Travel Nursing FAQs

Explore the most popular Travel Nursing & Allied frequently asked questions below.

Intro to Travel Nursing

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. Explore jobs, complete your profile, and 1-click apply for thousands of available travel jobs today.

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.

Can travel nurses bring family, a partner, or a friend on assignment?

Absolutely! 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.

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.

Getting Started with Advantis Medical

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.

  • At least one year of recent nursing experience in your specialty
  • An active nursing license in your primary state of residence — your recruiter can help you with this
  • American Heart Association certifications – ACLS or BLS (this varies by specialty/facility)
  • 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.

Does Advantis Medical work with first-time travel nurses?

Yes! Advantis Medical proudly supports first-time travel nurses. Our personalized concierge recruiting process guides you every step of the way—from building your profile and finding your first assignment to securing housing and navigating contract extensions. It’s a seamless experience designed for new travelers, and even seasoned professionals appreciate the ongoing support. Starting your travel nurse journey has never been easier!

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!

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:

  • Have the latest version of the app or access your profile via desktop
  • 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.
  • Click “complete profile” to finish.
  • Edit or add to your profile by clicking the edit or + button.
  • Need support? Your recruiter can help – find support under the “My Team” tab.
  • Update your resume, specialties, certifications, and preferences regularly for the best results.
  • One-click apply to the travel jobs of your dreams. Your next adventure starts today!

 

What kind of onboarding support does Advantis Medical provide?

As an employee of Advantis Medical, you’ll receive comprehensive onboarding support to ensure a smooth start to your travel nursing assignment. A dedicated Advantis team member will guide you through every step, including credentialing, submitting HR documentation, understanding first-day instructions, timekeeping and payroll processes, policy overviews, available support resources, and benefits enrollment. We make sure you're confident and prepared before day one.

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 day one. Talk to your recruiter for details.

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

You can apply as early—or as close to your desired start date—as you’d like. With AdvantisConnect, you can filter travel nursing jobs by start date to match your availability. Whether you’re planning months ahead or ready to start an assignment in just a few days, we’ve got options for you. To stay prepared, keep your profile up to date and make sure you have the latest version of our app. That way, you're ready to apply the moment the right opportunity appears.

Can I take a travel 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.

What documents do I need to be submitted to a travel position?

Here’s what you need to complete your profile for submission. 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 (2)

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

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!



Things to Know on Assignment

How often will I get paid while on assignment with Advantis Medical?

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.

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

Even if you’re traveling solo, you’re never alone with Advantis Medical. Your recruiter is always just a call, text, or message away. Plus, we have a 24/7 emergency line specifically for clinicians, so help is available anytime you need it. Our dedicated Clinician Advocate Team is also here to ensure that any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently—so you can focus on delivering great patient care with confidence.

How much orientation do travel nurses receive before starting an assignment?

Orientation for travel nurses varies by facility, but you can expect thorough on-site training to help you feel confident and prepared. Most travel nurse orientations include unit-specific training, compliance protocols, and an overview of hospital policies. If you have additional questions or need support during onboarding, your dedicated Clinician Success Team is always available to help ensure a smooth transition.

How many hours a week do travel nurses work?

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

Does Advantis provide housing or help find housing?

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.

Travel Nurse Licensing

How do I know if my RN license is compact?

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.

Can I apply for a compact nursing license?

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.

What if I have a compact nursing 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.

Can I get a compact nursing 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.

General Information

Does Advantis Medical sell or share my personal information?

No. Advantis Medical will not disclose your personal information without your consent. Read our Privacy Policy for more info. 

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 out our Job Center to browse our latest openings. 

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!

What are Advantis Medical’s business hours?

Our business hours are Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm CST.

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!

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:

  • You do not have to be an active traveler to claim a referral bonus! Simply share your code.
  • You can find your exclusive referral code near the bottom of your AdvantisConnect dashboard.
  • Your referred clinician must complete a travel assignment with Advantis Medical.
  • We’ll pay you $500 when the clinician you referred completes their travel assignment.
  • Repeat as often as you’d like for an extra $500!

 

Does Advantis Medical 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 needed when and how you need them.