Travel Assignment Checklist Guide
Travel work offers flexibility, professional growth, and the opportunity to experience diverse healthcare settings across the country. Whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned contract nurse, preparation is the key to a successful assignment. This comprehensive travel nurse checklist is designed to help you stay organized, compliant, and confident throughout every phase of your journey, from licensing and credentialing to onboarding, specialty readiness, and contract completion.
Use this checklist as a living document to track requirements, anticipate challenges, and ensure you are fully prepared to provide safe, high-quality patient care in any clinical environment.
Pre-Assignment Planning
☐ Confirm active RN license and verify through the state board.
☐ Check Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) eligibility; apply for state endorsement if
needed.
☐ Research destination hospitals and local cost of living.
☐ Review your contract: pay rate, stipends, guaranteed hours, and cancellation policies.
☐ Ask about EMR, orientation length, patient ratios, float policy, and on-call
requirements.
☐ Plan housing arrangements and verify reimbursement policies.
☐ Check local union or facility-specific regulations, if applicable.
*Licensure & Credentialing Documents
☐ Active RN license (single or multistate).
☐ Driver’s License or State ID and Social Security Card or Passport.
☐ Updated résumé and physical exam within 12 months.
☐ TB test, immunization record (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap, Flu, COVID-19).
☐ Current CPR Certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP as applicable.
☐ Specialty Certifications: TNCC, CCRN, etc.
☐ Background check, fingerprint clearance, and 10-panel drug screen*
.Specific requirements per assignment TBD
☐ Completed skills checklist and professional references.
- be sure requirements adhere to the destination hospital
Clinical Readiness by Specialty
☐ Review general competencies: assessment, IV therapy, EMR documentation, infection
control. Check out more in our article 10 Essential Skills for Travel RNs
☐ Brush up on specialty skills (i.e., trauma protocols for ER, ventilators for ICU, fetal
monitoring for L&D).
☐ Revisit sepsis, stroke, and cardiac arrest algorithms.
☐ Update knowledge on specialty pharmacology and high-risk medications.
☐ Review facility’s documentation standards and workflow before starting.
Travel & Logistics
☐ Confirm start date and onboarding schedule with recruiter and facility.
☐ Arrange travel and housing; keep records for reimbursement.
☐ Map commute and parking details; plan to arrive 1–2 days before start date.
☐ Understand pay breakdown: taxable hourly, stipends, bonuses, and OT rates.
☐ Keep emergency savings and budget for initial expenses.
☐ Bring personal essentials: scrubs, stethoscope, trauma shears, ID badge holder,
laptop/tablet.
Continuing Education & Career Development
☐ Track CEUs; most states require 20–30 hours per renewal cycle.
☐ Complete CE in specialty-relevant areas (critical care, maternal-child, leadership).
☐ Maintain and renew BLS, ACLS, PALS, and TNCC on time.
☐ Join professional organizations (ENA, AACN, AMSN, AORN) for networking and
learning.
☐ Consider specialty certification for higher pay and professional credibility.
Physical & Mental Well-Being
☐ Wear supportive shoes and compression gear.
☐ Stay hydrated and bring snacks for long shifts.
☐ Schedule health appointments before travel (dental, primary care, eye exams).
☐ Plan for stress management: peer support, therapy, travel nurse groups.
☐ Set realistic work limits and protect off-time to avoid burnout.
Onboarding & Orientation
☐ Bring photo ID, license, certifications, and immunization proof to orientation.
☐ Meet your charge nurse/manager/unit director, educator, and techs, early.
☐ Locate essential areas: crash cart, medication room, code alert system, and supply
areas.
☐ Review emergency response, float, and documentation protocols.
☐ Take notes on EMR, hospital policies, and unit expectations.
During Your Assignment
☐ Keep open communication with recruiter and charge nurse/manager/unit director.
☐ Track time worked and verify pay accuracy each week.
☐ Document CEUs earned and clinical experiences for your portfolio.
☐ Report safety or staffing issues through proper channels.
☐ Network with colleagues and explore your new city during off days.
End of Assignment & Next Steps
☐ Submit final time and confirm last paycheck.
☐ Return badges, keys, and facility property.
☐ Request written evaluations or letters of recommendation.
☐ Update résumé with hospital, unit type, and specialty experience.
☐ Consider contract extension or apply for next-state license.
☐ Take rest days before next assignment to recover and refresh.
