FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
FOR TRAVEL NURSING JOBS

Thank you for taking the time to visit the Onward Healthcare website. If you are exploring travel nursing jobs for the first time, you may have some questions as to how the process works. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding travel nursing jobs. If you are not able to find your answer or have additional questions, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-278-0332 or info@onwardhealthcare.com.

About Travel Nursing

Why do nurses choose travel careers?
Some choose travel nursing jobs to see different parts of the country, while others choose this route because they will receive better compensation. It depends on the individual, but most travel nurses do it for combination of location, pay, benefits, and professional opportunities.

What are the minimum requirements to become a travel nurse?
You must be a licensed registered nurse with a degree from an accredited healthcare professional program in the United States or Canada and at least one year of hospital experience.

Where can I go as a travel nurse?
With Onward Healthcare, you have the flexibility to travel almost anywhere in the country. We have travel nursing jobs from coast to coast, in small towns and large cities. When you speak with your Onward Recruiter, you'll be able to specify where you'd like to go and we will put forth our best effort to find you the assignment that matches your criteria.

About Onward Healthcare

Is Onward Healthcare certified by the Joint Commission?
Yes, Onward Healthcare has earned Gold Seal of Approval through the Joint Commission’s Health Care Staffing Services (HCSS) Certification Program and thus adheres to all standards and requirements set forth by the Joint Commission regarding the placement of temporary clinical staff.

Am I required to pay Onward Healthcare for their placement services?
No. Our services are completely free to our travel nursing candidates.

How do I become a travel nurse with Onward Healthcare?
Getting started as in a travel nurse career is easy. Just complete our online Travel Nursing Application and one of our experienced recruiters will review your credentials and contact you to discuss the travel nursing jobs available with Onward.

Can I work for Onward Healthcare without traveling?
Yes. Onward Healthcare also offers a form of employment called “local travel,” in which we can place you in a hospital within your geographic region. This allows you to enjoy all the benefits of a traveling nurse job, without leaving your family or the comforts of your home.

About the Application Process

Do I have to fill out an application, or can I just send my resume?
We need more details than a resume can provide in order to assure you meet the criteria required of a travel nurse. Once your Onward Healthcare application is completed, we can get started on compiling a list of ideal travel nursing jobs.

Do I have to accept a job with Onward once I have submitted my application?
No. Your application is simply used to qualify you for employment. However, if you decide to pursue a travel nurse job, this will be all the information we need to submit your profile to a hospital.

How long will it take to approve my application and find me a travel nursing assignment?
Application approval is complete once we have verified your references. You could begin your first travel nurse assignment within one week as long as your documentation is in order and you have a current license in the state to which you're traveling, or you can elect to wait until the time is right for you.

About Travel Nursing Jobs

Do I need to sign a long-term contract in order to work as a travel nurse?
No. Your commitment to Onward only lasts for the length of the particular travel nursing assignment you choose.

How long are travel nurse assignments?
A typical travel nursing assignment is 13 weeks. Shorter term assignments are sometimes available through our Rapid Response Program and longer-term assignments are always an option either by extending at your current facility or working with your recruiter to find a new location.

What shifts are available as a travel nurse?
All of our assignments are for full time (36 or 40-hour) work weeks. We offer shifts ranging from 8, 10 and 12 hours, depending on the facility, and work with hospitals to make sure that you are not floating unnecessarily. Many travel nursing jobs also offer the opportunity to work overtime.

How is my travel nurse assignment determined?
Assuming you have met all the requirements for employment with Onward Healthcare, your personal recruiter will discuss your assignment preferences, career goals and your desired location in order to find the best travel nurse jobs for you. You will then be presented with available options, including details on the facility, unit, shifts, location and pay rate. Once you have determined the position that is right for you, your recruiter will then set up a phone interview between you and the designated contact at the facility. To find out more about this process, visit our Getting Started in Travel Nursing page.

How will Onward Healthcare prepare me for my traveling nurse job?
Once you have accepted your assignment, your Onward Recruiter will confirm your start date, shift, unit and salary. We will send you a package with all the information you will need to start your travel nursing assignment, including information about your accommodations.

Once I’m on my assignment, can I leave if I do not like it?
No. You are obligated to the facility and to Onward Healthcare to complete the travel nurse assignment you have chosen. Once that assignment is complete, you are free to choose any direction in your future career path.

Can I be fired by a facility while I'm on assignment?
Facilities are contractually obligated to you, just as you are to them for the duration of the travel nursing assignment. Only in cases of documented poor behavior can the facility cancel the contract. Your Onward recruiter along with support staff are available to assist you throughout your assignment to ensure that this does not happen.

What happens when my travel nurse assignment is complete?
If the facility offers to extend your assignment, you can elect to sign a new contract and remain there for another predetermined amount of time. If you (or the facility) do not wish to extend your assignment, your Onward recruiter will work with you to find a new list of travel nursing jobs. If you decide that travel nursing is not right for you, then you can part ways and continue your career search on your own.

About the Relocation Process

How do I get to my assignment?
Travel is reimbursed up to a designated amount defined in your assignment agreement. We recommend that you drive your car so you have a means of transportation once you arrive. However if you are traveling to a major city where parking is scarce and public transportation is readily available, you may elect to fly in which case you will also be reimbursed under the same guidelines.

Where will I live while on assignment?
Onward Healthcare offers free, private housing for travel nursing jobs. Premium multi-bedroom apartments are also available for a fee in select locations. To learn more visit our Travel Nurse Housing page.

If I don't require housing, will I receive an increase in pay?
Yes. If you do not require housing or wish to find your own accommodations, you will receive a monthly housing subsidy. The amount varies for each assignment and location.

Do you pay moving costs?
We reimburse miles traveled to and from your tax home, up to the travel cap defined in your assignment agreement. Your reimbursement is based on IRS mileage reimbursement rates.

Can I bring family or friends with me on my assignment?
Yes. Many nurses elect to travel with family, friends or colleagues who are also looking to explore the country. If you request additional accommodations for your companion(s) you may incur a modest fee from our housing department.

If I reside in Onward Healthcare accommodations, are my personal items insured?
No, they are not. Most insurance companies offer short-term, inexpensive renters' insurance that will cover your personal belongings while working on a traveling nurse job. Your Onward Housing Coordinator will help you locate a company if you so choose.

Additional Questions

Does Onward Healthcare offer licensure reimbursement for my assignment?
Onward Healthcare offers licensure reimbursement for select travel nursing assignments based upon your acceptance of the position. For more information, speak to your Onward recruiter.

Does working as a travel nursing professional have any implications for me from a tax perspective?
As with most tax-related questions, it depends on your individual situation. Onward recommends all travel nursing professionals consult a tax advisor to ensure they are properly managing the tax implications of their travel assignments. If you do not have a tax advisor, the following consultant groups specialize in travel healthcare-related tax services: