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The #1 .cls-1{fill:#9ce7a7;stroke-width:0px;} Rated Travel Nursing Agency

Check out our ratings from real host healthcare travelers..

Travel healthcare with peace of mind

We make the travel healthcare experience easy by taking care of all the details. We listen to what you want, match you to your dream position, and help you transition into your new travel healthcare experience smoothly, with 24/7 support and premium benefits. You’ll be comfortable and confident to enjoy the adventure from the moment you land.

Priority Access to High-Paying Jobs

The job you want, in a place you love. That’s our #1 priority. Good thing we have exclusive access to thousands of great healthcare positions in all 50 states.

We’ve got you covered

Looking for perks? We’ve got them! We’re talking day-1 medical coverage that stays active between assignments less than 30-days apart, plus day-1 401K, travel reimbursements and your very own housing support team.

Your Dream Support Team

From the moment you start with Host Healthcare, we’re available 24/7 if anything comes up — just give us a call. Or, feel free to shoot us a text, connect via live chat or DM us if you have questions.

We Specialize in Nursing, Allied and Therapy travel healthcare jobs

Our team works exclusively with Nursing, Allied, and Therapy travel healthcare professionals so you know you’re getting a true expert in your field. Get access to specialized, knowledgeable, responsive recruiters as well as on-staff clinicians and travel healthcare professionals to answer specific questions related to any Nursing, Allied or Therapy specialties.

Travel Nursing

Travel allied, travel therapy, you pick the city, we’ll help you get there..

Maybe you’ve already got a destination in mind. Or maybe you just want to toss a dart at the map! However you decide, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

The best thing about working with Host Healthcare was my recruiter, Chris Murillo. He exemplifies the model for responsive, timely, and enthusiastic service. Chris also makes the effort to develop personal relationships with his clients. This is a man who truly cares about me as a person. Kudos to Host Healthcare for hiring and retaining this quality individual.

I’ve had a great experience with Host Healthcare. Lauren Pollacci is an excellent recruiter and easily the best one I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, she made the entire process painless. She is always extremely helpful with any need or concern I may have. I couldn’t imagine working with another recruiter at this point!

I've been working with Host Healthcare as a travel nurse for three years now and wouldn't change a thing. My recruiter Kat Cook has made the transition from staff nursing to travel nursing so easy. She is always available, listens to the needs of both myself and my wife (travel pair), and finds us the best jobs in the best locations! 10 out of 10 would recommend her and the agency every time.

Just started my 7th PT contract with Host and every contract has been a smooth transition. I’ve had great communication with my recruiter Kathryn Cook who has helped me land some great jobs and help with the credentialing process. I plan on staying with Host for many more years.

Recruiters You’ll Love

Humble brag alert: Our recruiters have the best reviews in the business. Don’t believe us? See for yourself.

Check out these reviews from real Host Healthcare travelers.

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(712) 336-0800

Travel Nursing and Allied Therapy Jobs

If you're interested in working and venturing away from home, travel assignments are perfect for you travel and explore what the world has to offer, all while doing what you do best — providing quality care., travel contract jobs for  nursing and allied therapy healthcare professionals.

Your opportunities with GrapeTree are endless! Along with per-diem shifts and local assignments, our healthcare professionals have the opportunity to travel and explore new areas without giving up a regular income. Travel contracts are 8-13 weeks in length, offer opportunities to work outside a 50 mile radius of your home, and include travel + housing stipends. Mesh your career with new personal life experiences by becoming a traveling healthcare professional with GrapeTree!

You get the best of both worlds. Earn a competitive wage while exploring your surroundings in your down time.

Live in, make memories in, and explore a new area with every new travel assignment

Receive a weekly, non-taxed per diem, to assist with travel, meals, housing, incidentals, and other necessary expenses.

Guaranteed hours

Your schedule is set from the moment you are booked into a travel assignment with GrapeTree.

We currently offer travel opportunities throughout the states below – but we are still expanding! Check out all of the fun things to do in each of our states and pick your next home-away-from-home.

Make More With Travel Contracts

The weekly package range for travel assignments is a combination of hourly taxed rate and a weekly non-taxed per diem reimbursement to cover housing, meals, incidentals, and other necessary costs. Package amount is based on facility type, specialty, location, and certification of healthcare professional.

CN A s &  STN A s

$1,200-$1,700 per week.

Must have 6 months of experience working as a CNA or STNA.

PTAs, OTAs, COTAs

$1,500-$1,800 per week.

Must have 6 months of experience working as a PTA, OTA, or COTA.

$1,600-$2,000 PER WEEK

Must have 1 year of experience working as an LPN.

PTs & OTs

$2,000-$2,600 per week.

Must have 6 months of experience working as a PT or OT.

Must have 1 year of experience working as an RN.

Must have 6 months of experience working as an SLP.

Your h ome address must be least 50 miles away from the facility to qualify for travel pay rates. Contracts are available as local assignments  for those whose home address is less than 50 miles away from the facility address.

Get Certified in Other States

Only certified to work in your home state? No problem! While each state has their own process for becoming licensed, it is easy to get your license transferred. This process is called getting "reciprocity" or "endorsement." Our team has compiled a list of all our states' registries so that you can easily transfer your license. Give our team a call to learn more about getting reimbursed for gaining reciprocity in other states! Click the button below to get started.

The Perks of Travel A ssignments

Flexibility.

You have the flexibility to choose where you go and what assignments you take on.

Avoid Burnout

Experience higher job satisfaction working in a travel assignment by avoiding overtime.

Gain Knowledge

Explore what you love about nursing by working with more people in diverse settings.

Career Advancement

Strengthen your experience an build up your resume to show that you thrive in all environments.

What People Are Saying

I've been working and traveling with GrapeTree Medical Staffing for about five months now and have loved every minute of it! The communication is great, the pay is excellent and I love how flexible they are! If you are looking for a great company to work for I highly recommend GrapeTree!

Alissa | Travel CNA

Got questions we've got answers..

Book Your Dream A ssignment

Our team is waiting to hear from you! Learn more about our travel opportunities or book your dream assignment by giving us a call at (712) 336-0800.

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The Best Traveling Nurse Services to Work for in 2024

The travel nursing agencies we recommend for your next short-term post

Traveling nurses often find working in different parts of the country, or even the world, exhilarating and fulfilling. Many agencies focus on matching registered nurses (RNs) with short-term working opportunities in a variety of healthcare specialties and settings across the United States and internationally. Healthcare facilities in the U.S. rely on travel nurses to meet the demand for nurses, which is expected to soar by 275,000 between 2020 and 2030.

"Being able to explore other healthcare systems and connect with other providers can help give a travel nurse new experiences and perspectives," says Rachel Norton , BSN, RN, a clinician support manager at Vivian Health , a national travel nurse hiring marketplace.  We reviewed more than 20 agencies and studied hundreds of reviews to create this list of the best travel nursing agencies. We considered factors such as company quality, customer service scores, company reputation, wage ranges, housing options, and benefits.

• Best Overall: Triage Staffing
• Best for Sick Pay: Aya Healthcare
• Best for Education: Travel Nurse Across America
• Best Customer Service: Axis Medical Staffing
• Best Track Record: FlexCare Medical Staffing
• Best Newcomer: Advantis Medical
• Best for Benefits: RN Network
• Best Recruiters: Host Healthcare
• Best for Recent Graduates: Fusion Medical Staff
• Best Job Board: TotalMed
• Our Top Picks

Triage Staffing

Aya Healthcare

Travel Nurse Across America

Axis Medical Staffing

FlexCare Medical Staffing

Advantis Medical

Host Healthcare

• Fusion Medical Staff
• See More (7)

Final Verdict

• Compare Providers
• Guide to Choosing

Best Overall : Triage Staffing

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem
• Housing: Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing for 13 weeks
• Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, vacation, education reimbursement
• Contracts nationwide: Yes

Triage Staffing tops our list because it provides a higher hourly wage and more frequent bonuses than its competitors. Additionally, the agency offers extensive perks, like tuition reimbursement and 401(k) on the first day.

Contracts available in all 50 states

Insurance available on first day

Paid by direct deposit each week

Dedicated support team available 24/7

Reports of poor weekend support for billing issues

Must have 2 years experience for most positions

Triage Staffing , founded in 2006, is considered by industry professionals as one of the most well-rounded travel nurse agencies among the companies listed here and in general. The company was recognized in 2023 by Inc. Magazine and Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA).

The company, which currently has about 1,500 employees, is based in Omaha, Nebraska, and has an impressive rating on Glassdoor .

Triage Staffing specializes in helping nurses and healthcare professionals find 13-week assignments across the U.S. The company strives for transparency and "to build relationships deeper than simple business transactions." Those who are hired are paid weekly (based on an hourly wage) via direct deposit.

The benefits package includes a wage, overtime, bonuses, per diems, and a housing stipend. Triage will also help its travel nurses find housing, if that's their preference. Health insurance is provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield, and those hired get dental insurance, vacation time, and a 401(k) plan.

Best for Sick Pay : Aya Healthcare

• Pay: Hourly wage, overtime, bonuses, per diem, stipends when called off
• Housing: Tax-free stipend or company-secured housing
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; 401(k) with company match; sick pay; wellness and fitness programs; employee assistance programs; tuition reimbursement; loan forgiveness options

Of the many benefits Aya Healthcare offers, one makes it stand out from other agencies: providing sick pay should you become ill during an assignment. You can rest assured knowing if you get sick, Aya will support you through recovery.

Benefits include sick pay (after 90 days)

Offers local and nationwide travel assignments

Requires only 1 year of experience

Insurance coverage for you and your dependents from day 1

Complaints about communication during recruitment

Large agency size might be challenging

401k eligibility begins after 4 consecutive months of work or 1 year after hiring

Aya Healthcare is one of the most talked-about travel nursing agencies around, literally. A 2017 independent study analyzed the frequency of top travel nursing companies mentioned by users on social media sites. The study concluded Aya Healthcare is the most frequently referenced in user comments.

Aya Healthcare is also one of the only travel nursing agencies that have sick pay, which begins accruing on the first day of an assignment. Nurses can earn one hour for every 30 hours worked, but it can't be used until after at least 90 days after their start date.

In addition to its rare sick pay policy, the company boasts comprehensive benefits. Travel nurses working for Aya Healthcare can start contributing to a company-matched 401k plan after four consecutive months of work for the agency, or one year after their hiring date. It also promises to cover or reimburse nurses for the cost of licensure and help them navigate and expedite the process in the states where they are assigned. Aya Healthcare offers discounts, wellness, and nutrition plans in addition to its medical, vision, and dental benefits, which are available to nurses (and their spouses and children) from their first day with the company.

Aya Healthcare has a strong online presence, including a blog and active social media accounts on nearly every contemporary platform. Its website proudly displays several company awards and accolades, including the Joint Commission's Golden Seal of Approval. The agency has placed thousands of travel nurses and allied workers nationwide and offers a program for  travel nursing from Canada .

Best for Education : Travel Nurse Across America

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, overtime, bonuses, per diem (guaranteed)
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; liability insurance; 401(k) with company match; sick pay; travel reimbursement; free continuing education; mental health resources; employee assistance program; chaplain assistance program

Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) offers comprehensive benefits; however, its continuing education programs are what really sets the agency apart. Thanks to a partnership with Aspen University, the agency helps you earn your BSN with tuition reimbursement upon completion.

RN to BSN tuition reimbursement

RN specialty exam/recertification reimbursements

Insurance coverage available on first day

Offers free mental health resources

Per diem guarantee

Unable to see pay rates on the site

Large agency size might feel less supportive

Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) had the highest average score when analyzing the top 10 travel nurse agency lists across several well-known sites.

Founded in 1999 in North Little Rock, Arkansas, this company was present on three "Top 10" lists in 2019, a notable feat that speaks to its history of satisfaction. According to BluePipes, TNAA was among the top 10 travel nursing agencies, one of the biggest (in terms of company size) on its 2022 list.  

TNAA uses a full-team approach to assist travelers, with specialty staff equipped to handle a variety of needs, including housing experts and clinical leadership, This agency also offers a wide array of benefits, such as low census pay, tuition reimbursement, and paid licensure fees prior to travel. Overtime is included in the payment for any extra hours worked and in every state, paid sick leave starts to accrue from day one.

TNAA also partnered with Aspen University, so individuals can get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 12 months. Upon completion, TNAA will even reimburse tuition expenses. It also offers reimbursements for recertification fees to certain eligible nurses.

Best Customer Service : Axis Medical Staffing

• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with company match; state license reimbursement; transportation stipends; continuing education

With around-the-clock support 365 days a year, Axis Medical Staffing has one of the best customer service reputations in the industry. It offers a wide array of benefits, including healthcare coverage and company-matched 401(k) plans.

Dedicated support team available 24/7/365

Wide variety of specialty contracts

Offers company matching 401(k) with immediate vesting

Can submit questions to real travel nurses

Provides quick email responses

Pays for housing and assists in securing it

Not transparent about pay rates

Doesn't include paid sick leave in benefits

User reviews for Axis remain the highest on this list. Formed in Seattle, Washington, in 2004, Axis provides several coveted benefits, including payment of paid personalized housing options (with pet deposit costs covered by the agency), as well as immediate vesting in its company-matched 401(k) plan.

This agency regularly features a new  Traveler of the Month nurse on its blog. Additionally, the Axis website has a page dedicated to Ask an Axis Travel Nurse , which features an easy submission form where a nurse can answer all your questions.

This encouraging way of connecting can provide novice or even seasoned travelers with a trusted source in the form of a nursing peer who has traveled with this specific agency several times, instead of hosting an impersonal message board. Axis also offers a live chat feature that's easily accessible on the homepage. These features earned Axis the top spot on BluePipes Best Travel Nursing Companies list in 2022.

Axis promises reimbursements and benefits similar to other companies, but it is not immediately clear from the company's website whether it offers paid sick leave.

Best Track Record : FlexCare Medical Staffing

• Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, state license reimbursement, transportation stipends, meals and incidentals stipend, rental car, travel reimbursement, continuing education, license reimbursement

Boasting more than 50 industry awards, including BluePipes’s 2022 Best Travel Nursing Companies list, FlexCare Medical Staffing has a track record of exceeding expectations and fulfilling its promises to traveling nurses.

Award-winning, highly reputable agency

Single point of contact for all your needs

Outstanding benefits

Features a referral program

Have to make an account to view wages

BluePipes refers to FlexCare Medical Staffing as the "most decorated travel nursing agency of all time," with more than 1,727 reviews reported. This agency obtained a gold finish on Travel Nursing Central’s 2019 list of top travel nursing companies and has consistently placed since 2014. FlexCare has also been on the Highway Hypodermics list since 2011.

FlexCare’s website touts its  Premier Traveler Access program, offering prospective travel nurses the opportunity to unlock and view pay ranges for a wide variety of open jobs, in addition to personalized alerts via text and email. This agency explains its mission to support travelers by providing a single recruiter who is able to meet every need (termed “S1NGLEPOINT” on the website) and help simplify the entire process.

This one point of contact can advocate for the traveler, assist in searching for jobs and housing, provide a transparent and competitive salary rate, as well as ensure timely payment.

Best Newcomer : Advantis Medical

• Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) without company match, transportation stipends, partial license reimbursement

Advantis Medical has a nurse care team available to help you every step of the way—from setting up your profile and walking you through the onboarding process to helping you find your next assignment—making it an excellent choice for those just starting out.

Excellent reviews from its travel clinicians

Quick response times from trained care team

Has a great reputation in the industry

Site offers several communication methods

Site lacks information on benefits package

No company match for 401(k)

Founded in 2018 as a subsidiary of Advantis Global, Advantis Medical's user reviews are limited in number but are glowing regarding people's experiences with the company.

Advantis Medical recruits travel nurses and places them in top institutions across the United States. The agency offers client connections with hospitals, outpatient clinics, same-day ambulatory surgical centers, as well as skilled nursing facilities.

Advantis Medical’s specialization opportunities include placements in divisions like medical-surgical (M/S), emergency department (ED), intensive care unit (ICU), labor & delivery (L&D), and more. Its benefits include highly competitive compensation packages, direct deposit available from day one, assistance with housing options, health insurance (medical, dental, vision), and a 401(k) option.

The agency also has payment incentives for referrals. To make the process as seamless as possible, Advantis Medical has a one-minute application form which could not be any easier, especially for a traveling nurse who is always on the go.

Best for Benefits : RN Network

• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; employee assistance program; Sanvello membership; Talkspace membership; Teladoc access; credentialing assistance; continuing education; traditional and Roth 401(k); travel reimbursement; loyalty program

RN Network provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes day-one health insurance and 401(k) options, plus additional perks like access to virtual therapy and medical care.

24/7 clinical support

Transparent about pay rate

Provides access to virtual therapy and medical care

Weekly pay via direct deposit

Completion, extension, and referral bonuses

No paid time off

Complaints of lower-paying contracts

Founded in 1998, RN Network has over two decades of experience in the travel nursing industry. Its experience shows in the company's user reviews, many of which highlight its great communication, support, and benefits.

The agency provides an impressive benefits package that includes day-one health insurance with a zero-premium option, as well as a 401(k) with company match, both traditional and Roth options. RN Network also offers access to Talkspace, Teladoc, and Sanvello's mental health app—ensuring its healthcare professionals have the mental health resources they need while on assignment.

Available contracts and pay rates are transparent on their user-friendly website, which can be a rarity in the industry. The company hires RNs, LPNs/LVNs, PCTs, and surgical techs for a variety of specialties throughout the country. Only one year of clinical experience is required, and the company offers a comprehensive onboarding program to help simplify the transition.

Best Recruiters : Host Healthcare

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, bonuses, per diem, COVID quarantine pay
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance; 401(k) with company match; travel reimbursement

Host Healthcare recruiters are some of the best in the business, according to clinician reviews. With exceptional customer service , the company strives to make the job hunt and placement process as smooth as possible for its candidates.

Excellent customer service

Straightforward job hunt and placement process

Offers a variety of housing options, including pet-friendly

24/7 support via multiple channels

COVID-19 quarantine pay available

Can’t view facility or pay without an account

Site lacks information on reimbursement offers

Founded in 2012, Host Healthcare is a travel healthcare staffing agency that works with some of the nation's top facilities. The company has earned multiple awards over the years, including being named one of the Top Travel Nursing Companies by BluePipes.

What sets Host Healthcare apart from other agencies are its recruiters, who are consistently praised by clinicians for their exceptional customer service. In reviews, nurses rave about their recruiters being responsive, receptive, and thorough in their onboarding and placement processes. The company also offers a variety of housing options, including pet-friendly ones, to ensure you have a comfortable place to call home while on assignment.

In addition to its comprehensive benefits package, which includes health insurance, dental, and vision coverage, Host Healthcare also offers a 401(k) with company match and COVID-19 quarantine pay. If your facility quarantines you due to possible COVID-19 exposure, the company will compensate you for the duration of your time off work.

One drawback is that the company requires users to sign up for an account before viewing facilities and estimated weekly pay . However, it hires across multiple specialties and licensure types, including nursing professionals, therapy professionals, and other allied health professionals.

Best for Recent Graduates : Fusion Medical Staff

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, per diem, and bonuses
• Benefits: Health coverage, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, short-term disability, travel and transportation per diem

Fusion Medical offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and transparent information about opportunities, and welcomes new graduates to sign up.

Transparent information for each job posting

Nationwide network

Attentive recruiters

Competitive pay and benefits

Open to new graduates

Per diem reimbursements may be less convenient for expenses like travel

Past complaints from LGBTQIA employees

Fusion Medical Staffing urges applicants to "choose your own adventure." With thousands of travel nursing positions across the U.S. available on its website, Fusion will definitely give you a lot to choose from.

Founded in 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska, Fusion doubled its size by 2016. The company racked up awards from Inc., People, and Staffing Industry Analysts for being among the best places to work and is rated 4.7 out of 5 on Indeed.com .

Assignments through Fusion Medical typically run 13 to 26 weeks and are available across a broad spectrum of nursing specialties. We particularly like how transparent the pay, terms, and benefits for each opportunity are on Fusion's website.

But what really makes the company stand out is its recruitment. Fusion offers 24/7 support and many of its travel nurses rave about their attentive recruiters. Fusion has a new graduate traveling medical job program recruiting nurses who have just finished training. Most travel nursing agencies require at least two years of experience, so Fusion may be a great choice if you're about to finish school and eager to see the country or aren't sure of where you want to call home yet.

Of note: Some LGBTQIA+ travelers and employees have complained of inclusivity issues and unsupportive leadership. In 2021, the company published a blog post about forming an oversight group dedicated to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and support and alluded to its efforts to "grow" and "learn."

Best Job Board : TotalMed

• Pay: Hourly wage paid weekly, plus overtime, bonuses, and guaranteed hours
• Housing: Company-provided housing or stipend
• Benefits: Health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, short-term disability up to 12 weeks plus up to 60% of monthly earnings

TotalMed is one of the biggest agencies in the business and has the job board to match. The company is known for making it easy for travel nurses to quickly find a new post in any state.

Large, well-connected agency with huge job board

Solid day-one benefits

Flexible housing options

Pay guaranteed

Generous short-term disability policy

Some nurses complain of long onboarding process

Pay is competitive, but perhaps not the highest of any agency

Focus on placing nurses in areas of urgent need

Few travel nursing agencies have a job board as full as TotalMed 's. The company leverages its wide network of partner hospital systems to offer nurses a plethora of assignments to choose from.

TotalMed prides itself on placing nurses and other medical workers in new postings quickly and prioritizes assigning workers to places urgently in need of additional staff. It offers a standard array of benefits, plus a pay guarantee and a generous short-term disability policy that covers up to 12 weeks of injury or illness with up to 60% of your pay.

Some travel nurses have complained of a protracted onboarding process, but once the initial paperwork is out of the way, most seem very happy with the company's efficiency and the quality of its recruiters. Its pay may not always be the highest of any agency, but travel nurses working with TotalMed still enjoy the benefit of payment guarantees and the confidence that a new job will almost always be available, and fast. TotalMed also goes a long way to smooth out the transition process by organizing and covering the cost of any licensing and certifications its travel nurses may need, as well as offering reimbursement for pesky costs like new scrubs.

Even though some agencies on our list require account registration to access pay rates, each one offers competitive benefits and wages. Triage Staffing is our choice for best overall travel nursing agency because of its positive reviews, superior customer service, and competitive wages. Day one 401(k) and tuition reimbursement are just a few ways it provides long-term support for travelers. 

Compare the Best Travel Nursing Agencies

Guide to choosing the best travel nursing agencies.

Travel nursing agencies are  staffing agencies  that place registered nurses and healthcare professionals in hospitals and clinics with short-term staffing needs. They often send individuals to national or international locations where there are nursing shortages.

Here are a few tips for choosing the best travel nursing agency to meet your needs.

Is a Travel Nursing Agency Right for You?

There are many advantages to working with a travel nursing agency in addition to the obvious benefit of being able to travel and explore new places. Some of the other advantages of working with a travel nursing agency include:

• Competitive pay: Travel nursing agencies offer competitive pay rates that are often higher than what you would make as a staff nurse and recruiters can help you find lucrative positions.
• Benefits : Health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits are typically included in a travel nursing agency's compensation package.
• Housing: Travel nursing agencies often provide housing or help nurses find housing in their assignment location.
• Specialty assignments based on nursing field: Agencies can help place you in an assignment that matches your specialty, interests, and skills . Some facilities accept travelers into new specialties or a float pool that covers multiple units, as long as they have prior travel nursing experience. This is an added bonus for those who wish to explore new areas of nursing.
• Flexibility: Agencies offer a variety of assignment lengths and locations, so you can choose an assignment that fits your lifestyle.
• Perks and discounts : Free or reduced-cost continuing education courses, travel expenses, gym memberships, completion bonuses, and other perks are often available through travel nursing agencies.

How to Choose a Travel Nurse Agency

Consider the following when choosing a travel nursing agency:

• Average pay rates: Pay rate varies by agency, location, and assignment. Travel nurses often work with multiple agencies at the same time to find the best assignments and pay rates.
• Benefits package: Make sure the agency's benefits are comprehensive and meet your needs. Benefits may include health coverage , dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, 401K, vacation time, and education reimbursement.
• Housing options: Determine if the agency provides housing or assists with finding housing. Some nurses prefer to find their own housing, while others prefer the convenience of having the agency secure housing for them.
• Reputation: Check out online reviews and ratings to get an idea of the agency's reputation. Talking to other travel nurses who have worked with the agency is also a good way to get first-hand information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which travel nurses are most in demand.

Staffing agencies report that demand is high for critical care and medical-surgical nurses. Emergency room staff and labor and delivery staff are also in great demand.

Do Travel Nursing Agencies Pay for Housing?

Your agency will either have housing available for you or will reimburse you for your housing expenses. If you choose to secure your own housing, most agencies will give you a stipend to help offset the cost of rent and utilities. Talk with your agency recruiter about your housing options and what will work best for you.

How Long Are Travel Nursing Assignments?

Some travel nursing opportunities can be as short as eight weeks, while others can last for up to six months at a time. There are often options and offers to extend assignments, too.

What Experience Do You Need to Be Recruited by a Travel Nursing Agency?

Most agencies require new travelers to have recent experience as a nurse—meaning you can't become a travel nurse right out of nursing school. A year or two of experience is commonly required. A qualified nurse may also need more experience to work in the intensive care unit (ICU) or another specialty area.

Can Travel Nurses Choose Where They Work?

Yes, and that's generally a benefit of the job. Some agencies work to assign candidates throughout the United States, while others place travel nurses internationally. Before deciding to work with an agency, it makes sense to find out where they place travel nurses if you have a specific placement location in mind.

Methodology

We reviewed more than 20 agencies and studied hundreds of reviews from travel nurses around the country to identify the best travel nursing agencies. We then analyzed company quality and customer service scores across multiple sources to determine which companies are most reputable. Wages, housing options, and benefits were also a top priority. We reviewed the range of assignments, as well as the quantity and quality of each agency's listings in all 50 states.

VERYWELL Health / Design by Amelia Manley

U.S. Department of Labor. U.S. Department of Labor announces $80M funding opportunity to help train, expand, diversify nursing workforce, address shortage of nurses .

Healthcare Research & Analytics. Social listening: Evaluation of travel nurse companies: Analysis of travel nurse sentiment towards travel nurse companies .

BluePipes. Best Travel Nursing Companies 2022 .

Travel Nurse + Allied Health Professional Contracts Guide

As a Trusted Health travel nurse or allied health professional, we want you to be knowledgeable about your travel nurse contract and empowered to make informed decisions about your nursing career. Your contract exists to protect you, define your role, ensure fair pay and compensation, and much more! 

But don’t let the term “contract” give you pause. While there’s information that you need to know, none of it is incredibly complex or nerve-wracking. Here, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this important document and why fully understanding it is crucial to a successful travel nurse career! 

What is a Travel Nurse Contract?

A travel nursing contract is a legal agreement between you, a healthcare facility, and your agency. This legally binding agreement delineates your working relationship with a facility and the general terms and conditions of this agreement.  

As a travel nurse, you must both understand and agree with your contract before signing it. Signing without understanding can lead to otherwise preventable confusion, disappointment, and headaches down the road. And so can signing without agreeing! If you are unhappy with the contract’s terms- the time to negotiate is before signing. Otherwise, your options for changing your contract as a healthcare professional are drastically limited. 

When signing a travel nurse contract, the Trusted Health Care Team will be with you every step of the way. Your travel nurse agency plays a vital role throughout the contract process. Not simply a go-between for you and the facility, agencies are there to be both an advocate for and a resource to you. Here’s how this process works:

• Find a travel job you love ! Apply and interview. 
• If the facility wishes to hire you, your Trusted Nurse Advocate will send you their offer! 
• If you like the offer, we will send you an official contract outlining the details of the assignment. If everything looks good to you, you can go ahead and sign your contract to make things official! 
• If there’s anything you’d like to change, you should ask your Nurse Advocate where there may be wiggle room to negotiate certain details before signing. Your Nurse Advocate is your ally in the process and will work with you to try to reach terms where you and the facility will both be happy with the agreement.
• The facility can then either approve or deny any requested changes. 
• Once you and a facility agree on and sign a contract, you can start working with your Operations Coordinator to ensure you’re ready to hit the ground running on the specified start date. Time to get ready for your next destination! 

Now that we’ve got that covered, let’s continue with a few more basics. 

What's Included In a Travel Nurse Contract?

Several key components must be included in a travel registered nurse contract, whether you travel through Trusted Health or another agency. Here’s what every travel nurse contact should include: 

• Assignment Details: Facility name, location, contact information, and the hospital unit you will be working on. 
• Schedule & Duration: Contract start date and end date, shifts (days, nights, or rotating), hours worked per week (36, 40, or 48), and any call requirements.
• Compensation: Hourly wage, stipends, any additional rate types (like overtime, on-call, holiday rate, etc.), and other pay package benefits. 
• Shift Cancellation Policy: Sometimes, a facility will need to cancel one or more shifts because of low census. In this case, the facility may still be required to pay you (guaranteed hours), or they may not be. If your hours are not guaranteed, there may be a limit to how many times you can be canceled without pay.
• Special Requests: If any requested dates or extended time off is approved, ensure it is also noted and approved in your contract. 

We know there are a few other things that you are probably wondering about, such as cancellation and termination clauses, as well as floating requirements. This information is covered in Trusted Health’s Employee Handbook . Our handbook is a great resource to find out any additional information that applies to all of your contracts with Trusted Health. 

Always remember that once your contract has begun and you are working, your nurse advocate at Trusted is still available to you as a resource. They will help answer any questions you have and support you in your new role!

How Long are Travel Nurse Contracts? 

Travel nurse contracts most commonly start at 13 weeks but can range anywhere from 2 to 26 weeks in length, depending on the facility’s need! Two-week contracts are typically for strike or other short-term contracts, and contracts 26 weeks and up are offered if the facility has a long-standing need that they anticipate going unfilled. 

Due to the unpredictable nature of healthcare staffing, contracts longer than 26 weeks will typically not be offered upfront. It can be hard to tell what a facility and unit’s staffing requirements will be 6+ months in advance! 

Contract Extensions

A travel nurse contract extension , or renewal, may be on the table toward the middle or end of your contract- especially if a facility has a continued need and a traveler who desires to stay. If you are interested in an extension, it’s a good idea to let both your Nurse Advocate and your manager at the facility know! 

Facilities often won’t decide on an extension until closer to the end of a contract, as this is based on their ability to predict their needs as they look ahead.  That being said, it’s never too early to bring it up if it interests you! If a traveler and facility are both happy with their working relationship, it is not unheard of for a nurse to be extended several times, even staying up to a year or returning for a future assignment after a break!  Terms like pay and shift can be requested at the time of an extension, but changes are not guaranteed with each contract renewal. 

Contract extensions are just one example of the wide range of flexibility that you enjoy as a travel nurse. There are also different types of travel contracts! Depending on your circumstances, you may find that one type of travel contract works better for you than another. Let's learn a little bit more about them in this net section.  

Are there Different Types of Travel Nurse Contracts?

In addition to a standard 13-week contract, there are three main types of travel nurse contracts. These are local travel nurse contracts, short-term travel nurse contracts, and strike contracts. Here’s a little more about each. 

• Local Travel Nurse Contracts - Local travel contracts are a good option for someone who does not have a tax home or is otherwise not eligible for the tax-free housing and living stipends available to travelers. This is often because they are local to a location or have lived there for over a year. This can also be because they anticipate a loan or social security based on taxable income. Tax situations are often tricky- often, an accountant or the IRS’ website can be a great resource. If these situations apply to you, let your nurse advocate know!
• Short-Term Travel Nurse Contracts- Contracts that range from four to eight weeks are often referred to as short-term travel contracts. These contracts include taxable and non-taxable pay and are often higher-paying than standard 13-week contracts. Short-term contracts are used to fill short-lived, high-demand vacancies in healthcare facilities.  
• Strike Contracts- These contracts are a type of short-term contract used by facilities to hire temporary staff in anticipation of, or during, a healthcare worker strike . Strike contracts are often short, high-paying, and unpredictable in nature. Strike contracts ensure patient care continues when regular staff is on strike. 

The longest a travel nurse can generally stay in one location and continue to receive non-taxable benefits is one year. You are never under any obligation to extend a contract if you do not want to. After one year, a traveler can stay, but at this time, they will no longer be eligible for tax-free housing and living stipends . These travelers can continue to work a contract but may need to switch from a travel contract to a local contract to best fit their tax situation. 

What Happens When My Travel Nurse Contract is Complete? 

How you spend your time off between contracts is totally up to you! Take advantage of the flexibility that travel nursing provides and take some extended time off, or begin working again soon after your contract ends if you’re ready for it. 

After you complete a travel nurse contract, you are never under any obligation to begin another contract. If you desire to begin working quickly after finishing your current contract, many travel nurses begin looking for a new contract towards the mid-point of their current one. It can take some time to find a career you love and negotiate logistics- so we do not recommend waiting until the last minute to begin looking! 

Be sure to download Trusted’s mobile app so that you can begin your next search, right from the palm of your hand!

Can I Cancel a Travel Nurse Contract?

Yes, you can cancel a travel nurse contract, and a healthcare facility can also cancel your contract. Contract cancellation can happen at any time and for any reason. There are many reasons for this, such as a facility canceling due to staffing changes or dissatisfaction with a nurse. A nurse may cancel for personal reasons or because of dissatisfaction or safety concerns with the facility. Here are some essential things to consider in these situations:

• While Trusted Health does not penalize nurses who cancel with a fee, some agencies may. If a travel agency does charge a cancellation fee, a financial penalty for cancellation will be outlined in the terms of your contract. For this reason and many others, it is imperative that you fully understand the terms of your contract. 
• Trusted Health values professionalism throughout all aspects of our contracts, including cancellation. We internally track both nurse-initiated cancellations and facility-initiated cancellations and terminations. Our first priority is to assist and support our nurses- but if there is a significant reason for termination or a pattern of cancellations, we may decide to no longer work with a nurse. 
• There can be other penalties for canceling a contract, including how it may look to future employers- including your travel agency, healthcare facility, and healthcare system they are a part of. Depending on the circumstances, these organizations may place you on a “Do Not Rehire” or DNR list. 
• Contract amendments may occur at any time and are usually requested on behalf of the healthcare facility. These can impact your pay, housing, or living stipends. If a facility and a nurse cannot agree on a contract amendment, cancelation may occur. 

Regardless of the reason, all parties should avoid cancellation unless absolutely necessary. With that being said, we are all humans at Trusted, and we know our nurses are too! We know that “life happens,” and we are empathetic and understanding in regard to illness, family emergencies, death, and other life-altering events. 

Communication is vital in these situations- if you have questions or need support- speak with your Nurse Advocate as soon as possible!

Tips to Avoid Cancellation as a Travel Nurse 

Often, cancellation may occur because of factors that are out of a nurse's control, such as unit census and staffing changes. This is undoubtedly frustrating! Here are a few tips that can help you avoid getting canceled when the budget gets tight and contracts are being cut: 

• Punctuality- Being on time is always important! Showing up for shifts promptly and being ready to work reflects on you in a positive manner.
• Attendance- Reliability also improves your track record. If a manager knows that you can be counted on, they will be more apt to keep you over another traveler. 
• Professionalism- Being hardworking, helpful, and a team player also can set you apart. Managers will always prioritize keeping strong nurses who seamlessly fit in with the team!  

We know that was a lot of information! Congrats on taking the initiative to become an aware and informed travel nurse. Contracts protect you, define your role and responsibilities, and ensure your pay and compensation. It is essential to read your contract, thoroughly understand what it means for you, and ask any questions before signing.

Being knowledgeable about your travel nurse contract empowers you to make informed decisions about your nursing career! If you have any further questions or need additional support, your nurse advocate at Trusted is always here to help. 

Additional Resources

Trusted Health | Help Center  

On-Assignment & Contract Support | Trusted Health | Help

Travel Nurse Contract FAQ’s

• Can I negotiate my travel nurse contract? What parts can I negotiate? 

At Trusted, your start date, time off, shift, and contract length can be negotiated. Your pay and call, weekend, floating, and holiday requirements cannot be. Want to know why? Click here to learn more. 

• What should I do with my contract after I sign it?

Keep a copy of your contract in a safe, accessible location! You may want to refer back to it at a later date. You will be emailed a copy of your contract from Trusted Health. Some nurses and traveling professionals prefer to print out and keep hard copies of their contacts in addition to electronic documents. 

• What happens if I need to change my travel nurse contract? 

Reach out to your nurse advocate or care team here at Trusted! Often, if you have noticed an error and your contract hasn’t started yet, this can easily be fixed. Otherwise, making changes to your contract can be a bit more complicated. We are happy to go over your options with you! 

• Can I cancel my contract if I feel that the working conditions are unsafe?

You can cancel your travel nurse contract. However, we prefer to avoid cancellations if at all possible due to the stress it places on healthcare facilities, patients, and staff. That said, your mental health as a nurse is important too! If you have concerns, contact your nurse advocate and care team ASAP. We are here to help you navigate challenging situations and always have your back!

Ready to take your nursing career on the road? Discover a world of opportunities with Trusted Health. With a variety of travel nurse jobs available, you're just a click away from finding the perfect fit for your skills and lifestyle. Browse our current travel nurse jobs and embark on your next adventure today!

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The Ultimate Travel Nursing Contract Checklist

Your travel nursing contract is a very important document. It establishes the contractual obligations between you and the travel nursing agency. It also serves as an important tax document that verifies the temporary nature of your employment and tax-free reimbursements. In this article, we’ll provide a checklist of everything that should, or could, be in your travel nursing contract so you can approach the document with confidence.

What’s Included On The Travel Nursing Contract Checklist?

It’s important to provide a little background before we dive into the list. To begin with, this is a list of items that should or could be in a contract. To clarify, some of the items on the list should be included in every contract. The presence of other items on the list will depend on the travel nurse, the agency and the particular circumstances of each contract.

That said, some agencies may disagree with our assessment here. This means that some agencies may not include some of the items on this checklist in their contracts. This does not mean they are bad agencies. They may have legitimate reasons. Ultimately, it’s up to the travel nurse to decide whether or not they are comfortable with a contract’s terms.

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Additionally, it’s important to note that we’re not recommending or advocating that travel nursing contracts include all of these items. Instead, our goal is to provide a comprehensive list of items that can make their way onto a travel nursing contract. Therefore, the list includes common items designed to protect the agency’s interests as well as the travel nurse’s interests.

Experienced travel nurses frown upon some of these items. You may attempt to negotiate such items out of your travel nursing contract. Either way, we are including such items on the list so that travel nurses can prepare in advance. We’ll do our best to identify the different types of items throughout the list.

Know How To Evaluate Travel Nursing Pay Packages

Next, it’s imperative to understand how to evaluate and compare travel nursing pay packages. Specifically, you must tally the value of every compensation related variable in order to accurately compare pay packages.

Why is this important to remember when we’re discussing a checklist for travel nursing contracts? Well, the checklist includes many compensation and reimbursement variables. Therefore, it’s important to remember that one contract is not better than another simply because it has an additional compensation related variable included in it.

For example, let’s say you’re comparing offers from two different agencies for the same assignment. Let’s also say that the hospital in question has a monthly parking fee of $300. Now let’s say that Agency A is offering to reimburse the fee while Agency B is not. This factor alone is not enough to assume that Agency A’s contract is better. Perhaps Agency B is paying an additional $4 per hour, or they’re offering other incentives that are far more valuable than the $300 monthly parking reimbursement.

Please review the video below to discover how to evaluate and compare travel nursing pay packages.

How Does The “Confirmation” Relate To The Travel Nursing Contract?

Next, it’s important to understand that the contracts signed by travel nurses govern the relationships between travel nurses and travel nursing companies. There is a separate contract that governs the relationship between the hospital and the agency. By extension, the contract between the agency and the hospital can affect the travel nurse.

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This is a very important distinction. You see, the hospital is only bound by the agreement they have with the agency. And, as we all know, the travel nurse and the hospital can make additional agreements during the job interview. For example, the two parties might agree to specific days off during the contract, rules regarding floating, or any number of other additional agreements.

How can we hold the hospital to account for these additional agreements? After all, the hospital is not going to sign the actual travel nursing contract. This is where the “Confirmation” comes into play.

The Confirmation is a document the agency sends to the hospital after a travel nurse accepts an offer. The Confirmation is essentially an addendum to the contract between the hospital and the agency. It confirms that the travel nurse is accepting the offer under the conditions outlined in the confirmation.

Standard Contents Of The Confirmation

The content of the confirmation can vary from company to company or from hospital to hospital. Some common items included on Confirmations are:

• The agency’s name
• The hospital’s name
• The hospital’s location
• The travel nurse’s name
• The travel nurse’s license number
• The travel nurse’s social security number
• The travel nurse’s date of birth
• The start date
• The end date
• The number of shifts per week
• Any additional agreements made between the travel nurse and the interviewer during the interview
• Signature of the agency’s designated representative
• Signature of the hospital’s designated representative

Holding The Hospital Accountable

The important thing to remember here is that the Confirmation is what holds the hospital accountable for the additional agreements made between the travel nurse and the interviewer during the interview. Therefore, it’s imperative for travel nurses to convey these agreements to their recruiters as soon as the interview is complete. This way, the recruiter can have the agreements added to the confirmation so they’re ready to go when the offer comes through.

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Our ultimate goal is to avoid a scenario in which the contract between the agency and the travel nurse includes the agreements, but the contract (Confirmation) between the hospital and the agency does not include the agreements. As a travel nurse, you can find yourself in a very sticky situation when this happens.

Travel Nursing Contract Items Vary

It’s also important to note that different agencies will describe items in different ways. For example, one agency might describe the shift by labeling the “Start Time” and “End Time” separately. Another agency might simply label it as “Shift: 7a – 7p”. Therefore, our checklist here is intended only as a guide.

The Use Of Employee Handbooks For Some Travel Nursing Contract Items

Finally, many companies use an “Employee Handbook” to handle many of these issues. They prefer to keep their contracts short and sweet. If this is the case, then you should make sure that the handbook is a legally binding contract. For example, both parties might sign the handbook, essentially making it a contract. Or, the contract might refer to the handbook as a document that both parties agree to abide by.

With all of this in mind, let’s run through the travel nursing contract checklist.

Neutral Items That Should Be Included on Travel Nursing Contracts

• Agency name
• Agency location
• Agency contact telephone number
• Hospital name
• Hospital location
• Travel nurse’s name
• Travel nurse’s permanent address
• Shift starting time
• Shift ending time
• Number of shifts per week
• Number of contracted regular hours
• Number of contracted overtime hours: This comes into play when there are 12 hour shifts in a state that requires overtime to be paid after 8 hours in a day.
• Pay period: Weekly, Biweekly?
• Time-sheet reporting requirements
• Taxable base rate for contracted regular hours
• Taxable base rate for contracted overtime hours
• Meals & Incidental Expenditure reimbursement rate: This is often referred to as the “stipend”. The contract should quote it as a weekly amount. However, some companies will quote it per hour. Check out this article for more information on M&IE reimbursements.
• Lodging reimbursement rate: If you choose to take the lodging stipend, then the contract must include it. It’s typically quoted as a monthly reimbursement. However, it should be distributed incrementally per pay period. Therefore, some companies will quote it by the week or the hour. See below for items to include if you are taking company provided housing. Discover more about lodging reimbursements in this article .
• Travel reimbursement: The contract should include the amount of the stipend and all terms for how it will be paid. It’s typically half on the first paycheck and half on the last pay check. Review this article for more information on travel reimbursements .
• Medical benefits: If you’re receiving company provided medical benefits, then the contract should indicate such. It should also include the date of activation and details regarding the cost, if any, to you. This article contains detailed information about medical benefits for travel nurses.
• How often payroll is processed.
• On-call details: If the contract requires the travel to be on-call, then the contract should stipulate the “On-Call Rate” and “Call-Back Rate”.
• Guaranteed hours: Different agencies handle guaranteed hours in different ways. However, it should always be included on the contract. See this article for more information on travel nursing guaranteed hours.

Housing Related Items That May Be In A Travel Nursing Contract

If you take company provided housing, then these items should or could be included in the travel nursing contract. Again, not all of them are necessary. Many of these items are simply things for you to consider.

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• Check-in and check-out dates
• The type of housing the agency will provide. For example, will it be a one-bedroom apartment, Extended Stay or other type of housing?
• If it’s a vacation home or condo, is there a yard and if so is yard maintenance included in the cost?
• Is the lodging furnished? What furnishings are included? What size is the bed?
• Are house wares included? House wares typically include pots, pans, linens, towels, silverware, a coffee maker, and a toaster. However, it’s best to determine what specifically is included.
• Is there a microwave? You’d be surprised. Many apartments have not yet been fitted with a microwave.
• Is a cleaning package included? Cleaning packages typically include a broom, dust pan, and mop. They may or may not include a vacuum cleaner.
• Is a TV included? If you care about TV, you’ll want to find out what size the TV will be. Most standard furnishing packages include a 26 inch TV. If you want to hook electronics to the TV such as a computer to watch Netflix, or a game console, then you should make sure that the TV has applicable hook ups.
• How are the utilities, cable, and other bills handled? Some agencies put everything in their name and the traveler doesn’t have to do anything. Some agencies require that nurses put the utilities in their own name and then the agency provides a fixed amount per month as a utility reimbursement.
• What’s the parking situation? Parking costs extra in many urban areas. Moreover, there are many different options including parking garages, open parking lots, assigned parking spaces, covered parking and street parking. If this is important to you, then you’ll want to know.
• If you have pets, then what’s the deposit and who’s responsible for it, or any additional “pet rent” costs?
• Are a washer and dryer in the unit, or is there a laundry facility on site? Sometimes there are hookups for the washer and dryer in the unit, but the property charges extra to supply them, or expects you to bring or rent your own.

Items Intended to Protect Agency Interests on Travel Nursing Contracts

• Missed hours penalty: Most agencies institute penalties for “missed hours”. Missed hours occur when the travel nurse calls off.
• Cancelled hours penalty: Some agencies levy penalties when the hospital cancels a shift on the traveler. Of course, this is tied to the Guaranteed Hours policy in a way. You can discover more about Missed Hours and Cancelled Hours penalties in this article .
• Cancellation Clause/Penalty: Most travel nursing contracts include a financial penalty for the travel nurse if the travel nurse cancels the contract. Discover more about contract cancellations in this article .
• Non-Compete Clause: These clauses come in two forms. First, they might prohibit the travel nurse from working with another agency at the same hospital for a period of time. Second, they might restrict the travel nurse from accepting a permanent job at the facility for some period of time. Many companies are abandoning them. Discover more about non-compete clauses in this article.

Additional Agency/Traveler Items That May Be On The Travel Nursing Contract

In this section, we’ll cover some additional issues that are pertinent to the relationship between the travel nurse and the agency. The hospital is not involved with these items. Additionally, the contract may or may not include these items. It all depends on the agency and/or the traveler’s unique circumstances.

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• 401(K) vesting period and company match: Discover more about 401Ks in this article.
• Paid time off: Discover more about Paid Time Off and Vacation time in this article .
• Paid sick leave: Learn about California’s paid sick leave law.
• License and certification reimbursements: Discover more about travel nursing license and certification reimbursements in this article.
• Clinical record costs: We’re referring to things like MMRs, PPDs, etc. Discover more about credentialing costs in this article.
• Cancellation clause to protect the travel nurse: Here we are referring to a clause that covers the traveler in case the facility cancels the contract without cause. These clauses are VERY rare. However, many agency/hospital contracts include a clause that allows the agency to bill the hospital 1 to 2 weeks of time if the hospital cancels the contract without cause. Some agencies use a portion of this money to provide some level of compensation for their travelers.
• Extra time: This is a special rate that is paid when the travel nurse works more than the contracted number of hours. Read this article to discover more about extra-time.
• Pay for pre-start paperwork: Many hospitals require travel nurses to complete large amounts of paperwork and training modules prior to starting. Sometimes, agencies offer to pay for these hours. Discover more in this article.
• Orientation week pay: Hospitals often schedule fewer hours during orientation week than the contract calls for. Of course, this can have in impact on your pay for that week. Here again, it’s going to depend on the guaranteed hours clause in the contract. See this article for more information on orientation hours and pay.

Travel Nursing Contract Items To Discuss With The Hospital And Provide to Recruiter

In this section, we’ll cover items that you should discuss with the hospital during the interview. You may or may not wish to address these items depending on your unique circumstances. However, if you make agreements with the hospital pertaining to these issues, then you must share them with your recruiter.

It’s important to note that this is not a list of ALL the questions you might want to ask during your interview with the hospital. Instead, it’s a list of issues that you might want to have included in the contract. We highly recommend reviewing this article for a complete list of questions to ask during your travel nursing interview.

Finally, it’s important to note that many hospitals are now using computerized interviewing systems and/or third-party interviewers to conduct their travel nursing interviews. In such cases, you may not have the opportunity to address these contract related issues. If that’s the case, then you will need to address them with your recruiter. Your recruiter will attempt to get answers directly from the hospital.

• Requested time off
• What’s the float policy and what units will I be expected to float to? You may want to ensure that the contract indicates exactly what units you are able and willing to float to.
• What’s the nurse to patient ratio on the unit? (Epstein Larue of com recommends that travelers have a clause added to their contracts that stipulates the nurse to patient ratio depending on the unit you’re working in: Med/Surg: 6 patients (5 in California), Tele: 5 patients (4 in California), StepDown: 4 patients (3 in California), ICU: 2 patients). We’re compelled to convey that our experience indicates it’s very difficult to get hospitals to agree to this. However, Epstein is an expert. Therefore, it’s worth a shot!
• Will you take charge duty? Perhaps you’d like to have a clause indicating that you will not take charge duty.
• Does it cost money to park at the hospital? If it does, then you’ll want to bring this expense up with your recruiter.

Again, there are many more questions to ask the hospital during travel nursing interview . These are just the issues that might make their way onto the contract.

How To Use This Travel Nursing Contract Checklist

This checklist identifies over 50 items for you to consider when you evaluate your travel nursing contracts. Again, not every contract will include all of these items. Not every agency includes all of these items on their contracts. You may not care enough about some of them to have agencies add them to your contracts. Finally, some of the items may be irrelevant depending on the unique circumstances of your specific contract.

It’s best to use this checklist as a guide. As such, we’d greatly appreciate your helping us improve this checklist. Please let us know if we missed something by posting it in the comments below!

Related posts:

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• Negotiation Research Travel Nurses Ought To Know About Travel nurses negotiate salary more than almost any other professional....
• Managing Your Compliance Documents as a Travel Nurse Travel nursing documentation is one of the biggest burdens that...

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