By Jenni Lundy, Nursing Recruiter at Titan Medical Group
Starting your journey as a travel nurse can feel both exciting and overwhelming! You’re chasing new experiences, new cities, and career growth—but there’s a lot to know before you pack your scrubs and hit the road. If you’re thinking about starting your journey as a healthcare traveler, here are 10 expert-backed tips to help you start strong and stay ahead.
Tips for Starting Your Journey as a Healthcare Traveler:
1. Experience Matters
Before taking the leap, most hospitals want to see at least two years of recent experience in your specialty. This ensures your skills are sharp and that you’re ready to hit the ground running—especially in fast-paced or short-staffed units! Some specialties may even require more.
2. Keep Certifications Current
Your certs are your ticket to landing contracts! Stay on top of expiration dates for certifications like BLS, ACLS, PALS, NIHSS, or specialty-specific requirements (like TNCC for trauma or NRP for NICU). Having updated certs on hand can help your submission move faster.
3. Polish That Resume
A generic resume won’t cut it in the travel world. Make sure yours includes:
- The trauma level of your facility (I, II, III, etc.)
- Unit size (how many beds?)
- Your typical patient ratios
- Charting systems you’ve worked with (Epic, Cerner, Meditech, etc.)
- Any unique skills, awards, or standout experience
These details help hiring managers understand your true scope of practice and make you stand out in a competitive market!
4. Be Patient
The travel job market moves fast, but that doesn’t mean your first contract will be instant. It’s normal to submit to several roles before landing one. Don’t get discouraged!!!! It’s a process, and persistence pays off.
5. Stay Flexible
Every traveler has a non-negotiable—pay, shift, location, start date, or time off. The key is choosing just one and staying flexible on the others. The more open you are, the more options your recruiter can present—and the faster you’ll get placed.
6. Prep Health Docs Early
Start gathering your standard immunization records (MMR, Hep B, Tdap, Varicella, Flu, COVID, etc.). Most agencies will help arrange TB tests, mask fits, and physicals—but having your core records ready will fast-track compliance!
7. Financial Cushion = Less Stress
Once you sign a contract, it might take 2–4 weeks before your start date—and another 1–2 weeks after that for your first paycheck to hit. Having a savings cushion (equal to 2–4 weeks of pay) can help cover travel, housing deposits, and expenses until that first check comes in.
8. Check Your License
Double-check that your state license (or compact license) is active and in good standing. If you’re applying in a non-compact state, you may need to apply by endorsement—and that can take time. Ask your recruiter about the process if you’re unsure.
9. Bring a Positive Attitude
Facilities hire travelers to fill a need, not create one. Being professional, flexible, and easy to work with goes a long way—not just in getting hired, but in getting invited back (or extended). A good attitude is your secret superpower on assignment!
10. Choose the Right Recruiter
Most agencies have access to similar jobs—but your recruiter is the game-changer! Work with someone who’s transparent, communicative, and truly listens to what you want. You don’t need ten recruiters—you need one or two you trust.
At Titan Medical, we believe in building real partnerships with our travelers. Our recruiters (like me!) work closely with each nurse to match the right contract, provide support every step of the way, and cheer you on while you chase this crazy, amazing lifestyle.
Becoming a travel nurse is one of the most exciting decisions you can make in your career. It’s not just about seeing new places. It’s about growing professionally, meeting incredible people, and learning to advocate for yourself in a whole new way. Start smart, stay flexible, and surround yourself with the right team. Your first travel assignment could be just the beginning of something life-changing.
Want help finding your first contract? Let’s chat.
👉 TitanMed.com | @TitanMedicalGroup | 866.332.9600
