33 Common Travel Nurse FAQs & Answers to Help Your Career

1. How do I become a travel nurse?

New nurse‍

You’ll need a year of nursing staff experience in your specialty before you travel with Advantis Medical. About 3-5 months before the year is up set up your AdvantisConnect profile and chat with your recruiter so your travel career is ready to start when you are!

Experienced nurse / new traveler‍

Looking to broaden your experience and increase your earnings? Get started today! You can take your time deciding which skills to take on the road. Your recruiter can help talk you through the differences between travel and staff roles to help you feel prepared for this new journey.

Current traveler‍

You know the drill. We’re here to support your professional career and personal fulfillment. Sign up, complete your profile, and 1-click apply for thousands of available travel jobs today.

Get started in AdvantisConnect today!

2. How long are travel nursing assignments?

Most travel jobs last 13 weeks. You may also hear them called assignments, contracts, or roles – they’re all the same. Some contracts are as short as 8 weeks and they can last up to 26 weeks. All Advantis Medical job listings have complete information, including duration. Control your career by extending the roles you love or taking a few weeks to recover when you want. Flexibility is one of the best perks of travel nursing. Create your profile to get started.

3. Can I travel with family, a partner, or a friend?

Yes, to all of the above! Traveling in a pair or more will let you share the fun and financial requirements while adding a feeling of connection to home. Bringing the people who brighten your life transforms travel assignments into shared adventures.

Advantis travel nurse Ally M. loves traveling with family and a friend! Her advice for new travelers is, “As for a tip for anyone looking into traveling, take the leap. It’s so worth it. I am now able to travel the country and see places that I’d never see otherwise, and the best part about it is that my little family gets to come along. :).”

We also have tips for traveling as a single parent.

Tempted? You can even travel with your cat, dog, or another pet best friend!

4. How much do travel nurses make?

Indeed.com estimates the average travel nurse salary in 2022 at $108,070 but this can vary widely by location, specialty, and demand. This is significantly higher than $75,330, the average salary for a staff nurse in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

5. Can I take travel nurse assignments close to my house? Can I drive back and forth to my house and still receive tax-free stipends?

You can absolutely take an assignment close to home! Whether you can receive stipends depends on how close you live to your job.  

• Most facilities set a number for the minimum number of miles a nurse must live from the facility to qualify as a travel nurse.
• The IRS has rules about what qualifies for non-taxed reimbursements.
• We do not set these rules, but we do honor them.  

Your recruiter can answer any additional questions for you.

1. What are the requirements to travel with Advantis Medical?

Here’s what is needed to work with Advantis Medical. Please note, each facility may have its own requirements, too.

1. At least one year of recent nursing experience in your specialty

2. An active nursing license in your primary state of residence — your recruiter can help you with this

3. American Heart Association certifications – ACLS or BLS (this varies by specialty/facility)

4. Ability and willingness to work a full-time travel nurse job — at least 36 hours a week

A profile in AdvantisConnect is not required but it is extremely helpful for your search.

2. Does Advantis Medical work with first-time travelers?

Absolutely! In fact, our concierge recruiting process provides support throughout your travel career from helping you complete your profile to booking your housing to extending your favorite assignments. It’s perfect for new travelers (and long-time travelers love it, too!). Getting started is easy. Start your adventure with an AdvantisConnect profile!  

3. Are there fees for Advantis Medical’s concierge staffing services?

No. All our travelers qualify for free concierge service. Chat with your recruiter to learn how we can help you land the job of your dreams quickly and hassle-free!

4. How can I manage my AdvantisConnect profile?

Keep your profile complete and up to date for the best travel job matches. Follow these steps for success:

1. Have the latest version of the app or access your profile via desktop

2. Check your profile completion progress in your dashboard. If it’s not complete you don’t have the best access to 1000s of open travel jobs.  

3. Click “complete profile” to finish.

4. Edit or add to your profile by clicking the edit or + button.  

5. Need support? Your recruiter can help – find support under the “My Team” tab.

6. Update your resume, specialties, certifications, and preferences regularly for the best results.  

7. One-click apply to the travel jobs of your dreams. Your next adventure starts today!

Happy traveling!

5. What type of onboarding will I get?  

Advantis Medical travelers are employees, not contractors. As an employee, an Advantis team member will guide you through credentialing, filling out and submitting your HR docs, day one instructions, timekeeping/pay instructions, policies/support/expectations, and benefits enrollment.

6. Are benefits provided?

Yes. Benefits are offered on the first of the month following the start date. Ex: If you start on 10/24, your coverage will be effective on 11/1. At the very latest, you will receive an email with enrollment information on the Monday following your start date. You are also eligible to enroll in a 401k or Roth plan from your start date. Enrollment information for 401k/Roth enrollment will be provided in the email with benefits information. We also offer perks like profile completion support, a mobile app, and one-click application to thousands of vetted travel jobs.

Send questions to benefits@advantismed.com. Contact the Benefits Advocacy Team at MWLClaimsEB-AAP@MarshMMA.com or call (847)598-8715.

7. Are Advantis Medical travel nurses considered employees or independent contractors?

Advantis Medical nurses are employees. That means we withhold and pay your income taxes, and offer health insurance, Worker’s Compensation, and additional benefits. Benefits start the first day of the next month after starting. Talk to your recruiter for details.

8. How far in advance should I apply for a travel nursing assignment?

It’s up to you. That’s why we let you filter your AdvantisConnect job search by start date. Apply months in advance if you’re a planner or seize a role that starts in days if you’re adventure ready. We strongly recommend you keep your profile current and have the latest version of our app. This way your profile is ready whenever you are!

9. Can I take an assignment in a specialty I've never worked on?

Short answer, no. To ensure your success and that you’re able to best meet the demands of your travel job, we recommend you have 6-12 months of recent experience in the specialty you’re applying for. If you’re interested in changing specialties, we recommend building your skill set in a staff position before taking your talent on the road.

10. What do I need to set up an AdvantisConnect profile?

Here’s what you need to complete your profile. If you collect everything you’ll need before you get started, you can complete your profile in less than 10 minutes!

• Current resume
• Work experience
• Licenses  
• Certifications
• Skills Checklist
• References

We’ve made inputting and updating your information quick and easy! And remember, your recruiter and Clinician Success Team are always here for you!

11. Can I create an AdvantisConnect profile if I’m not ready to travel yet?

Absolutely! Create your profile when you develop an interest in a travel clinician career. There’s no charge and no obligation to get started. And taking the time to set up an AdvantisConnect profile now means it will be ready to serve you the second you decide to travel! Plus, a completed profile gives you access to EVERY job in our massive inventory. What better way to research a new career? When your recruiter reaches out, simply let them know where you are in your travel journey, so they adjust their communication style and frequency to serve you best!

1. How and how often will I get paid?

Advantis Medical travelers are paid weekly via direct deposit. Download our timekeeping app for added ease and convenience! Not all agencies pay weekly! If you work with another agency, check with them for their policy.  

2. What if something goes wrong while I’m on assignment?

Even if you travel solo, you won’t be alone with Advantis Medical. Your recruiter is always a click, call, or text away. And you can contact your support team from the “My Team” tab in your AdvantisConnect profile. Download the latest version of our app to keep in touch!  

3. How much orientation will I receive?

Facility orientation varies. On-site orientation covers unit orientation, compliance training, and more. It should leave you feeling informed and prepared for success. If you have unanswered questions or need support, you can always reach out to your Clinician Success Team.

4. How many hours a week do Advantis Medical travelers work?

Advantis Medical travel assignments range from 36 – 48 hours/week depending on their contract. Guaranteed hours/call-offs will be covered in the contract. Your recruiter can answer any other questions!

5. Does Advantis provide housing or help find housing?

Your Clinician Success Team can help you find housing. Our Travel Coordinator will even book your living arrangements if you’d like!  

Advantis Medical does not provide agency housing. Instead, our travelers get a generous stipend and any help needed to get settled. This gives you the freedom to live where you want and lets you pocket any leftover money, too! Agency-provided housing, on the other hand, is deducted from your paycheck. Either way, you pay for your living arrangements.

1. How do I know if I have a compact license?

You can check whether your license is compact through Nursys. This database will give you verification of your nurse licensure, practice privileges, and compact status.  

2. Can I apply for a compact license?

Your ability to apply for a compact license is determined by your primary state of residence.  

• You must declare a compact state as your primary state of residence to be eligible for a multistate license.
• If you are licensed in a compact state, you can check what states you’re licensed to work in through Nursys.
• If you are licensed in a non-compact state and want to work in a compact state, you must apply for that state’s license. You do not qualify for a compact license.  

• If you are licensed in a state with pending legislation, you’ll have to wait until the legislation passes to apply.  

Have more questions? Reach out to your recruiter who’ll be happy to get answers for you.

3. What are the benefits of being a nurse in a compact state?

A compact nursing license gives you practicing privileges in participating compact states without having to apply for a separate license in each. This license saves money and time while opening the doors to travel jobs in participating states.  

The current Compact States include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

4. What if I have a compact license and want to work in a non-compact state?

If your primary state of residence is a compact state and you want to work in a non-compact state, you must apply for that state’s license.  

5. Can I get a compact license if I'm licensed in a non-compact state?

No. Your declared primary state of residence must be in a compact state for you to hold a compact license.

1. Does Advantis Medical sell or share my personal information?

No. Advantis Medical will not disclose your personal information without your consent. Find our privacy policy here.

2. Can I travel with a pet?

Of course, you can! We’d never come between you and your pet! Just ask Advantis traveler Tyler, who brings his pup on the road with him. Not all housing options are suitable for all pets, and some won’t rent to pet owners. Find out if pet deposits are required and refundable. Plan for ideal living arrangements in advance and make sure your recruiter and your Travel Coordinator know about your co-traveler, too!

3. What types of travel jobs does Advantis Medical offer?

We staff contract travel roles for Registered Nurses, Allied Health Workers, and Post-Acute Care Workers. Check AdvantisConnect for our latest open jobs!

4. Does Advantis Medical have jobs in all 50 states?

Yes! We add new travel jobs throughout the US daily. Search our open jobs and filter by state to start your next adventure!

5. What are Advantis Medical’s business hours?

Our business hours are Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm CST. Contact us at (972)546.0528 and a member of our team will get you the assistance you need. Travel clinicians who need support can also use the contact information in the “My Team” tab in AdvantisConnect. We look forward to connecting with you!

6. Does Advantis Medical have a referral program?

Yes! You can earn $500 per referral with your unique referral link in your AdvantisConnect dashboard. Share that link to easily earn big money!

Here’s how it works:

1. You do not have to be an active traveler to claim a referral bonus! Simply share your code.  

2. You can find your exclusive referral code near the bottom of your AdvantisConnect dashboard.

3. Your referred clinician must complete a travel assignment with Advantis Medical.

4. We’ll pay you $500 when the clinician you referred completes their travel assignment.

5. Repeat as often as you’d like for an extra $500!

7. Do you have clinical support resources?

Our Clinical Manager is your Advantis Medical ally. Feel free to reach out for clinical guidance, facility questions, or support on your first assignment. As a highly experienced critical care nurse in surgical, trauma, and cardiothoracic areas, along with serving as a manager/director, our CM has the background to deliver the answers need when and how you need them.

Advantis Medical is committed to giving you the support you need and the spectacular experience you deserve! Don’t see your question answered here? Reach out to marketing@advantismed.com. We’ll take care of you!