How to Find the Right Travel Healthcare Assignment
Location, Pay, and Everything In Between
Talk to a FlexCare RecruiterLet’s be honest, there’s no shortage of travel nursing jobs out there. With nearly 2 million healthcare opportunities projected every year through 2033, the demand is greater than ever.
But while jobs are plentiful, the right jobs—those that align with your goals, schedule, and lifestyle—can be competitive. That’s why it pays to be strategic.
There’s where this guide comes in. These steps, all backed by FlexCare nearly two decades of experience, will help you cut through the noise and find your perfect match.
1. Know Your Non-Negotiables
2. Don’t Let High Pay Fool You
3. Check Your License Status
4. Research Facilities Before You Commit
5. Get the Full Pay Packages Breakdown
6. Time Your Assignment with Seasonal Demand
7. Use Smart Job Alerts
8. Choose Housing That Works for You
9. Stay Credentialed and Ready
10. Trust Your Gut—Red Flags Are Real
Know Your Non-Negotiables
What’s a want, what’s a need and what’s a deal-breaker? Think shift preference, housing type, minimum weekly pay, climate, start date, and even distance from your family. Write it all down— it helps!
Understand Pay Packages & Cost of Living
$3,000/week in San Francisco ≠ $3,000 in Alabama. Use a cost-of-living calculator to figure out what that paycheck really gets you.
Pro tip: NerdWallet and Salary.com have great calculators to try out
Check Licensing Early
Got a compact license? Amazing! 41 states and two territories honor it. If you’re looking at California or New York, though, start the paperwork now. It takes a minute.
Look Up Facilities
Before you commit, do a vibe check. Take a peek at U.S. News and World Report, Magnet status, or even Reddit threads. The work environment can make or break your assignment.
Ask around, or just ask us. We ask FlexCare travelers to rate their facility after every assignment, so our recruiter can steer you toward the right fit.
Pay Packages: Get the Receipts
Ask for it in writing. You want the full breakdown – taxable base, stipends, OT, deductions – no mystery math. In states like Illinois and Minnesota, it’s the law.
Time It Right with Seasonal Demand
Winter in the Rockies? Summer by the coast? Hot seasons = high pay. Work the cycle to your advantage.
Set Up Smart Alerts
Download the FlexCare App, set your filters, and let it do the hard work. Real-time alerts beat refresh-scrolling any day.
Choose Housing That Works for You
Stipend, agency housing, AirBnb, RV live – whatever floats your boat and fits the budget. Just know: stipends can affect your taxable income, so weigh your options.
Keep Your Docs Updated
Update your BLS, ACLS, vaccine records, and more in your profile. Fully credentialed travelers get picked first, it’s that simple.
Tap Into Your People
Join Facebook groups, LinkedIn threads, or Reddit communities by specialty. There’s where the real conversation goes on, like which facilities are golden and which units are chronically understaffed.
Gut Check Everything
Even if the pay is great, if something feels off (like weird recruiter vibes, rushed onboarding, unclear policies), pause. Your instincts are there for a reason – trust them.
Ready to Get Moving? Here’s What’s Next:
- Update your FlexCare App profile: Make sure all your info is fresh and ready.
- Set your alerts: Filter by pay, location, specialty. Let the app work for you.
- Apply to at least three solid jobs: The more you apply, the more chances you get.
- Screenshot your offers: Compare a side-by-side so nothing slips through the cracks.
What should I consider before accepting a travel nurse job?
Start with your non-negotiables: shift, location, pay, housing, and licensing. Then compare offers based on cost of living and support from your recruiter.
How can I research a hospital before taking an assignment?
Check U.S. News rankings, Magnet status, and online forums like Reddit and Facebook groups for insider perspectives.
What’s the best way to get notified of new travel nurse jobs?
Use a job alert system like the FlexCare App to get real-time notifications filtered by your preferences.
Can I negotiate my travel nurse pay package?
Yes, especially if you’re credentialed and flexible. Always ask for a full breakdown in writing before committing.
What’s the difference between agency housing and a stipend?
Stipends give you tax-free money to find your own housing. Agency-provided options may be easier but can limit flexibility.