I Got A Travel Assignment! …So Now What?
You did it…you landed that travel nurse assignment my friend! Congratulations…I’m so happy for you!!! So now what? Don’t be frazzled…I got you! Here is the checklist that I use to prepare for each travel nurse assignment.
1. Contract
Once you secure a contract with a hospital, make sure your contract lists everything that you, the recruiter, and the hospital agreed upon, e.g. the start and end dates, the stipend and hourly pay, your requested time off, etc. If you have any questions and/or if there is something in the contract that you did not agree to, do not sign it until everything in the contract is correct and crystal clear to you! SN: Once you sign the contract, ALWAYS keep a printed copy with you at all times…even on the unit.
2. Compliance
Get ready to receive numerous texts, phone calls and/or emails from the healthcare agency’s Credentialing Specialist. Each hospital has a list of required tasks that you will need to complete prior to starting the assignment, e.g. a drug test, physical exam, vaccination(s), labs and/or paper work, just to name a few. Make sure that every task is complete and up-to-date. If not, the Credentialing Specialist will definitely remind you, over and over again.
3. Housing
I search for “short-term furnished rentals” [input the city] in Google. I also search on the Furnished Finder webpage, and the NICU Travel FB group for available rentals and safe locations/areas. You could also stay at hotels that offer extended stay and travel-nurse discounts. Ask your healthcare agency about the hotels that they are affiliated with and the discount code for that specific hotel. SN: Most rental properties require a deposit on the front-in. Therefore, be mindful of your spending and save up ahead of time.
4. Transportation
How are you getting to your assigned location? Book a flight, drive, or ship your vehicle?
Flights: Always go incognito to search for flights, when using Google flights, Expedia flights or Skyscanner.
Drive personal vehicle: Make sure to get your vehicle serviced prior to leaving home for an out-of-town assignment.
Auto transporting: I have used Easy Auto Ship, and Montway services to transport my vehicle from my home to my assigned destination. Recently, I discovered that there’s an Amtrak Auto Train in Sanford, FL, which transports passengers and their vehicle at the same time. This train is an overnight route between Lorton, Virginia (Washington, DC area) and Sanford, Florida (Orlando area) and includes on-board amenities, e.g. WiFi, a cafe, sleeper car option, etc.
5. Packing
UGH!!! My very least favorite part about traveling is the packing! You should obviously pack for the season. I’m learning to pack less clothes and personal items, since I always come back home with more clothes from shopping. I usually pack two large suit cases with clothes and shoes, including my hospital scrubs. In addition, I pack a backpack and bring a crossbody purse. When flying to the assigned destination, I would bring all of these items to the airport, and check-in the two large suitcases. Other items like toiletries, blankets, and household products are usually packed away in my vehicle to be shipped.
Did this help? Do you have any suggestions? Go to my Freebie page to get a free printable checklist once you subscribe to NFT!
