5 Questions to Ask Your Recruiter When You're New to Travel Healthcare

Travel nursing demand changes all the time. What was booming last quarter might have cooled off, and new opportunities pop up constantly.

Your recruiter should know which cities and states are desperate for your specialty right now—and which ones are paying top dollar because of it. Maybe there's a surge in need for ICU travel nurses in the Southwest, or rehab facilities in Florida are offering killer packages for physical therapists.

This isn't just about the money, though. Knowing where the demand is helps you figure out if you can snag that dream beach assignment or finally spend a few months near family while still getting paid well. Your goals matter here, so speak up about what you're hoping for—whether that's high-paying travel nurse jobs in major cities or assignments closer to home.

Okay, this one's huge. Travel nurse pay and travel healthcare compensation are structured totally differently than staff positions, and if you don't understand it, you could end up confused (or worse, shortchanged).

Your compensation usually includes a taxable hourly rate plus tax-exempt stipends for housing, meals, and incidentals. Those travel nurse stipends? They can seriously boost your take-home pay. But they vary based on where you're working, the facility, and your specific tax situation.

A good travel healthcare recruiter will sit down (or hop on a call) and walk you through every single line item. Your hourly rate, what the stipends actually cover, how overtime works, any sign-on bonuses on the table—all of it. And they should help you compare different travel nursing contracts side by side so you're not just guessing which one's better.

If your recruiter rushes through this or makes you feel silly for asking? Red flag.

Some travel nursing agencies set you up with housing. Others give you a housing stipend and let you do your thing. Both have pros and cons.

Agency-provided housing is super convenient—you show up, your place is ready, done. But finding your own travel nurse housing gives you way more control over where you live, what the vibe is, and honestly, sometimes you can pocket a little extra if you're smart about it.

If you're new to all this, ask your recruiter what they recommend for first-time travel nurses. A solid recruiter will also hook you up with resources—like trusted rental sites, furnished finder options, tips for short-term leases, and how to keep costs down when you're moving between travel assignments.

Every state has its own nursing license requirements. Some require full state licensure. Others participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which makes life easier for travel nurses. And depending on your specialty, there might be extra certifications you need too.

Don't just assume you're good to go. Ask your recruiter point-blank: "What do I need for this assignment, and what's the process?"

A great travel healthcare recruiter will help you plan ahead, walk you through compact nursing licenses if you're eligible, and often reimburse you for state licensing fees and certification costs. Getting this sorted early means your start date doesn't get pushed back because of paperwork. Nobody wants that.

Here's something nobody warns first-time travel nurses about: every hospital does orientation differently. Some give you a solid week of training, charting walk-throughs, and introductions. Others are like, "Here's your login, good luck!"

Your recruiter should give you the real scoop before you arrive. What's the orientation schedule? How do they handle charting and timekeeping? What are the shift expectations? Are travel nurses generally supported here, or are you kind of thrown to the wolves?

Walking in prepared makes all the difference between feeling confident and feeling lost on day one of your travel nursing assignment.