FAQs
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Listed below are answers to some of the common questions we often hear. If you don't see your question below, we would be happy to answer it. Call us at (800) 864-8554.
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 Becoming a traveler
Pay and benefits
Job assignments
Housing
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Becoming a traveler
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| How do I become a traveler? |
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The first step to becoming a traveler is to fill out an application and a specialty-specific skills checklist. If you apply online, your application and skills checklist can be submitted to any or all of RN.com's travel partners in one easy step. You can also apply by fax or by mail. Once your application and skills checklist have been received, you will be matched with one of our partner agencies that best meets your unique needs and can move on to the final step of the application process. You will then receive notification via e-mail with instructions on the last step of the process, the Professional Reference form.
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| What are the minimum requirements? |
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To become a traveler, you must be a graduate of an accredited healthcare professional program in the United States or Canada. You will also need to provide a valid professional practice license or certification and proof of the right to work in the United States.
The minimum experience requirements depend on your area of specialty, the facility, unit and sometimes even the location. The facilities we work with have different requirements and preferences, but the majority request a minimum of 18 months of experience. For some specialties such as Med-Surg, Psych and Rehab, the minimum can be as high as two years, and for LPN/LVN the minimum is typically six years.
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| Will traveling look good on my resume? |
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Yes! Changing locations as a traveler demonstrates your dedication to your profession, as well as your personal adaptability and the flexibility of your clinical practice. The travel healthcare industry is well-understood by nurse managers and hospital human resource professionals, so if you stop traveling and decide to seek a permanent position, your resume will be strengthened by your list of travel assignments.
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| Where will I work? |
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Travel nursing offers you the opportunity to work at all types of facilities. Travel assignments are available everywhere, from prestigious teaching facilities to small community hospitals. If your only job so far has been in a small hospital and you wish to continue at a similar facility, your travel nurse company will find an assignment that is right for you. Whatever your goal, there is a travel nurse assignment that meets your needs.
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| Am I under any obligation after submitting my application? |
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No. Your application is simply used to qualify you for travel so that you're ready to be matched with an assignment if and when you decide you're ready to go. Once your application is processed there will be an exciting assignment waiting for you whenever you decide to travel.
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| When should I start preparing for my assignment? |
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This depends on how quickly you want to begin. Even if you're only curious about available assignments, send in your application now so you won't miss out on an assignment that might be ideal for you. Your recruiter will help you plan and prepare, so rest assured!
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| Do I have to commit to a long-term contract? |
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No. Your commitment to any of RN.com's travel partners only extends for the length of the assignment you agree to take.
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| Are there any fees associated with your job placement service? |
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No. Our services are paid for by our travel partners' client hospitals.
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Pay and Benefits
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| What pay will I receive? |
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Pay varies by assignment, by specialty and by experience, but pay packages are always competitive, especially with our travel partners’ new, higher take home pay rates. Many facilities also offer sign-on or completion bonuses of up to $6,000. Apply now or visit our partners for details and more information on take home pay rates.
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| When and how will I be paid? |
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In the majority of cases, the travel nursing company will pay you directly. Payment is provided by direct deposit or by overnight mail every two weeks.
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| Are cash bonuses paid at any assignments? |
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Yes, hundreds of assignments offer completion bonuses of up to $6,000. These cash incentives are usually paid at the end of your assignment.
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| If I refer a friend to a travel nursing company, am I eligible for a referral bonus? |
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Absolutely. All of RN.com's travel partners will pay you a cash bonus of $500 once your friend/colleague completes the required assignment(s). See individual partner sites for details.
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Job assignments
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| How long are travel assignments? |
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Most travel assignments are 4 or 13 weeks; however, some can be up to 26 weeks in length, or longer. RN.com's travel partners will work with you to customize the length of an assignment to meet your needs.
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| What types of assignments are available? |
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There's a whole spectrum of assignments available nationwide. You specify the type of assignment you're looking for and your recruiter will find it. From state-of-the-art urban facilities to rural hospitals, travel assignments are available in almost all specialties and shifts. RN.com's travel partners have access to the largest number of assignments in the nation, giving you more choices than any other travel nursing company.
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| How long will it take to approve my application and find an assignment? |
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This depends on how quickly you want to move. You could begin your first assignment within one week or within four to six weeks. It's all up to you.
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| How do I choose an assignment? |
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Once your application and skills checklist have been reviewed, you will be assigned a personal recruiter. Recruiters have years of experience in healthcare staffing and are experts at matching qualified nurses to the right assignment. Your recruiter will talk to you about your assignment expectations, future career goals and your desired destination. Once your assignment requirements are established, your recruiter will go over assignment details with you, including pay rates, bonuses, location and hospital facility. Together, you will choose the assignment that's right for you.
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| Will I find the assignment I want? |
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Almost always. However, if your travel nurse company doesn't have the exact assignment you're looking for in a specific location, your recruiter will contact facilities in that area to present your credentials in an effort to find a suitable assignment.
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| What happens after I select an assignment? |
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Once you select an assignment, a copy of your paperwork, including your selected start date, will be sent to the facility. After the facility reviews your information, a representative from that facility will call you for a telephone interview. All interviews are done over the phone. You never have to travel to the hospital location before you take the assignment.
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| When does my travel commitment begin? |
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After your telephone interview, you and the facility will determine if you're the right fit for the position. Your commitment begins only if and when you decide to accept the assignment.
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| Do I need to sign a one-year contract? |
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No. You only commit to one assignment at a time.
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| How will the travel nursing company prepare me for my assignment? |
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Once you decide on the assignment that's right for you, your recruiter will confirm your start date and salary. Shortly afterwards, you will receive a confirmation package in the mail with all the information you need about your assignment. Your recruiter will be in close contact with you to ensure that you have everything you need and will answer any questions you have.
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| What are the state licensing requirements for my assignment? |
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Your recruiter will advise you on the specific requirements in each state in which you have chosen to take an assignment. For more information, visit your state licensing organization.
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| How do I get to my assignments? |
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If you are traveling away from home, it's best to drive to your assignment, since you'll want to explore your new surroundings on your days off. If you accept an assignment in a major city where parking is scarce and public transportation is readily available, you might consider leaving your car outside the city. When you drive to an assignment, the travel company will reimburse your mileage costs.
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Housing
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| What about housing? |
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RN.com's travel partners all provide completely free, private accommodations in safe, attractive surroundings that are usually located close to your assignment. Unless you request your own private apartment, travelers typically share a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment or condominium with another traveler. Your housing accommodations will be in live-in condition upon your arrival, complete with furniture and utilities. Occasionally, if the healthcare facility owns a house or apartment building, you may stay in hospital-provided housing. You also usually have the option of receiving a monthly rent stipend (called a housing subsidy) if you wish to handle your own housing arrangements.
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| Is housing really free? |
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Yes. Your quality, shared housing is free when you travel with any of RN.com's travel partners. Or you may prefer your own private one- or two- bedroom housing, available at a reasonable charge for your area
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| If I don't use the company's housing, will I receive a housing allowance? |
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Yes, you will receive a monthly housing stipend or subsidy if you arrange and pay for your own housing. The subsidy varies for each assignment and each region.
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Can I travel with a friend?
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We encourage it! Traveling with another healthcare professional, spouse, or close friend will allow you to share the experiences of a lifetime. If your friend is also a travel nurse, we can arrange for you to be roommates. If you are traveling with your spouse, we will arrange private accommodations for you. This option will require a small monthly copayment.
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| Can I bring my pet? |
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Yes, you can. You will need to take advantage of the private housing option, with a nominal copayment. The apartment complexes often require a separate pet deposit for which you will be responsible.
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Have more questions? Please call us at (800) 864-8554. We'll be happy to assist you with any inquiries or concerns you may have.
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