First Time Travel Nurse Checklist 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Starting your first travel nursing assignment is exciting—and overwhelming. There’s so much to prepare that it’s easy to miss important steps. This comprehensive checklist covers everything from initial preparation to your first day on the unit.

Before You Start: Am I Ready?

Before diving into the logistics, honestly assess if you’re ready for travel nursing:

Minimum Requirements

• 1-2 years of experience in your specialty (most facilities require this)
• Active RN license in good standing
• BLS certification (current)
• Specialty certifications (ACLS, PALS, NRP as required)
• Comfortable working independently (limited orientation)
• Flexible and adaptable to new environments

Financial Readiness

• 3+ months of expenses saved (for deposits, first month before paycheck)
• Good credit score (for housing applications)
• No major financial obligations that require you to stay put

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Phase 1: Licensing & Credentials (Start 2-3 Months Before)

Nursing License

• Check if your state has a compact license
  • If yes, you can work in 40+ compact states with one license
  • If no, you’ll need individual state licenses for each assignment
• Apply for compact license if eligible ($150-300)
• Research license requirements for your target states
• Order additional license verification (some states require this)

Certifications to Gather

• BLS (American Heart Association preferred)
• ACLS (for most acute care)
• PALS (if working with pediatrics)
• NIHSS (for stroke centers)
• Specialty certifications (CCRN, CEN, etc.)
• Any facility-specific requirements

Documentation Checklist

• Nursing school transcripts (official copies)
• Employment verification for past 2 years
• Professional references (2-3 supervisors)
• Skills checklist (completed and signed)
• Physical exam (within 12 months)
• TB test or chest X-ray (within 12 months)
• Immunization records (Hep B series, MMR, Varicella, Flu)
• COVID vaccination records (check facility requirements)
• Drug screen (10-panel, typically done per assignment)
• Background check consent
• Driver’s license (current, will need for credentialing)
• Social Security card (for I-9 verification)
• Professional headshot (for badges)

Pro Tip: Create a digital folder with scanned copies of everything. You’ll need to upload these repeatedly.

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Phase 2: Choosing Your Agency (1-2 Months Before)

Research Agencies

• Read reviews on travel nursing forums and social media
• Talk to other travelers about their experiences
• Compare benefits (health insurance, 401k, housing support)
• Check pay transparency (do they show bill rates?)

Apply to 2-3 Agencies

• Complete applications (have documents ready to upload)
• Interview recruiters (they work for you, not vice versa)
• Ask key questions:
  • What is the bill rate for positions?
  • What happens if my assignment is cancelled?
  • What are the guaranteed hours?
  • How quickly can I get credentialed?
  • What clinical support is available 24/7?

Evaluate Job Offers

• Use a pay calculator to compare take-home pay
• Factor in cost of living at the assignment location
• Read the contract carefully before signing
• Understand cancellation policies
• Confirm orientation details (length, pay rate)

Resource: Use our Travel Nurse Pay Calculator to compare offers.

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Phase 3: Tax Home & Financial Setup (Before First Assignment)

Establish Your Tax Home

This is CRITICAL for receiving tax-free stipends legally.

• Understand tax home requirements:
  • Maintain a permanent residence
  • Return to it regularly (at least once per year)
  • Duplicate expenses (paying for housing in two places)
• Document your tax home:
  • Lease or mortgage in your name
  • Utility bills
  • Voter registration
  • Driver’s license address
  • Vehicle registration
• Consult a travel nurse tax professional

Financial Accounts

• Open a separate savings account for taxes
• Set aside 25-30% of taxable wages for taxes
• Update direct deposit information with agency
• Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees (for travel)
• Set up expense tracking for tax deductions

Insurance & Benefits

• Enroll in agency health insurance or verify coverage
• Check 401k options and employer match
• Consider additional insurance:
  • Professional liability (malpractice)
  • Short-term disability
  • Rental/housing insurance

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Phase 4: Housing (2-4 Weeks Before Start Date)

Housing Options

• Agency-provided housing (convenient but less control)
• Furnished Finder (nurse-focused housing platform)
• Airbnb/VRBO (for short stays or while searching)
• Extended stay hotels (last resort, can be expensive)
• Local Facebook groups for nurse housing

Housing Checklist

• Verify location (commute time to facility)
• Check reviews and verify legitimacy
• Understand lease terms (match your contract length)
• Document condition on move-in (photos/video)
• Set up utilities if not included
• Get renter’s insurance

What to Look For

• Furnished (bed, couch, kitchen essentials)
• WiFi included
• Washer/dryer (in unit or on-site)
• Safe neighborhood
• Pet-friendly (if applicable)
• Parking included
• Flexible cancellation policy

Budget Tip: Your housing stipend is based on GSA rates. Check GSA.gov for your assignment location.

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Phase 5: Preparing to Leave (1-2 Weeks Before)

Home Preparation

• Arrange for mail (forwarding or someone to collect)
• Set up bill autopay for home expenses
• Arrange pet/plant care if leaving any behind
• Notify landlord if renting (check lease for subletting)
• Secure your home (timers on lights, notify neighbors)

Vehicle Preparation

• Update car insurance for new location
• Get vehicle serviced before long drive
• Check registration and inspection dates
• Update GPS/maps with route to new location
• Pack emergency car kit

Packing Essentials

Documents (carry in personal bag):

• Nursing licenses
• Certifications
• Driver’s license
• Social Security card
• Insurance cards
• Contract copy
• Assignment details (address, contact info)

Work Items:

• Comfortable scrubs (at least 5 sets)
• Compression socks
• Good nursing shoes (broken in!)
• Stethoscope
• Badge reel/holder
• Pen lights
• Watch with second hand
• Small notebook

Personal Items:

• 2 weeks of clothes
• Toiletries and medications
• Laptop/tablet
• Phone chargers
• Small kitchen kit (if housing isn’t fully stocked)
• Bedding (sheets, pillow—some rentals don’t include)
• First aid kit
• Entertainment (books, streaming devices)

Don’t Overpack: You can buy things you need locally. Focus on essentials.

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Phase 6: Arrival & Orientation (First Week)

Before Your First Day

• Arrive 1-2 days early to settle in
• Drive to the facility (know your route and parking)
• Find nearby essentials (grocery store, pharmacy, gas station)
• Set up your living space
• Get a good night’s sleep

First Day Checklist

• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Bring all required documents (originals)
• Know who to contact (HR, nurse manager, recruiter)
• Dress professionally (scrubs or business casual—confirm beforehand)
• Bring lunch (you may not know where the cafeteria is)
• Have positive attitude (first impressions matter)

Orientation Tips

• Ask questions freely (everyone expects you to)
• Write everything down (unit norms, charting tips, phone numbers)
• Learn the EMR system (Epic, Cerner, Meditech—each is different)
• Introduce yourself to charge nurses and key staff
• Find your “go-to” person for questions
• Learn medication dispensing system
• Review emergency codes and protocols

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Phase 7: First Assignment Success

Week 1 Goals

• Learn unit layout and supplies
• Master the charting system
• Understand patient population
• Build relationships with staff
• Identify unit-specific protocols
• Learn chain of command

Ongoing Success Habits

• Communicate with your recruiter (weekly check-ins)
• Document any issues (late pay, unsafe conditions)
• Track your hours carefully
• Save receipts for tax deductions
• Network with other travelers
• Explore your new location (it’s part of the adventure!)

Red Flags to Watch For

• Unsafe patient ratios (document and report)
• Floating to units you’re not trained for
• Pressure to work off the clock
• Hostility from permanent staff
• Cancelled shifts affecting guaranteed hours
• Any issue with pay or stipends

If Problems Arise: Contact your recruiter immediately. Document everything in writing.

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Quick Reference: Timeline Summary

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Common First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not having enough savings – Expect 3-4 weeks before first paycheck
2. Accepting the first offer – Compare at least 2-3 agencies
3. Not understanding your contract – Read EVERYTHING before signing
4. Ignoring tax home requirements – This can cost thousands in back taxes
5. Overpacking – You’re not moving permanently
6. Isolating yourself – Connect with staff and other travelers
7. Not speaking up – Address problems early with your recruiter
8. Forgetting to enjoy it – You’re getting paid to explore new places!

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Resources for First-Time Travelers

• Travel Nurse Pay Calculator – Compare actual take-home pay
• Best Travel Nurse Agencies 2026 – Agency rankings and reviews
• Understanding Tax-Free Stipends – Tax home requirements
• Travel Nurse Housing Guide – Finding the right housing
• State Pay Guides – Compare pay by state

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You’ve got this! Every experienced travel nurse was once a first-timer. The learning curve is steep, but the rewards—both financial and personal—are worth it.

Questions? Use our pay calculator to evaluate your first contract, or explore our state guides to find your ideal first assignment.