First Day Checklist for Travel Clinicians: What to Expect at Your New Assignment
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 from the Traveler Resource Center 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
Resources You Will Love
- Traveler Resource Center for housing, benefits, and compliance guides.
- Compliance Checklist to keep your documents current.
- Travel Housing Guide for vetted housing tips.
Final Thoughts
The first day sets the tone for your entire contract. Arrive early, stay curious, and lean on FlexCare resources when you have questions. You’ve got this.