First Day Checklist for Travel Clinicians
Starting a new assignment can feel like the first day of school all over again. Use this checklist to walk in prepared and ready to shine.
Contact a recruiter1. Security Check-In
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early to park, locate the entrance, and sign in.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID. Many facilities print your badge on the spot.
- Pro tip: Snap a picture of the parking level, so you remember where you parked after a long shift.
2. Badge and Credentials Verification
- Present your professional license or certifications, BLS, ACLS, PALS, or any specialty cards.
- Keep digital copies on your phone or cloud drive for quick reference.

3. Hospital Orientation
- Expect a half-day classroom session covering policies, safety, HIPAA, and HR paperwork.
- You will receive EMR logins and a campus tour. Pay extra attention to supply rooms and cafeteria hours.
4. Department Meet and Greet
- Meet your supervisor, charge nurse, lead therapist, or team lead.
- Share a quick intro: name, background, and one fun personal fact.
- Ask about preferred communication during handoffs.

5. Workflow Walkthrough
- Review staffing ratios, rounding or patient flow schedules, and escalation pathways.
- Get hands-on demos for equipment unique to your department.
6. EMR Training Crash Course
- Whether it is Epic, Cerner, or Meditech, expect a sandbox practice session.
- Bookmark cheat sheets on your phone for quick look-ups at bedside.
7. Policies and Protocols Primer
- Learn code colors, Rapid Response triggers, and medication or supply override rules.
- Clarify the chain of command for common scenarios.

8. Break Room Basics
- Locate the closest microwave, fridge, and coffee station.
- Introduce yourself to other travelers. Networking starts here.
9. Self-Care Stations
- Comfortable shoes, water bottle, and healthy snacks. These items are non-negotiable for a long shift.
- Stretch when you can and pace your hydration.

10. FlexCare Support
- Your recruiter is a quick call or text away for contract or facility questions.
- They are not concierge services, so personal errands like finding pet sitters are outside their scope, but they will always point you to reliable resources inside FlexCare.
Pack-the-Night-Before Checklist
- Government ID
- Professional license and certifications
- Printed onboarding packet
- First day schedule
- Uniform or scrubs that meet facility color code plus a spare set in case of accidents
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
- Meal prep and snacks
- Water bottle and coffee tumbler
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