About Travel Nursing
Your career has no limits as a travel nurse. You decide how long, when, and where to work at any given
time. After completing a typical 13 week assignment, the facility may extend your contract and you can chose to accept
or move on to someplace different. You can travel across the country until you retire, or on and off between permanent
positions. View a few sample facilities.
Travel nursing does not have to mean you have to move. You can be a travel nurse that works within your local area. In this case, a monthly subsidy is provided in place of free private housing. You still enjoy all of the benefits of travel nursing regardless of where you work:
- Live rent-free in your dream destinations
- Build your resume and gain insight on your own abilities
- Earn a great salary and generous bonuses
- Receive all the health benefits of permanent position
- Meet new friends and work alongside top professionals
- Work with the latest technology and learn new skills at the nation's best hospitals
All you need to begin your travel career is 1 year of current acute-care experience and to follow the 5 steps below:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Complete the Application & Checklist
Before you can be considered for employment, you must fill out an application. This application consists of:
- Registration
- Personal Information
- Professional Information
- Work History
- Legal Questions
- Appropriate Skills Checklist
This can take as little as 10 minutes or up to 20 depending upon how much experience you have. We offer four different ways to apply.
Application Review, Reference Check and Initial Credentialing
After you've completed your application and skills checklist MedStaff conducts a series of verifications and background checks to include professional references, verification of licensure, OIG, and GSA background searches. Once this is complete your application is approved and you're on to the next step in process.
Review Positions & Interview
Select Jobs that Interest You
Your personal recruiter will review positions available based on your qualifications and personal and professional interests. Positions can be selected based any number of factors. The most common criterion:
- Pay rate
- Hospital type
- Hospital location
- Unit
- Shift
Specific requirements for each assignment can also be addressed at this time. You select the assignment(s) that you're interested in and we present your profile to the facility/facilities of your choice for consideration.
Facility Review and Interview
The facility reviews your application to determine if they're interested in conducting an interview. The timeframe
from initially submitting your profile for facility review to ultimately being interviewed can range from same-day
or within 2 weeks depending on the facility and severity of need.
The facility will contact you directly for a phone interview. In-person interviews are not
required for any staffing position. The interview is not only an opportunity for the hiring manager to learn
more about you but also your chance to learn more about the facility so be sure to have your interview questions ready. After the interview, the
facility will contact Medstaff regarding the outcome and possible job offer.
Assignment Offer
Accepting an Assignment
Your personal recruiter will contact you to communicate a job offer. If you agree to accept an assignment a contract will be sent to you outlining the terms and conditions of employment with MedStaff. The contract packet will also list the specific items required for employment. Some of the items require preparation so don't delay. Returning the required paperwork in a timely manner with ensure a smooth start to your travel career.
Pre-Hire Requirements
Requirements may vary based on an individual facility's employment practices. MedStaff is obligated to comply with each facility's guidelines. You will be notified prior to starting an assignment of the exact items required. The following are ways we verify your qualifications. Many of these items are universal facility requirements.
Licensure Requirements
You will need to obtain a license to practice in the state to which you are traveling. Licenses can be issued same-day or take up to a few months depending on the state. Therefore, it is very important that you apply immediately upon deciding on a location or accepting an assignment. Don't forget to ask your personal recruiter about licensure reimbursement.
For added efficiency, more and more states are adapting the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) that
satisfies some individual state licensure requirements.
List of participating NLC states and more information.
Exams
- Clinical Competency Exams focused on the clinical specialty in which you will be working are required every 2 years
- Mandatory Education Test is a result of regulatory agency requirements and is to be updated annually
Additional Items
The most common additional items (though there can be more depending on the position) are:
- Physical Examination/PPD
- Criminal History
- Drug Screen
- CPR Certification
Your Assignment
Before You Get There
Housing and basic utility set up will be provided by MedStaff because we want you to concentrate on your job and enjoy the places you visit, not paying bills. Your recruiter will contact you and provide all the details associated with your new living arrangements.
While on Assignment
When you arrive at the hospital you will be under the direct supervision of hospital staff. However, your personal recruiter will always be accessible for support. There is also a 24-hour on-call number in case of off-hour emergencies.
It is also important to request a letter of recommendation at the end of your assignment which will put you ahead of the competition for future positions. After 1 contract is complete, you may take advantage of the unlimited free CEUs offered to MedStaff employees.
Additional Resources and Information
- Frequently Asked Questions on travel nursing
- Traveler Resources for nursing associations and general information
- Contact MedStaff by phone, post, or email
