new nurse travel assignment

Charting a New Course: First-Time Travel Nurse Tips for Success

by Trusted Nurse Staffing | Oct 19, 2023 | News

Are you a nurse who is considering dipping your toe into the field of travel nursing? If so, you probably have a lot of questions.

Travel nursing is an exciting field, but it comes with its share of challenges — and there can be a big learning curve .

If you’re an RN wanting to become a travel nurse, check out our comprehensive list of first-time travel nurse tips. We’ll cover everything from what you should know before signing your contract to how to approach your first day.

Table of Contents

6 first-time travel nursing must-dos: what every travel nurse should know before signing a contract, how to prepare for your first assignment as a first-time travel nurse, great expectations: stepping up for your first-time travel nurse assignment.

• Trusted Nurse Staffing: Ready To Help You Take on Your First-Time Travel Nursing Assignment 

If you’ve decided to transition from being a staff nurse to trying out the world of travel nursing, there are some things you should know.

Sure, the basics of the job are the same — but plenty of things will feel completely different. If you know what these are and prepare yourself ahead of time, you’ll be setting yourself up for success.

Here are some of our favorite tips for first-time travel nurses.

#1: Decide If You’re Going To Get a Compact License 

Licensing for nurses may be different in every state, which can make things tricky for a travel nurse.

Fortunately, many states are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact . If you live in a compact state, you can apply for a multistate license that allows you to travel as a nurse in many different areas without having to get a new license each time.

Having a multistate license isn’t mandatory for travel nurses, but it certainly makes things easier when you’re taking jobs all around the country.

#2: Have all of Your Necessary Documents Organized

Staying organized is one of the keys to success when you’re preparing to travel. The agency you work with and the healthcare facility where your potential job is located will have many required documents.

These may include:

• License information
• Employment records
• Health and immunization records
• Certifications; and
• Any other relevant documents

It’s a good idea to have everything in order and at hand before your phone interview in case any questions come up about these documents. You may also want to have them with you for reference when you’re reading over your new contract.

#3: Do Your Research

You have your reasons for wanting to try travel nursing, but that doesn’t mean you already know everything you should about all aspects of the job. Fortunately, there are tons of travel nurse resources out there to help you learn about the job before you accept your first assignment.

Some of the things you’ll want to research may include:

• Which company you want to partner with
• Where you want to work (this applies to both facilities and parts of the country)
• What fields/specialties you’d like to try
• What experienced travelers have to say about the job

#4: Choose a Reputable Travel Nursing Agency

There are many different travel nursing agencies out there, so choosing the right one for you can be a big job. We may be biased, but we’re pretty sure Trusted Nurse Staffing has everything you’ll need and more.

With excellent pay/benefits packages, bonuses and stipends, and 24/7 access to your recruiter, you’ll feel both supported and rewarded in your new field. 

Our Pronto job search makes it easier than ever to find the perfect travel nursing gig. Pronto empowers you to take control of your career by helping you find great opportunities right when you need them.

At Trusted Nurse Staffing, we love guiding first-time travel nurses through this experience — and we want to help you, too.

#5: Update Your Resume

If you have been working as a staff nurse for a while, make sure your current resume is up-to-date and that all your skills and expertise are on display! 

You may especially want to highlight any special talents or experience that will benefit you in the world of travel nursing.

#6: Understand the Ins and Outs of the Contract You’re Considering 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your contract is one of the most important components of your job, and you should make sure you understand it thoroughly.

Read and reread your contract before signing it, and make sure you know things like:

• Your pay rate
• Opportunities for overtime and per diems
• What benefits package you’ll be receiving
• Cancelation requirements
• Details of insurance packages

Once you sign up with a travel nurse staffing agency and have accepted your first job, here are some things you can do to make sure you’re successful when you arrive.

Review Your Assignment/Contract Information

When you have signed on the dotted line, make sure you know your contract inside and out so you’re aware of what’s expected of you.

Focus on important things like:

• The length of the contract
• Whether you will be floating or staying in the same department
• If you have the option to extend your stay

The more you know about the specifics, the more you’ll be able to focus on your orientation and training when you arrive at your new travel nursing job.

Coordinate With Your Staffing Agency About Any Travel and Housing Details 

One of the great things about working with a travel nurse staffing agency is that they can help you find accommodations for your new gig. 

If you’re unfamiliar with the area and want them to completely take care of your housing, they can do that. If you’d rather find your own place and plan how to get there, they should offer stipends to cover travel expenses and housing.

Agency recruiters may even be able to connect you to someone who needs a roommate or wants someone to take over their lease.

Having a staffing agency handle all the details is a great way to ease the stress of a first-time travel nurse’s transition.

Get To Know the Area You’ll Be Working In

For your first travel nursing assignment, you may want to pick an area you’re already somewhat familiar with  so everything won’t feel quite so new.

If you take the plunge and sign a contract for a place you know nothing about, you should have some time to research it. You’ll want to find out things like:

• The safest parts of town/if there are any places you wouldn’t want to live
• What housing is close to your healthcare facility
• The area’s public transportation
• If ride shares are a good option
• What you’d like to do on your days off

To help you feel comfortable transitioning from your home to a new city or state, get as much information as you can on things that will apply to your new life there.

Pack — But Don’t Overdo It 

Most travel nursing contracts are 13 weeks long, although yours may be shorter or longer depending on what you negotiate. So you’ll need more than a weekend bag, but you definitely only want to pack the basics.

That means you can leave your French horn at home — unless, of course, you just can’t go to sleep at night until you’ve played it.

When you’re preparing to pack, consider:

• What you’ll need to do your job successfully
• What you’ll need to live comfortably
• What will be provided for you where you’re staying
• What sentimental items you just can’t live without
• What season(s) it will be during your stay
• How easily you can get anything you left at home ( Amazon delivery is your friend!)

When packing, a strategy of “less is more” usually works well. Consider using a packing app to help you get started.

Set Up a Budget

Every area is different, and you need to be prepared for how you’ll pay your bills and spend money. Try to get an idea of what the cost of living is like in the area where you’ll be working. (If it’s on the higher side, your pay and benefits should reflect this!)

Set a budget for everyday expenses — but don’t forget to give yourself some wiggle room to go out and explore the area. After all, that’s part of what travel nursing is all about.

Prepare Your Pets

If you’re a first-time travel nurse with pets, don’t forget to consider them when you’re planning your departure. Call your vet and make sure their immunizations are up-to-date, and make any appointments they may need before you hit the road. 

You can also ask your vet if they have any recommendations for emergency care in your new city — just in case. You want to be prepared for anything that could come up while you’re on assignment.

If you’ve followed our recommendations thus far, you should be ready to walk through the door of your new healthcare facility and get to work. Here are some additional first-time travel nurse tips to help you experience those first few days with no problems.

Go In With a Good Attitude

You’re the newbie on the unit, so you want to make a great first impression with staff and patients. It’s okay to anticipate that there may be some chaos or overwhelming moments as you learn the ins and outs of a new facility and routines, but keep a positive attitude.

Show Off Your Skills — Respectfully, Of Course

You’re not there to show up other nurses — but don’t be afraid to get in there and help when it’s needed. You became a nurse because you care about helping people.

When appropriate, step up and demonstrate your skills while ensuring your new coworkers know you’re there to be a team player.

Arrive Early On Your First Day

Being late makes a bad first impression, so you should plan to arrive extra early for your first day of a new job. Remember that this area is unfamiliar to you, and you want to allow plenty of time for any traffic issues, parking, and navigating a new building.

You may even want to do a trial run of your route to work a day or two before your first shift if possible. This will help ensure that you can handle any hiccups that may arise.

Stay Flexible 

It’s fun to dream about all the places you’d love to work as a travel nurse, but you may not always get your first or even second choice of location. If you can be flexible about the places, specialties, and facilities you agree to work in, you may be able to find travel nurse jobs more quickly.

Once you build up your level of experience, you can usually be a little more selective about where you’d like to work.

Get To Know Your Coworkers

Take time to get to know your coworkers. They don’t have to be your besties, but they will be an important part of your life while you’re away from friends and family. Be friendly and try to find out what you may have in common.

Don’t burn bridges and never ghost on an assignment — the travel nursing community is small, and you don’t know when you’ll reconnect with someone in the future or want to use them as a job reference someday.

Travel nursing can help you make friends while building your community and your connections!

Trusted Nurse Staffing: Ready To Help You Take on Your First-Time Travel Nursing Assignment  

There’s a lot to learn for first-time travel nurses, and Trusted Nurse Staffing wants to help you every step of the way.

Our recruiters have loads of experience guiding nurses who are new to the field and helping them make the most of the traveling life.

The Pronto job search helps you easily search for available jobs by location, discipline, or specialty. You can also get important information, including weekly pay, assignment length, and shifts up front. 

Contact us today to get started.

Recent Posts

• What Do Oncology Nurses Do: Responsibilities, Pros and Cons, and More
• Flight Discounts for Nurses: Save Big While You Travel
• How to Become a Good Labor and Delivery Nurse
• How Much Money Can a Traveling Nurse Anesthetist Make? A CRNA Travel Nurse Salary Breakdown
• An Insider Scoop on What It Is Like To Be an ER Nurse and How To Know if the Job Is Right for You

Existing employer? Sign in

Hand-picked assignments for Travel Nurses.

43 assignments | last updated: wednesday april 24th, 2024, get my list of hand-picked travel nursing jobs every monday., rn or-first assist.

Host Healthcare

🕑 Contractor

💰 $3,857 - $4,047 per Week

💻 First Assist

Fusion Medical Staffing

💰 $2,811 - $3,387 per Week

💻 Labor & Delivery

First Assist RN

Philadelphia, PA

💰 $2,875 - $3,464 per Week

Registered Nurse (RN) - PICU

Bakersfield, CA

💰 $3,584 per Week

💻 PICU

Travel Nurse OR RN

Travel Nurse Across America

Lakewood, CO

💰 $3,897 per Week

💻 Operating Room

Travel Nurse Oncology RN

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $3,942 per Week

💻 Oncology

Registered Nurse (RN) - Cath Lab

Longmont, CO

💰 $2,560 per Week

💻 Cath Lab

Registered Nurse (RN) - Operating Room

Lancaster, CA

💰 $3,226 per Week

ICU Travel RN

Ventura Medstaff

Redding, CA

💰 $2,432 - $2,632 per Week

💻 ICU

Red Bluff, CA

Glendale, AZ

💰 $2,796 per Week

Travel Nurse LD RN

Everett, WA

💰 $2,861 per Week

Travel Nurse MedSurg RN

💰 $2,935 per Week

💻 Med Surg / Telemetry

Travel Nurse TELE RN

Lebanon, NH

💰 $3,327 per Week

Louisville, KY

💰 $4,429 per Week

Travel Nurse CathLab RN

Fort Worth, TX

💰 $3,010 per Week

Travel Nurse (RN) – Med/Surg (Medical-Surgical)

Epic Travel Staffing

Baltimore, MD

💰 $2,032 per Week

Travel Nurse (RN) – Tele (Telemetry)

💰 $1,888 per Week

Travel Nurse (RN) – Labor & Delivery (L&D)

Clinton, MD

💰 $2,279 per Week

Key West, FL

💰 $1,853 per Week

Travel Nurse (RN) – ER (Emergency Room)

💰 $2,358 per Week

💻 Emergency Room

Travel Nurse (RN) – PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit)

Concord, CA

💰 $2,583 per Week

💻 PACU

Travel Nurse (RN) – OR (Operating Room)

Rancho Mirage, CA

💰 $2,718 per Week

Registered Nurse - Dialysis

Burlington, VT

💰 $1,711 - $2,062 per Week

💻 Dialysis

Long Beach, CA

💰 $1,889 - $2,276 per Week

Registered Nurse – Labor & Delivery

AMN Healthcare

Madison, WI

💰 $2,038 - $2,246 per Week

San Luis Obispo, CA

💰 $2,310 - $2,546 per Week

Walnut Creek, CA

💰 $2,862 - $3,154 per Week

Des Moines, IA

💰 $2,030 - $2,237 per Week

San Jose, CA

💰 $2,872 - $3,165 per Week

Registered Nurse – Telemetry

Palo Alto, CA

💰 $2,135 - $2,353 per Week

Registered Nurse – Cardiac Catheterization Lab

Hartford, CT

💰 $2,435 - $2,683 per Week

Bettendorf, IA

💰 $2,681 - $2,955 per Week

Wailuku, HI

💰 $2,577 - $2,840 per Week

Registered Nurse – Medical Surgical

Johnson City, NY

💰 $2,264 - $2,495 per Week

Gainesville, GA

💰 $2,046 - $2,255 per Week

Cath Lab RN

💰 $2,928 per Week

Med Surgical Tele RN

Hanford, CA

💰 $2,688 per Week

Emergency Room RN

Providence, RI

💰 $3,333 per Week

Newport News, VA

💰 $2,278 per Week

💰 $2,744 per Week

Operating Room RN

New Rochelle, NY

💰 $3,735 per Week

Flexcare Staffing

💰 $2,486 per Week

Search Jobs

Sign Up Now

How It Works

Pay and Benefits

Destinations

First-Time Travel Nursing: 7 Key Steps to Prepare For Your Assignment

Reviewed by Hannah Wilson

Published: January 1, 2024

Read Time: 5 minute read

Updated On: October 29, 2024

Have you heard the adage “jobs may fill your pockets, but adventures fill your soul”? It certainly rings true for most— unless you’re starting a career as a travel nurse.

Travel nursing provides a unique and exciting opportunity to grow professionally and help patients across the country while exploring new cities and making new friends. But as you prepare for your first adventure, you may find yourself frantically asking Alexa how to prepare for first travel nurse assignment . Fortunately, we have your answers right here. 

Read on for 7 steps for navigating your first travel nursing assignment .

#1. Research Potential Assignments and Locations

Whether you envision serving as a travel nurse in the rolling, sun-splashed hills of Napa or the vast landscape of Juneau, examining potential assignments and how they align with your preferred destinations is arguably the first and most important step in the process.

That said, you may want to shy away from gathering your information from sites designed for tourists, which usually only provide a snapshot of a locale’s leading qualities. Instead, consider seeking direction from:

• Travel nursing recruiters
• Fellow travel nurses and other healthcare professionals
• Online discussion forums

From there, narrow down your search to states that allow nurses to practice with a multistate license in a contract known as the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). To date, 38 of the 50 states allow for this, as well as two U.S. territories. 

#2. Secure Licensure and Certifications

Licensure may seem tricky for travel nurses who bounce between Baltimore and Boise, but it’s actually much less complicated than you might think: You must obtain (and maintain) licensure in the state of your permanent residence and, again, accept assignments that are part of the NLC.

Don’t see the state you’re intent on experiencing? You might be in a position to apply for a state-specific license (a process that may take some time), or, in some states, apply for an expedited track to a temporary license. Our nursing licensure resource can help guide you on what is needed for your travel nursing journey.

Additionally, like all nurses, you typically must hold up-to-date certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS). However, if you’ve obtained other certifications, such as your Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), highlight it on your travel nurse resume. It may help you stand out from the competition. 

#3. Organize Important Documents and Certifications

There are few things more terrifying than finding yourself stranded in an unfamiliar city without proper documentation. To this end, ensure you have copies of your:

• Driver’s license, social security card, and/or passport
• Immunization records
• Medical records and clearances
• Certifications and licenses

#4. Prepare Yourself Financially for Travel Nursing Assignments

Fact: Contracts can fall through. 

This can leave you in a pickle— without the paycheck you were planning to use for bills and other expenses. 

With this in mind, consider holding off on accepting your first travel nursing assignment until you have enough money saved up to manage a canceled agreement.

#5. Plan Your Housing and Accommodations 

Depending on the travel nursing agency you work with, this tip may be relatively easy to achieve. This is because some travel nursing recruiting agencies offer housing assistance . Still, it may be to your benefit to explore listings on sites such as:

• Furnished Finder
• Transplant Housing

#6. Understand Contract Terms and Conditions

One of the greatest advantages of travel nursing is that it allows you to determine which months of the year you’d like to work (and, oftentimes, where ), but it’s vital to understand precisely what you’re getting into before signing a legally binding agreement.

This is where it’s especially helpful to have a recruiter by your side. They can walk you through the terms—such as the length of your assignment, your shifts, your duties, and your pay rate—and assist you with negotiations.

Handling it all on your own? Be sure to also negotiate travel expenses, benefits, and reimbursements. 

#7. Pay Mind to the Details

How to prepare for first travel nurse assignment well also boils down to focusing on the particulars, including:

• Creating a plan that addresses how you are going to get to the location of your assignment, whether that entail a road trip or plane ride
• Packing the essentials, including attire to sport on your off days
• Learning about the location

Lastly, to make your first travel nursing assignment (as well as those to come) the most rewarding, create a list of your expectations and goals while you’re on assignment. Then, strive to meet them. 

Fulfill Your Travel Nursing Dreams with Host Healthcare

Travel nursing is an incredibly unique occupation that enables nurses to pack up their skills—literally—and offer care to patients in cities across the country. Nonetheless, a fair amount of trepidation is understandable and even expected before your first assignment. By following the steps outlined above, you can embark on your first travel nursing adventure with confidence. And Host Healthcare can help. 

At Host Healthcare, we pair nurses with dedicated recruiters who provide exclusive access to thousands of healthcare jobs in cities all over the United States. Plus, we have your back every step of the way, taking care of paperwork, negotiations, housing, benefits, and more so that you can focus on making the most out of your experience. 

Apply now to kickstart your travel nursing career into first gear!

“Nursing Compact States.” NurseJournal , 20 Dec. 2023, nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-compact-states/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2023. 

“How to Become a Travel Nurse.” ANA , 18 May 2023, www.nursingworld.org/resources/individual/how-to-become-travel-nurse/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2023. 

Faubion, Darby. 50 Useful Travel Nursing Tips for First-Timers in 2023 , Nursing Process, www.nursingprocess.org/travel-nursing-tips.html. Accessed 20 Dec. 2023. 

Yang, Y. Tony, and Diana J. Mason. “Covid-19’s Impact on Nursing Shortages, the Rise of Travel Nurses, And …” COVID-19’s Impact On Nursing Shortages, The Rise Of Travel Nurses, And Price Gouging , Health Affairs, 28 Jan. 2022, www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/covid-19-s-impact-nursing-shortages-rise-travel-nurses-and-price-gouging. Accessed 20 Dec. 2023. 

Morris, Gayle. “6 Tips for Negotiating Your Travel Nurse Contract.” NurseJournal , 14 Jan. 2023, nursejournal.org/articles/travel-nurse-contract-negotiations/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2023. 

Hannah Wilson

Registered Nurse Years of Experience: 10 Specialties: PreOp & ICU: Medical/Surgical, Burn & Medical/COVID

Hannah stated her nursing career 10 years ago, going straight to the ICU as a new grad. She spent 6 years primarily in Medical/Surgical ICU before traveling with Host Healthcare from Jan 2020 – July 2021. During her time as a travel nurse, she worked in the Burn ICU and Medical/COVID ICU. She has since spent over 2 years in PreOp before recently stepping away from bedside.

More Categories

• Company Culture
• Healthcare News
• Industry Tips
• Travel Guides
• Travel Nurse
• Travel Therapy
• Traveler Benefits
• Workforce Solutions

A truly comfortable travel healthcare experience

You might also like.

COVID-19 Resurgence and Policy Changes: What the CDC Says vs. Your Facility

As a travel nurse, you’re likely aware of the latest COVID-19 resurgence data from the CDC, highlighting an increase...

STNA vs CNA: Comparing Roles and Salaries

Are you considering a travel career as a nursing assistant but confused about the titles STNA and CNA? To...

How to Become a Traveling CNA

Looking to get more out of our CNA career but not sure how to become a travel CNA? No...

Start Your Journey Today

Got questions we’ve got answers..

Chat Email Give Us A Call

By continuing to use our website, you are consenting to Cookies being placed on your device. If you do not want Cookies placed on your device, we suggest you exit our website

20 Tips for a First Time Travel Nurse

Table of Contents

#1: strategize to get organized.

When you begin your travel nurse adventure, you must first make a plan. Before you say adieu to your staff job, there are a few key things to consider.

First, get all your paperwork together. This includes immunization records, physicals, and nursing licenses. Have your certifications, like Basic Life Support, up to date. Bring copies of necessary documents with you on your first day. You’ll want an updated list of references, and can earn bonus points for letters of recommendation, which speak to your nursing capabilities of why you’d make a great travel nurse. These letters can be from previous employers or from professors you had as a nursing student.

Health Insurance

Think about health insurance. Will you carry your own policy, be a dependent on your spouse’s, or take the travel company’s insurance? Ask your travel nursing agency for a summary of benefits offered. Health Carousel Travel Nursing offers premier benefits to travel nurses to support your health, wealth, career and life. The upside of carrying your own insurance is that you don’t have to work consistently to maintain coverage. Some companies allow you to keep insurance for weeks after an assignment ends or if you take another assignment with them. Some companies revoke it the moment you fall below the required number of working hours.At Health Carousel Travel Nursing you need to have your next travel nurse assignment booked before you end your current assignment in order to keep benefits between assignments. Your new travel nurse assignment also has to start within 28 days of when you end your last assignment. 

Additionally, make sure any prescription medications are filled, and your doctor’s appointments are up to date. This is helpful to do before your insurance changes.

When it’s time to interview with the facility, ask questions! You can inquire about patient ratios, scheduling requirements, floating policies, and communicate any days off you’ll need.

Sign your contract before taking off to your assignment. Make sure it clearly states the following:

• How many hours per week and what shifts you will work.
• The length of the contract, with specific start and end dates.
• Specific days off (if requested).
• Holiday, overtime, and shift differential rates.
• What happens if the contract falls through? Will you be reimbursed if the hospital unexpectedly cancels your contract?
• Travel stipends and gas/mileage reimbursement.
• Benefits offered and requirements to maintain them.
• Base pay rate.
• Meals and incidentals/lodging stipend.

Ask your recruiter for any clarifications before signing the contract.

#2: Be Flexible

Of course you have dreams of where you see yourself, and your skills likely prove it! However, it’s advised that new travel nurses be flexible on their very first assignment. Travel nursing is a career all on its own, and comes with certain soft skills such as quick turn around times and adaptability. The more practice you have adjusting to new facilities and tackling onboarding requirements, the more outstanding your resume will become. Many hospitals require that travelers have prior travel nurse experience. After you get your foot in the door you can be more selective.

#3: Choose a Comfortable Housing Option 

Do not go for the cramped under-the-stairs cupboard room or hideously tiny in-law suite in lieu of a comfortable residence. Creature comforts are vital when you’re far away from home. It’s easier to feel refreshed after a hard shift when you can sleep in a comfortable bed with A/C or heat (depending on the season). It helps travel nurses maintain the mental stamina needed for sticking out any assignment, especially the tough ones. Do what makes sense for your finances, while also considering how much your living environment will affect you both mentally and physically.

#4: Take a Test Drive Before Starting Your First Assignment

Whether you’re biking, driving, or taking public transportation, it’s advisable to always make a test run to work before your first day. Ideally, you will want to arrive at your new location a few days ahead of time or earlier to settle in. Then calculate how far the facility is from your residence, and plan to wake up early to practice the commute. 

Be sure to make a test drive later for night shift because rush hour traffic can significantly alter travel times. It’s helpful to know where the parking lot or transit station is, and how long it takes to walk to your unit or facility. 

It might seem “extra,” but it’s a travel nurse tip many swear by.

#5: Prepare for Your Pets

Traveling and housing a pet is possible as a travel nurse. You’ll want to take care of a few extra things before you leave with your furry bff.

If driving, make a trial run with your pet. Perhaps a weekend or overnight getaway, either to a pet friendly hotel or a campsite (depending on your pet’s preference). 

Lots of travelers adventure with their furry friends. Dogs and cats alike are great companions on the road. Talk to your vet about how to travel with your pet. Make sure your pet is equipped to handle a long car ride. If you’re flying, look up pet friendly airlines.

A Note on Cats in Cars:

Many cats enjoy lounging and gazing out the car window. Get a soft and/or hard carrier to easily transport your cat. It’s important to stop at least every 3 hours to offer food, water, and the litterbox, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Use a small box for a makeshift litter box and set it up with water/food in a larger hard plastic crate. However, some pets may be too stressed to use the litter box or eat in transit. Just be sure to set up your cat’s essentials immediately at your hotel or wherever you stop for the night.

#6: Take Care of Your Home Logistics

With a little organization and planning, this task can be done efficiently.

Enlist a family member, friend, or roommate you can trust to check and store your mail. If you are leaving a roommate with an empty room, you can use that as storage so you have less to take on the road.

Many travel nurses invest in a storage unit in their home city or state. You can also sell your big items on Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up, and Craigslist in a fairly short time period. Keep the bare minimum, and travel for longer.

Consider if you will rent out your current place. If you rent it out, make sure to plan for how long you want to be away from home. Furnished Finders is a good place to find other travel nurses, who can rent your home for a few months. Then you will still have a place to return to after your assignment is complete. 

If you continue to pay rent, think about the utilities, internet, and other monthly costs. You will have to call your providers to suspend or cancel services if you live alone. Have a friend or family check on your place every couple of weeks.

#7: Pack Smart

Don’t let your belongings own you. It’s better to rent a surfboard when you’re living near the ocean than lugging one halfway across the country. Renting large recreation items is more ideal than lugging a ton of suitcases and boxes. With places like REI nationwide, you can rent things like camping gear and recreation equipment anywhere.

Consider the length of your travel assignment, and pack accordingly. Make a list of what you use regularly and what you don’t. Think about your daily routine, on work days and non-work days. You can also try a packing-list generator to help organize your mind. There are also apps available, like Pack Point, which help travel nurses pack for their next assignment.

Think about your typical work week. Bringing two week’s worth of work clothing is a great idea in case you get exhausted from rotating shifts or miss laundry day. 

Make do with less. Don’t let your belongings make it harder to get to your destination. Remember: you can always buy something you forgot, or get it shipped.

Pack important documents, a laptop, your favorite non-work clothes, a watch, and prescription medications. You may want to bring a printer. It’s not necessary, but some facilities require certifications printed out, and it’s easier to have your own than find a UPS store at times.

#8: Plan Your Housing

Great options for travel nurse housing include Airbnb, Furnished Finders, Landing, and even Craigslist. Another option is extended-stay hotels. Make sure where you live has everything you need (especially if you’re bringing pets). Confirm with your housing provider what appliances are provided, so you’ll know what to bring. Following these helpful travel nurse housing tips will provide valuable insights when searching for safe and convenient accommodations during your nursing assignment.

If you aren’t comfortable finding your own housing, your travel recruiter is there to help you. Most travel agencies provide housing, including Health Carousel Travel Nursing. In rural locations, it can be a challenge to find something suitable to your needs with less options available. Utilize your company’s provided housing to make it easier, especially as a first-time travel nurse.

A nice way to find a place that has internet and utilities already set up is with Airbnb, Furnished Finders, and Landing. When your agency provides housing, you’ll usually need to at least set up the internet. This is reimbursable as long as it’s listed in your contract.

Find a place that is furnished, with desired amenities, and in a location that is near enough to your travel nurse assignment. Do your own research for housing prices in the area. The benefit of finding your own housing is that you can select a spot suited to your tastes, and pocket any extra housing stipend. It’s also perfectly alright to take your company’s free housing.

#9: Do Your Research

When selecting a travel nurse company, set aside a few hours to look up reputable travel agencies. Check reviews. Places to look include glassdoor, travel nurse websites, or the travel nurse community on nurse.org. Ask friends who are planning to travel or who are already traveling which agencies they like. 

Don’t forget to research some hospitals and locations. If you have your heart set on a city, state, or hospital, look up information that’s relevant. It’s important to know what to expect. You can also find blogs or Reddit discussions about different states and cities, and get the insider scoop on lifestyle.

#10: Ask Questions to Other Travel Nurses

Are there other travel nurses at your current facility? Ask them out for a coffee after your shift, and pepper them with questions! It’s fun to know where they enjoyed working, which cities were their favorites, and why.

Some questions to ask include:

• How did you find housing? 
• Which travel company are you using? 
• Did you bring your car? 
• What did you wish you didn’t bring?
• How much time off did you plan in between assignments? 

Having a veteran traveler’s input is similar to a doctor’s expert opinion. It puts your research into a real-life perspective, and can help you visualize realities of a travel nurse experience. You can also make note of what pitfalls to avoid.

You can find other travel nurses on social media. Facebook groups and Tik Tok have loads of travel nurses willing to talk shop.

#11: Arrive Early on Day One

Arrive early to make a great first impression. Fifteen minutes early is a good amount of leeway for any unforeseen delays. Give yourself extra time to navigate a new hospital, find the break room, and show up prepared.

Pro tip: If you’re up for it, bring a jar of pens for the unit. Nurses love pens. Attach a note, introducing yourself as a new travel nurse. It’s a great way to stand out–and make coworkers familiar with your name.

#12: Understand Your New Work Environment

As you enter a brand new work culture, avoid making assumptions. Ask a lot of questions. 

It’s helpful to bring a small notebook you can tuck into your scrub pocket, to jot down the break room codes or important extensions. Observe the flow of how nurses structure their day. Some units emphasize certain tasks, and it’s important to make note of this.

Tips for navigating your new work environment:

• Never feel bad for asking questions. 
• Be willing to help when you can. 
• Introduce yourself to new work colleagues.

It may be daunting, but have confidence in your abilities.

#13: Be Ready to Show Off Your Skills

Before you start your new travel assignment, you’ll have a (sometimes lengthy) onboarding checklist. It’s important to be realistic but confident when answering questions on skills checklists.

When you’re on the floor, you may feel the exacting eyes of other coworkers watching you. This can be stressful and might shake your confidence.

There is sometimes a hesitation to show your skills in a new place. Once you are off orientation and trained on processes, don’t be afraid to jump in and help. Your coworkers will see your strengths and welcome you as a member of the team.

#14: Don’t Take Things Personally

Don’t take things personally. Try to set your ego aside. Think about your tasks at hand, the patients and families you are helping, and how you’re great at your job. That’s why you got this travel nurse position!

#15: Have a Positive Attitude

Inevitably something will go wrong–it’s hospital nursing, after all. However, having a positive attitude attracts others to help you in challenging situations. You’ll appear more confident, which will make you more friends in the long run.

#16: Ask Questions

Almost every nurse will tell you they appreciate the nurses who ask questions more than those who think they know everything. This is crucial as a traveler. Of course, you know how to be a nurse, but if something seems off or you have a question about the way a procedure is done at that facility, definitely reach out. 

Print out the facility’s policy first. Then ask another nurse, the charge nurse, or resource nurse, for guidance. This shows initiative, which will build trust with your coworkers. It’s a great way to build a good rapport with your coworkers quickly, which is essential as a travel nurse.

#17: Keep In Contact With Your Recruiter

Whether it's about your contract or the facility, don’t hesitate to connect with your recruiter. Recruiters help you prep for interviews, obtain new state licenses, and will provide the information for your first day instructions. They have valuable insight on what other travelers did for housing in your location.

Your travel nurse recruiter wants to help you succeed on your first travel assignment. And even if it’s your second, third, or tenth travel contract–there are always questions in a new workplace setting.

It may seem awkward at first. However, know that your recruiter is there for you and it’s important to be in contact. They may have updates about your contract or licenses, and want to make sure your assignment is going great. Some of them have even worked in healthcare before, sometimes as travel nurses themselves.

#18: Don’t Forget to Make Friends!

Connect with other travel nurses or coworkers in your unit. Join the conversation when nurses are talking about something that interests you. Seek out similarities.

A few tips for making friends fast : 

• Learn people’s names, and use them! 
• Make it a point to say good morning and goodbye. 
• Ask if anyone else needs anything–when you go to the cafeteria to get food or drinks, or when you’re in the supply room.
• Suggest after-work drinks or coffee.
• Bring food to work.
• Join an event the hospital is planning. For example, if you like to stay active, hospitals often have charity runs or triathlons. Check the company’s webpage for upcoming events.
• Start conversations at lunch and ask coworkers about themselves.

#19: Explore Your New Town

There is likely a ton to explore in your new travel nurse locale. Most cities, big and small, have great coffee shops, bookstores, and restaurants. Look up a local cultural event and attend! Ask other nurses what they like to do in the area. Then invite them to an outing together.

Better yet, explore on your own! It’s exciting to uncover hidden gems of a new place by yourself. Take yourself out to dinner and enjoy the ambiance, or head out for a hike and embrace the beauty of nature.

#20: Think About Your Next Assignment

It’s really never too early to think about your next assignment . One thing to keep in mind is extending your current one! Most contracts are about 13 weeks. After about 4-8 weeks, think about if you’d like to stay longer. Are you vibing with your coworkers? Do you absolutely love the patient population? If so, talk to your recruiter about extending.

Write down a budget. You may be able to take time off to visit loved ones or exotic places. It’s easy to go a little crazy and splurge on expensive sunglasses or luxury dining, especially when you suddenly have an influx of cash. Yet, if you budget well during your first travel assignment, you can set yourself up for financial freedom down the line.

If you want to explore a new city or facility, then talk to your recruiter about your next travel nurse assignment. They will update you on available roles that you qualify for, so you can get all the appropriate documentation. Fortunately, the NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact) has made 37 states compact, with a couple states pending. You can practice in any of those states with a single license, as long as you have permanent residency in one of those states.

Talk with a recruiter who is helpful, reliable, and transparent at Health Carousel Travel Nursing . Recruiters at Health Carousel Travel Nursing value your flexibility, preferences, and time. It’s the best way to begin your travel nursing career.

How Do I Know If I’m Ready For My First Travel Assignment?

Make sure to have at least two years experience of nursing under your belt. Do you feel like you can navigate your health care facility effectively? When you feel comfortable and confident in your role, you’re likely ready to embark on your first travel nurse assignment.

Katie Taibl (pronouns: she/they) is a registered nurse and freelance nurse writer. She has adventured from coast to coast as a travel nurse. Currently, she resides in Boston with her partner and three cats. In her free time, she enjoys time outdoors and teaching kids therapeutic surfing as a surf instructor.

GET STARTED IN

Land your dream job faster when you travel with us. Get started with top local and national travel nurse jobs in On Demand.

Similar Posts

Travel nursing job interviews: a comprehensive guide, top 5 questions to ask your travel nurse recruiter, a comprehensive guide to travel nursing for new nurses, view top jobs in.

Search, apply and be the first in line for your dream job today.

Apply to Top Jobs in

Get Started in

Take Control of Your Career with