change. In addition, things that seem very important for your first assignment may seem less important down the road.

The general rule is that travel nurse interviews are more laid-back than formal interviews. Think of it as more of a conversation between you and the hiring manager, and remember, this is likely the most information you will receive about your new job before you get to orientation.

You can return to the introduction or move forward or back using the article links below.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

45628 Views

Step #11 Preliminary Contract Negotiations

Posted on August 8, 2018September 11, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

There are multiple variables to consider when you’re looking at travel nurse contract negotiations between yourself and your travel nurse recruiter/company. The ultimate outcome should be a win-win situation for both parties. The recruiter wants to make a good commission, the travel company has parameters required for profit and you want the most that you can get. So where do you start?

In order to negotiate a travel nurse contract, it’s important to understand what your negotiating parameters are. First, you need to understand that all of your compensation, benefits and reimbursements will come from one source. This source is the Bill Rate. You may have never heard the term before and it’s important before you begin contract negotiations that you Understand the Bill Rate. In this post, I compared the bill rate to a pie. The following are all pieces of the pie that you will consider as you begin contract negotiations.

Basic Elements of Travel Nurse Contract Negotiations

There are 7 Basic elements to travel nurse contracts:

Travel Reimbursements
Licensing Reimbursements
Benefits
Housing
Salary
Tax-Free
Overtime

Travel Reimbursements

This is covered in a separate posting titled Making sense of Travel Reimbursements. I would suggest if you haven’t read it already, that you read it now and make sure you understand the different types of travel reimbursement available.

Licensing Reimbursements

It is not a given that a travel nurse agency will offer this as part of your package/contract. Licensing can become a significant financial consideration for travel nurses. There are licenses that are very cheap and others that can be quite costly. If you require license reimbursement, it is important to consider that this cost will come out of your part of the pie. It’s also important to remember that this cost can be utilized as a deduction on your end of year taxes if you choose not to have the travel company provide a reimbursement. Check the individual State Boards for specific licensing information.

Benefits

Benefits are a complicated matter. I’m not going to go into this much. You can ask your recruiter about benefits offered and if there is any effect on your payment package if benefits are selected. Some companies will offer a monthly tax-free allotment for personal health insurance if they do not offer health insurance or if you choose to maintain your health insurance privately.

Housing

Travel Nurse Housing is a big portion of your slice of the pie; second only to your salary/hourly rate. This is where your wants/needs can play a factor in your negotiations. If you require to be downtown Manhattan (for example), your housing costs are going to be significant higher; resulting in a lower amount of the ‘pie’ left for salary, transportation, etc. Other factors, beyond location that may affect housing costs can include: area of the country, availability of furnished housing, pet-friendly housing, personal requirements (garage, washer/dryer, etc).

There are two considerations when looking at housing. You can take the company provided housing or you can receive a housing stipend and arrange housing on your own. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. It is important to note that although you may be able to pocket some extra money by taking the housing stipend, there are significant tax issues that you must comply with in order to be eligible to receive the housing benefits tax-free. Read more about your housing options in the 3 part “Where will I live” series of posts.

EXPERT TIP: BEFORE YOU’RE EVEN SUBMITTED FOR A SPECIFIC POSITION, YOU SHOULD HAVE TRAVEL NURSE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS INITIATED.

Salary

Now that you know what else is coming out of your part of the pie, you can look at your hourly rate. You probably have a minimum amount that you have pre-determined that you need to make hourly. If not, you should figure out what that is. We discussed this in Needs/Wants.

It’s obvious that you want to get the best salary possible. It’s time for you to look at the other parameters above and figure out which ones you are willing to bend a little on. Do you really need the licensing reimbursement? How will it affect your take home pay if you don’t take it? Is it worth an extra $0.50/hr to take care of these costs yourself and take it as a deduction on your year-end taxes? I have found that for my-self, I prefer to take a less amount of ‘benefits’ and a higher hourly rate. I can generally make up for any loss of benefits either through weekly salary or the year-end tax benefit.

Tax Advantage / Tax-Free Payments

Tax advantage is an industry term that is complicated to understand due to each individual companies interpretation of the plan. To put it in a nutshell; it’s an amount of your hourly wage that is tax-free. Why should you get tax-free monies? You can read more about tax-free here but basically, it’s the same as a corporate employee working a short time in another area ie for convention, meetings, etc. The employee (due to being away from home on temporary assignment) is allowed tax-free benefits.

EXPERT TIP: TAX EVASION AND MISREPRESENTATION ARE RAMPANT IN THE INDUSTRY. KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT CLAIM LEGALLY TO AVOID ANY AUDIT ISSUES.

The government has developed an amount for each area of the country that is maximumly allowable for meals, lodging and expenses. This is generally referred to as the GSA. If you take the company provided housing you are not eligible for the lodging portion of this. Most companies will break down the meals/expenses portion of this into an hourly amount. I will warn you that there are many variables to consider when accepting this tax-free amount and many companies will utilize a wage re-structuring which is by all intents and purposes illegal and could get you into serious issues with the IRS.

If you need more information, please consult a tax expert.

Overtime

If you have no intentions of working any overtime, ever; you can skip this part. However, if your like me and want as much overtime as possible; this is an important negotiating point.

Some companies will negotiate overtime rate separate from the contracted hourly rate. The following information is important and armed with it will help you negotiate for a higher overtime rate. Why? This is because all of your expenses/benefits are covered on the travel nurse agencies part in the contracted amount of hours. Any hours that you work over the contracted amount are simply a benefit (and increased revenue) for the travel nurse agency. Most companies will offer you time and half of your base rate (minus any tax-free amounts) for overtime. I always negotiate for a higher overtime rate and if the travel agency will not budge on this; I remind them that me working overtime is not only beneficial for me…but for them as well.

So now that your armed with some basics of pay-structure, you’re ready to start your travel nurse contract negotiations. Before your even submitted for a specific position, you should have most of these items negotiated. You should know what your pay is going to be, what type of housing you will be living in (or how much the company is offering for housing stipend), what benefits are available, etc.

Travel Nurse Salary: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the world of nursing can be both rewarding and complex, with one of the most dynamic career paths being that of a travel nurse. This profession not only offers the opportunity to explore new places but also brings with it a unique salary structure. Let’s delve into the specifics of travel nurse salary and understand how it compares to traditional nursing roles.

Factors Affecting Travel Nurse Salary

The traveling nurse salary can vary based on several factors:

a. Specialty and Experience

Just like in traditional nursing roles, the more specialized your skills and the more experience you have, the higher the pay. Nurses in high-demand specialties like ICU, ER, or Labor & Delivery often command higher salaries.

b. Location

The location of the assignment can significantly affect the travel nursing salary. Positions in cities with a higher cost of living or those facing an acute nursing shortage may offer better compensation.

c. Assignment Duration

Though most assignments are around 13 weeks, some can be shorter or longer. The duration can influence the pay rate.

Average Travel Nurse Salary

The average travel nurse salary can be somewhat challenging to pin down because of the many influencing factors. However, as of recent data, travel nurses can expect to earn anywhere from $1,100 to over $3,000 per week, depending on the variables mentioned above. This means that annually, a travel nurse can earn between $50,000 to over $100,000. When comparing this range to the average salary of traditional staff nurses, it’s evident that travel nurses often have the potential to earn significantly more.

Additional Perks and Benefits

It’s worth noting that the travel nursing salary is just one component of the total compensation package. Travel nurses often receive:

a. Housing Stipends or Provided Housing

This is a major perk as it reduces the financial burden of living in a new city.

b. Travel Reimbursements

Many agencies will cover the cost of moving from one assignment to the next.

c. Bonuses

Some assignments come with sign-on or completion bonuses, adding to the overall earnings.

d. Benefits

Like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Travel Nurse Practitioner Salary

For those considering advancing their career, becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) can be an attractive option. The travel nurse practitioner’s salary is typically higher than that of a regular travel nurse. Depending on the specialty and region, travel NPs can earn between $2,500 to $4,500 per week.

Have you joined our Travel Nurse Community?

Follow the link and join today for even more support and resources.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

17801 Views

Step #12: Determine If The Job Is A Good Fit

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Now that you’ve had the interview, the next step is determining if the position is a good fit for you. Choosing a travel nurse job that is a good fit is important, even if you are only there for a short time.

One of the most stressful situations that can come up in travel nursing is having to leave a contract early. If you don’t take the time to figure out if a job is a good fit, you might end up in a situation where you are unsafe or overly stressed. On the other hand, if an assignment is a great fit, you could walk away with a new place to call home!

You should review (again) your deal-breakers. Is the position going to meet them? Now take a look at your wants and needs. How does the position stack up? Are they offering you above and beyond what you expected? Are they falling short somewhere?

As we looked at Researching Travel Nurse Companies, we discussed checking into their reviews and asking questions. I would encourage the same when choosing a travel nurse job. Check out the forums, ask other travelers, and perform an internet search.

Questions to Consider When Choosing a Travel Nurse Job:

How does this position compare to others on your list?
Was the manager pleasant? Did they answer your questions or hurry you during the interview?
Was the interview well-organized? Disorganization here may indicate disorganization on the job.
Do the job responsibilities match your skills, experience, and interests?
Are you satisfied with the overall compensation package?
Will the position challenge you in a safe, productive way?
Does the position meet all of your Deal-Breakers?

What are some items that you look for in choosing a travel nurse job? Please post in the comments. When you are ready to seek out the next position, don’t forget to check out our new Job Listings.

Have you joined our Travel Nurse Community?

Follow the link and join today for even more support and resources.

You can return to the introduction or move forward or back using the article links below.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

26503 Views

Step #13: Sealing the Deal

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

You have come a long way. You’ve completed steps 1-12 and are ready to move on to the next step; Sealing The Deal. At this point, you need to know what to look for in a travel nurse contract, so you can move on to the exciting part: traveling to a new location!

Review the Travel Nurse Contract

First, make certain that your contract is acceptable. Generally, if something is presented differently in your contract from what it was prior to submitting for the job, it is a simple clerical error the agency will need to fix. When you verbally accept an offer, it is contingent on the written contract being acceptable. If the written contract is unacceptable, simply tell your recruiter that you will accept it only if XYZ is changed. If they don’t change those things and provide you with a NEW contract, don’t accept and move on to another company.

Expert Tip:

Understand all aspects of the contract. Once signing the travel nurse contract, you are held to all of the terms of the contract.

In Step #11, we went through preliminary contract negotiations. This was all done verbally; hopefully, you took some notes along the way. Once you tell a recruiter that you want to accept the position, they will draw up a written contract for you. It’s important that you READ your contract thoroughly. Make certain that all the ‘promises’ that you discussed with the recruiter are included before signing the travel nurse contract. No matter how small the issue, if it’s important to you, make certain that it’s written into the contract. Go through your notes and check off each item that was agreed upon with the recruiter once you verify that it is addressed in the contract.

It’s also important that you understand everything that is in your contract. If there are items that you find confusing or don’t understand, ask your recruiter to explain. Once you sign the contract, you are held to all of the terms of the contract.

What to Look For in a Travel Nurse Contract:

Guaranteed Hours
Start and end date
Cancellation policy and maximums
Agreed time off
Missed hour penalties (sickness)
Housing location or stipend amount
- This should include any housing promises, i.e., washer/dryer, TV, etc.
Hourly, holiday and overtime rates
Shift and unit
On Call requirements
Travel reimbursements and date of distribution
Floating agreements
Any benefits offered
Any penalties for early termination need to be detailed and understandable.

Before signing the travel nurse contract, take time to read it thoroughly. If you have someone you trust, you could have them read through the contract as a double check.

If there are issues with the contract, inform your recruiter immediately and DO NOT sign. Once the contract has been corrected to your liking, there is usually a way to sign and submit it digitally. Always opt to email yourself a copy of the signed contract, just in case you need it.

Communication on All Submissions

You have probably submitted for more than one position with most likely more than one company. It’s important to remember that you should make certain to notify all parties once you have accepted a contract. Give your respectful declinations to any companies that you are not going to be working with and let them know that their hard work was appreciated and you will check with them when your contract is coming to a close. If there are submissions pending, ask them to withdraw them.

Don’t burn bridges here. Simply communicate professionally. This is a business, and if you’ve been upfront about working with multiple companies, it’s expected that you may rotate through a few different companies depending on job availability and your needs.

Have you joined our Travel Nurse Community?

Follow the link and join today for even more support and resources.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

17069 Views

Step #14 Getting Ready for The Journey

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Congrats! If you are at this point, you have completed all the previous steps and are ready to think about leaving for your travel nurse assignment. Hopefully, you have done some research on the city where you are going and have a few ideas of what you want to do in the area. Leaving for your first assignment is always exciting and nerve-wracking, so focusing on the adventure can help ease those nerves.

10 Steps to Getting Ready for a Travel Nurse Assignment

Know what you are doing with your primary residence.

Are you renting out your home, leaving it empty, or having a friend stay there? Perhaps you rent and will be ending your lease. Knowing what you are doing with your primary residence is a very important step in the planning. Remember, there are tax implications if you are Travel Nursing and do NOT have a primary residence.

Banking

Before leaving home for work, find out what your bank allows and doesn’t when it comes to traveling is an important and often overlooked step. Does your bank operate in the area where you are going to be traveling? Do you get charged fees for transactions from another bank? These fees can add up quickly. Make sure to notify your bank that you will be traveling so they don’t put a hold on your account. Many banks will block any ‘questionable’ transactions as a safety measure for you. It’s worthwhile to make a quick phone call to the bank and let them know that you are going out of state. It is also recommended that you have a backup credit card or savings account in case of emergency with enough available balance to cover anything unexpected that might come up when you are leaving for a travel nurse assignment.

Mobile phone

When you are getting ready for a new travel nurse assignment, it might be worthwhile to check the coverage for your mobile provider in the area you are moving to. With temporary housing, you may also need to use hotspot features on your phone more often, so be sure to know what your plan covers in case you need it!

Personal Portfolio

We already discussed building and keeping a Travel Nurse Portfolio. You should make certain that you have backup copies (paper or electronic) of all of these documents.

Copies to have before leaving for your travel nurse assignment:

Birth Certificate
Social Security Card
Insurance Cards (auto, life, home, etc.)
Passport (if applicable)
Work Visa (if applicable)
Health Information/prescriptions

Mail During a Travel Nurse Assignment

When you leave home for work for an extended period, the last thing you want is your mail stacking up in the mailbox. Once you have your new temporary address, don’t forget to make arrangements for a mail forwarding service or have someone pick your mail up for you and forward it. The USPS will forward your mail for free, but there is a timeframe limitation. In addition, there are multiple mail forwarding services available for a small monthly fee. Research and find a method that works for you.

Automobile

If you’re driving to your assignment, you will need to make certain that your vehicle is safe and prepared for a long road trip. Consult with a local mechanic and have your vehicle checked, change the oil, fill the fluids, assess the belts, etc. If you are storing your vehicle, you will need to prepare it for storage. Consult with your local mechanic and find out what is necessary for your particular make/model vehicle. There are many storage facilities that will store a vehicle for a monthly fee.

Health Insurance

Before you leave for your travel nurse assignment, it is probably easiest to schedule any doctor appointments you may need in the next few months. If you are taking company insurance, you may be in a waiting period once you start your assignment. It is a good idea to look over these considerations as you are preparing to leave for your first assignment.

Medications

Make certain that you have enough refills for any required medications. Explain to your physician that you will be traveling out-of-state (give the dates) and find out if you need to obtain an additional refill prior to traveling.

Getting Ready for a Travel Nurse Assignment With Pets

Traveling with your pet can be a rewarding experience. As a pet owner, making certain that your pet is prepared for travel is an important step. Be sure to have all of your pet’s vaccines up to date and carry a record of their health in case you need it for boarding, daycare, or leasing companies.

Be aware that Hawaii has specific pet importation laws that require months of pre-planning. If you are traveling out of the country, research the country’s specific importation requirements.

Secure Valuables

It’s important to note that regardless if you are packing up your home and putting everything into storage or leaving an empty house behind, the security of your valuables needs to be addressed. Make sure that important items are stored or secured safely. Safety deposit boxes are a good place for paperwork, wills, jewelry, and smaller items. For larger items, you may consider leaving them with a trusted friend or family member or paying for an insured storage facility.

Another consideration is Travel Insurance. While this is commonly used for vacation, most travel nurses do not consider this option when traveling for a contract. Travel Insurance can not only cover your personal belongings but provide additional medical coverage for you if you are more than 100 miles (general rule, check with individual provider) away from home.

Do you have anything to add to this list? Any suggestions to make preparation smoother?

Have you joined our Travel Nurse Community?

Follow the link and join today for even more support and resources.

You can return to the introduction or move forward or back using the article links below.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 8, 2018

59375 Views

Step #15: Packing List for Travel Nurses

Posted on August 8, 2018July 24, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Before we get to the Travel Nurse Packing List, let’s talk about company housing.

Whether you find your own furnished housing or take company-provided housing, each space will be different in what is provided, so keep that in mind when making a travel nurse packing list. The “furnished” housing your agency arranges could be fully furnished down to the last teaspoon and towels or sparsely furnished with only the basic furniture. There is a distinct difference between “furnished” and “turn-key.”

Some companies or landlords will provide “turn-key” housing. This will generally include everything from silverware to linens as well as furniture. Other times, furnished housing means only furniture is provided–no dishes, towels, linens, or other basic small items. Once you find out what will be provided in your space, you can decide what exactly you need to pack.

Another important consideration when creating a travel nurse packing list is to think about what you might need from home if your next assignment housing is different from your first. Sometimes, travel nurses choose to ship or purchase items that they find they need along the way. Other travelers prefer to keep some basic home items on hand just in case they need them.

When putting together a travel nurse packing list, it’s easier if you put things into categories. A great idea is to have a box or plastic tote for each category to help you stay organized.

Housewares
Clothing and shoes
Uniforms, work bag, work shoes
Paperwork
Electronics
Personal Care
First Aid & Medical
Entertainment
Luxury Item
Hobbies/Activities

Travel Nurse Packing List Tips

Make a Checklist of What You Use Regularly

Know what you use on a daily or weekly basis. Can you live without it? Is there an item that can multi-function to fill the need?

Make it Feel Like Home.

Bring something that will help remind you of home. This may be photos, a favorite pair of pajamas, or some small trinket.

Organize

If you are organized, it will be simple to pack and unpack. By staying organized, you can also set limits on what you take. For example, if you have a “homewares” tote and something doesn’t fit, you have to decide what to get rid of to make the box close!

Hospital Uniform Requirements

Things like scrub colors could change with each assignment but try to keep your checklist for your work attire simple. You only need 3-4 sets of scrubs on your packing list since you will likely only be working three shifts per week!

Clothing

Slim down your wardrobe. Use multi-function clothing in a color-coordinated palette. Do you have a summer skirt that can be paired with leggings, a sweater, and boots to use in the fall? Making multiple uses of clothing items can be a huge space-saver.

Luxury Items

Don’t forget about you! Choose and take one (or two) luxury items with you. For some people, this may be a nice pillow or blanket. For others, it could be a high-end electronic or gaming system. You can’t take everything but also want to feel happy and content while on assignment!

Hobbies

If you enjoy a specific activity or a hobby that requires special equipment or supplies, pare it down to the essentials and add them to your travel nurse checklist. You will have free time and will want to enjoy some of the activities that are important to you. If you enjoy camping, you could take a pared-down camping kit when you travel on assignments. By taking these items with you, you won’t have to miss an opportunity to be involved because you don’t have your equipment with you.

Other Travel Nurse Packing List Items

Remember that you are only going to be away from home for 13 weeks (depending on the contract). Travel nurse packing doesn’t have to be daunting if you know what to pack. Pack the essentials, but don’t feel like you have to pack everything in your home.

Unless you plan to go from one contract directly to the next without going home between, you need to remember that you will have an opportunity to re-evaluate your packing at the end of a contract. If you missed something this time, take it with you the next time. If you packed something that you never used, consider leaving it at home next time.

What you take is really individual. Learning what you need and how to pack it is an art; you will learn as you go.

Do you have tips to share for the travel nurse packing guide? Is there a trick that you use to determine what to take? Share your thoughts below.

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Follow the link and join today for even more support and resources.

You can return to the introduction or move forward or back using the article links below.

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