Top Travel Healthcare FAQs for Clinicians

Whether you’re looking to be a travel nurse, travel allied pro, or travel therapist, start by gaining at least a year of recent experience in your specialty. If that’s already you, your next step is finding the right staffing agency and agency (we might be biased, but FlexCare’s a great place to start). A recruiter will help you gather documents, guide you through licensing, and make sure you’re ready to submit when the right opportunity opens up.

Most facilities require 1–2 years of recent specialty experience before taking on travelers. Your recruiter can explain the exact requirements by role. 

You’ll typically need a full year of experience first, based on your specialty and desired location(s). Around month ten, start prepping your docs so you're ready to roll at month twelve. 

It depends—but the most competitive jobs (think top pay or dream locations) can disappear within hours. To boost your chances, have your profile and documents ready to go so you’re ready to apply the moment something great opens up. 

13 weeks is the norm, but 8, 10, and 26-week contracts are common based on census and staffing needs.

Each offer includes a clear breakdown of hourly pay, tax-free stipends, OT, and any deductions—so you can compare apples to apples. 

Yes! Most travelers choose the tax-exempt housing stipend, but corporate housing is available in some cities. 

Absolutely! Be sure to begin housing research early though. 

With FlexCare, you receive generous medical, dental, and vision packages, along with a 401(k) match. We've got you covered. 

Definitely. Talk to your recruiter about extensions 4–6 weeks out, or line up your next destination before this one ends. 

Depends on your specialty, but no need to stress. Our compliance team helps with timelines and paperwork.

A compact license allows you to practice in multiple states without reapplying. Less paperwork, more options! For more information, visit the official Nurse Licensure Compact website. 

It really depends on the facility, but as a traveler, you can expect to hit the ground running on your first shift. Luckily, we make sure you’re ready to go.

Reach out to your recruiter—they’ll help you navigate the situation and will loop in Clinical Services or other support as needed. 

Get to know your surroundings quickly, take a self-defense class in your new location, and have a support system.

Bring: 

• One week of scrubs
   
• Your clinical essentials 
   
• A first-night kit (linens, toiletries) 
   
• Backup copies of your docs

Travel-savvy clinicians love apps like: 

1. ShiftLife for scheduling 

2. Google Maps for navigation 

3. Expensify for budgeting 

4. MyFitnessPal and Calm for wellness

Staying grounded starts with your routine. Prioritize sleep, hydrate often, and pack healthy snacks for long shifts. And don’t skip your mental health. 

Your recruiter is your go-to from start to finish. No handoffs, no runaround—just consistent, 1:1 support.

Yes! FlexCare’s Referral Program is open to everyone, whether you're a current traveler or not. When your friend completes a qualifying assignment, you’ll both earn a bonus. 

Join our club! Follow us on social, sign up for emails, and message your recruiter anytime in the app.