Becoming a Traveling Nurse FAQ
How do I become a traveling nurse?
After you fill out an application, download and print a specialty-specific skills
checklist from our website. You can apply online or by either fax or mail. After
we receive your application and skills checklist, and check your recent supervisor
references, we'll contact you by phone to discuss assignments that meet your interest,
skills and experience.
Where will I be working?
Travel nursing provides the greatest opportunity to experience a variety of facilities
and work environments. Assignments are available everywhere, from large to small
hospitals, and in every region of the country. If you prefer to work at a large
hospital or teaching facility, or enjoy a small community hospital, we'll work to
find an assignment that is the right match for you!
What are the employment requirements?
Our RNs are graduates of accredited healthcare professional programs in the United
States or Canada, and have at least one year of clinical experience. A valid professional
practice license or certification and proof of United States citizenship or worker
documentation are also required for employment.
Does my application create an obligation on my part?
No. The application process is entirely to your benefit. It helps our staffing professionals
determine your qualifications for the widest range of nursing opportunities that
meet your career and travel objectives. We'll work with you, but you are not required
to accept an assignment. Once you accept and complete an assignment, you are not
obligated to accept any future assignments with TG Healthcare, although we think
you'll enjoy those opportunities and our goal is to keep you working in the jobs
you want as long as you want.
Do I have to pay any fees to TG Healthcare?
No. We conduct the job search and discuss those opportunities as a free service
to you as a potential or current travel nursing partner. In fact, if you accept
an assignment, we'll actually help you financially in the move to a new location
and help you secure housing.
Do travel assignments have an impact on my resume?
Yes, travel assignments look great on a resume! This demonstrates the demand for
your professional skills, and reflects your commitment to serving patients. Hospital
administrators and nurse managers understand the importance of the travel nursing
profession, and the broad experience that can be gained through travel nursing will
enhance your resume should you decide in the future to seek a permanent position.
A wide range of professional experience will set you apart from others competing
for your "dream job" after you're traveling.
Should I apply if I am still curious about travel nursing?
Absolutely. You'll never know what opportunities you might be missing if you don't
have a travel nurse staffing professional working on your behalf. The recruiter
will answer your questions and help you prepare for this exciting step in your healthcare
career. Knowledge is power, so use your recruiter as a resource as often as possible.
What about my pay?
TG Healthcare will pay you directly every Friday with a one week delay, by direct
deposit or overnight mail. Your pay rate may vary by assignment, your specialty
and experience. Often hospitals or TG Healthcare will provide a bonus completion
of your assignment. Your TG Healthcare staffing professional will help you fill
in all the details.
Can I earn a bonus for referring a friend or co-worker?
Yes, because many RNs come to the traveling nurse industry based on the referrals
of friends, co-workers or travel nurses who enjoy the positive career experiences
and excellent relationships they have with a travel nursing company. A TG Healthcare
recruiter will be happy to provide you with the details of our referral bonus program.
How long do travel assignments usually last?
A typical travel assignment runs for 13 weeks. However, some assignments may be
as short as 4 weeks, and as long as 26 weeks or more. We'll work with you to find
an assignment that best meets your individual objectives.
Is there a typical type of assignment?
No, and that's the beauty of travel nursing. Every hospital provides a new environment,
new people and new area of the country to experience. There is a broad variety of
assignments and shifts based on specialties and the number of facilities in need
of your service. Best of all, assignments are available nationwide, so you can experience
different climates and personal opportunities as you travel.
When I travel, can I bring my pet?
Absolutely. We'll help you find housing at your travel location. You may be responsible
for a pet deposit and pet rent, depending on location. Please note, most apartments
only allow cats of non-aggressive dogs under 40 pounds. Other housing options can
be found but you should be flexible and willing to pay the deposits.
Do you really help with moving and housing expenses?
Yes. We want to make your travel assignments as worry-free as possible for you.
Talk with your TG Healthcare recruiter about our travel reimbursement program. Once
you accept an assignment, your recruiter will go to work with our corporate partners
to find acceptable accommodations in safe neighborhoods, close to your facility.
How do I benefit from having an assigned staffing professional from TG Healthcare?
Our recruiters stick with you through your time with TG Healthcare, and have years
of experience in healthcare staffing. They have in-depth knowledge of hospital facilities
around the nation and are skilled in matching qualified nurses to the right assignments.
Our recruiters genuinely care about your expectations, long-term career goals and
desired destination. Once your assignment is determined, your recruiter will go
over details with you, including pay rates, bonuses, location and hospital facility.
They will help you answer any questions. The recruiter is your partner in the entire
process, from application to the completion of your assignment. They are your confidant,
advocate and friend.
Will I find the opportunities I want through travel nursing?
Most of the time, you'll be surprised by the variety of assignments available to
fit your qualifications. And our staffing specialists will research additional opportunities
if there are not current listings in or near the location you desire. Your ability
to be flexible will help ensure your expectations be met.
What are the state licensing requirements?
After you express interest in a particular assignment, you will be contacted by
a representative of the hospital for a brief phone interview. Then, when you have
decided to accept the assignment, your TG Healthcare recruiter will advise you on
the specific requirements for the selected state. Most states offer a temporary
license that can be obtained quickly. TG Healthcare reimburses the cost of any license
when taking a TG assignment.
What about housing when I accept an assignment?
TG Healthcare will help you find safe, attractive and furnished housing. We provide
travel reimbursements to defray the expenses of getting to your assignment location.
You can also opt to receive a monthly rent stipend instead of housing. If you want
to pursue your own housing arrangements, talk with your recruiter, as this subsidy
will vary by assignment and location.
Why use the services of a travel nurse staffing firm?
Because we know the healthcare staffing industry. We have extensive experience working
with human resources offices and nurse managers at facilities around the nation,
and we keep track of the most up-to-date listings of career opportunities. Who else
will help you do all this, at no cost or obligation to you? And we keep working
with you through completion of your assignment. TG will be your partner dedicated
to you having a positive experience, while advancing your career. We are in the
business of building people and look forward to helping you achieve your goals!