What to Expect Once You Get a Job As a Travel Nurse

If you’re a first time travel nurse, you may think that once you actually get a travel nurse job, the hard part is over.  And it is!  For the most part.  You’ve picked a company, got a recruiter, interviewed with a hospital, and signed a contract!  But what’s next?  Here’s everything that you can expect once you get a job as a travel nurse.

 

Don’t miss…

• Your A-Z Guide to Travel Nursing

 

You’ll Need to… Complete Your Paperwork

Once you’ve signed your travel nurse contract, your company should send you a plethora of emails regarding all of the paperwork you need to complete before your assignment starts.  This includes, but is not limited to…

• I-9 form
• Background screening consent
• RN license information
• Certifications (PALS, BLS, ACLS, NRP, etc)
• Immunization records
• New hire paperwork
• Paperwork required by the hospital

As I mentioned earlier, it’s imperative to make sure you’re sending all of these things in in a timely manner.  For starters, your recruiter/compliance officer doesn’t want to chase you around; and secondly, this will determine whether or not you will be able to start on time at the facility.

 

You’ll Need to… See the Doctor

Another thing you’re required to do before you being your travel nurse assignment, is you’ll be required to see a doctor to make sure that everything checks out and you’re in good health before you start work.  What is usually required, but not limited to is the following…

• A physical checking your vitals, height, weight, eye sight, balance, hearing, etc
• Any vaccines you’re missing (COVID, flu, etc)
• FIT testing
• TB test
• Drug screen

After you’ve become a travel nurse, some of these things like you’re physical and FIT test only need to occur once per year.  I recommend making copies of everything so that if you change companies during the year, you can send your previous paperwork to your new company and you won’t have to repeat the same requirements.

For every assignment, with the exception of an extension, you will need to provide a drug screen.  I’ve also worked at a facility where I was drug tested at my regular appointment, and then was given a drug test on my first day of work.

Your company should be paying for your doctors visit!  If it’s your first time as a travel nurse, make sure that this is covered by the company before starting your assignment.

 

 

You’ll Need to… Take Tests

The third thing that you can expect to happen is that you’ll need to pass a variety of tests before starting work.  This will all depend on which hospital you’re at and what unit you’re working in, but here are some tests you can expect to take…

• HIPAA/OSHA testing
• Medication calculation
• Heart arrhythmia/Interpreting EKGs
• Core exams for your unit

Some facilities require testing before arriving, while some facilities also require additional testing during travel nurse orientation.  If the facility requires testing upon arrival, make sure to clarify whether or not you will be eligible to work at the facility if you fail your test and if you can get study material before arriving.

 

Travel Nurse Essentials

 

When you think about the amount of things that you have to do before starting your travel nurse assignment, it can seem overwhelming at times.  As long as you’re working with a good company, you should be able to reach out for help or anything else that you might need.  Just stay organized, get your stuff done in a timely manner, and make sure to keep all receipts for reimbursement.

 

For next steps, don’t miss:

• 10 Tips for First Time Travel Nurses
• Travel Nurse Health Insurance – What’s the Best Choice For You?
• How to Acclimate to Your New City As a Travel Nurse
• The Best Housing Options for Travel Nurses
• Tips for How to Make Friends As a Travel Nurse
• How to Deal With the Anxiety of Starting a New Travel Nurse Assignment
• Where to Go for Your First Travel Nurse Assignment

---

For more information and inspiration on all things nursing and travel nursing, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinscrubs” or under my highlights for “Nursing” or “Travel Nursing”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Nursing” or “Travel Nursing” highlight

---

 

Pin Me!

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you.  Passports and Preemies is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.