How many years of experience do I need to become a Travel Nurse?
Most jobs require 1 – 2 years experience. Part of the reason for that is hospitals want to be sure you are more than comfortable in the specified modality and can operate in a relatively self sufficient manner right away.
Are benefits available for travel nurses?
Yes
- Health
- Dental
- Vision
- Disability
- 401K
How can I improve my chances of getting the assignment I’m interested in?
- Speed, speed, speed
- Submitting in the first 12 hours of a job posting increases your chances by more than 20%
- That means have your skills assessment completed asap, provide copies of your certifications proactively, make sure your resume focuses on your skills and has no unexplained gaps.
What is the usual length of a contract assignment for travel nurses?
13 – 26 weeks usually.
How many times will I be able to extend my contract?
A maximum of 4 times if they are 13 week contracts within a year. This is for tax purposes. If you stay longer than one year, you are considered by the IRS as having moved permanently to that location and therefore no longer qualify for the tax free Travel Stipend. Income after a year is therefore fully taxable.
What sort of orientation will I receive?
Orientation is usually 1 – 2 days depending on the facility.
What are the license requirements for travel nurses?
Travel nurses must hold a valid nursing license in the state where they will practice or hold a Nursing Compact Multistate license which is usable in states that are a part of the Compact agreement.
Currently 41 states are a part of the licensing compact.
How are travel and lodging accommodations managed for travel nurses?
Nurses make their own travel and lodging arrangements which are paid for via the stipend included in their contract. HPA Healthcare will provide access to recommendations when possible. Check out our housing and travel page for more information.
How is pay broken down into taxable and non-taxable components for travel nurses?
- Weekly pay via direct deposit.
- Combination of taxable wages and non-taxable stipends for housing and meals. The job descriptions posted usually include the stipend in the weekly pay amount listed.
What is the maximum distance a travel nurse can be from a facility to work there as a traveler?
- Varies by client. Usually you must be at least 50 miles from the facility to qualify for the tax free stipend
- Some clients will take local applicants but compensation becomes fully taxed in those instances
What does malpractice insurance coverage look like for travel nurses?
HPA Healthcare carries comprehensive liability coverage for nurses with pre-determined liability limits.
How does HPA Healthcare handle unforeseen challenges or emergencies that may arise during a travel nurse's assignment?
We are available 24/7 to handle any challenge that may arise.
What happens if I break a travel nurse contract?
If a contract is broken, you should be aware that this can cause you as a traveler to be placed on a “Do Not Return” list by the hospital system and / or with our agency. This is because terminating a contract hinders the hospital’s ability to provide patient care in the way they need to and can lead to financial impact for the hospital and our agency. Should you need to cancel a contract, it’s imperative that you discuss the matter with your HPA Clinician Partner as early as possible to work through any possible resolutions that might be suitable for you and the hospital alike.
Why am I asked to securely provide information such as my date of birth or my social security number?
This is to verify employment eligibility and for the hospital to check whether or now you are already known to them and if you are eligible for possible rehire.
How does HPA Healthcare promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within its travel nursing programs?
HPA Healthcare is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for all travel nurses, implementing policies and practices that promote equity, cultural competence, and respect for all, aligning with our mission to build trust between healthcare providers and patients.