Summer is one of the best seasons for travel nursing. Whether you’re chasing sunshine, escaping the heat, or heading to a dream destination, preparing early is key to planning your summer assignments and summer fun. Read on to discover how to prep for a seamless summer assignment, and even squeeze in some vacation time between contracts.
Get Ready for Summer Assignments
Start Your Search Early
Summer contracts fill up quickly. With permanent staff taking time off and patient volume often rising, hospitals turn to travelers to help fill the gaps—especially in high-demand locations.
Start working with your agency at least six to eight weeks before your preferred start date. Let your recruiter know your destination wish list and schedule flexibility. The earlier you’re in the game, the better your chances of landing one of your top-choice destinations.
Work With the Right Agency
When it comes to landing your ideal summer assignment, the agency you choose can make all the difference. The right travel nurse agency won’t just find you a job—they’ll advocate for your preferences, guide you through licensing and onboarding, help secure housing, and be your support system throughout your assignment.
Look for an agency that offers:
- Responsive, knowledgeable recruiters who listen to your needs
- Comprehensive benefits like health insurance, 401(k) options, and continuing education
- Housing support or stipends that match local market rates
- A reputation for transparency and traveler-first policies
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about how they’ll support you before, during, and after your contract. Summer travel is competitive, and having a trusted agency in your corner gives you a serious edge.
Stay in Touch With Your Recruiter
Summer assignments move fast. Staying in close contact with your recruiter and giving them timely responses can help you avoid missing out on your desired assignments. Recruiters often hear about upcoming contracts before they hit job boards—and quick responses can mean the difference between landing your ideal assignment or missing out.
Your recruiter is your inside line to opportunities, housing support, and onboarding help—make sure you’re working as a team.
Be Open to New Locations
Dreaming of coastal views or mountain hikes? You’re not alone—those prime summer spots can be competitive. If you’re open to expanding your search beyond the places you have in mind, you can uncover hidden gems that offer the same excitement and activities you’re craving.
Rural facilities in small towns can pack a big punch. You might find a close-knit community, unique clinical experiences, and lower costs of living—all while being surrounded by nature, outdoor adventures, and local charm that’s just waiting to be explored on your days off.
Craving the energy of the city? Look at suburbs or smaller cities just outside major metro areas. These assignments can give you easy access to the museums, nightlife, and restaurants of a big city, without the housing headaches or price tags that come with staying downtown.
The key is staying flexible and sharing your non-negotiables with your recruiter. Be open to travel-alike locations and facilities—they may surprise you with how well they align with your goals.
Secure Housing Early
Summer housing can be tough, especially in vacation hotspots. If your agency offers housing assistance, take advantage of it as early as possible. If you’re arranging it yourself, start checking short-term rental platforms like Furnished Finder, Airbnb, or Zillow with flexible filters for month-to-month stays.
Pro Tip: Look just outside of major city centers or explore travel nurse housing groups on Facebook for more budget-friendly and flexible options.
Prep Your Paperwork
Licensing and onboarding can slow things down if you’re not prepared, especially during busy seasons. Remember: a well-prepped traveler is a faster-placed traveler.
Make sure to:
- Keep your nursing licenses up to date and apply early for any state licenses or compact license upgrades.
- Update essential certifications like BLS, ACLS, and PALS.
- Have digital copies of your health records, immunizations, and recent physicals ready to send to your agency.
Make Time for You
One of the perks of travel nursing? You can build in downtime between contracts. If you’re eyeing a mini getaway, let your recruiter know early so they can help you time your start date accordingly.
Once you’ve picked a location, look into the area’s seasonal highlights—think hiking trails, local food festivals, outdoor concerts, and long summer evenings. Any location can turn into an unforgettable summer adventure when you plan ahead.
Summer assignments can be competitive, but with the right preparation—and the right travel nurse agency by your side—they’re also some of the most rewarding. Start early, stay flexible, and don’t forget to schedule some fun in the sun! Good luck on your summer assignment!
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