All clinical professionals are required to have a current physical and TB test. 

The physical form should list height, weight, blood pressure, and a statement that the individual is fit to work without restrictions. A physical is typically required every 12 months.

There are a few different versions of a TB test. For a two-step TB test, QuantiFERON-GOLD and blood tests are both good for one year.

If an individual has ever tested positive for TB, they should receive a chest X-ray, which is good for five years.

For nurses (LPNs and RNs), licensure is verified through Nursys.com. To be considered for a travel contract, nurses should have a current, unencumbered license. If a nurse holds several single-state licenses as well as a compact nursing license, each will appear on Nursys. 

The majority of states in the U.S. require nurses to renew their licenses biannually, or every two years. This is done via the state's Board of  Nursing. 

Below is a map to show the states that are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, or NLC.




Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) should appear on each state registry list where they are certified. CNAs are able to get reciprocity across multiple states, which means they are able to practice in those states.

There is not a compact license for certified nursing assistants.

They must apply to each state individually through the state's Board of  Nursing. Some reciprocity applications are accepted virtually, while others must be mailed in, along with a form of payment.

If you have all of your required documents ready to go, you're in good shape! In addition to having those at the ready, here are a few additional things that you may need to complete prior to starting your travel nurse job:

• References from two past supervisors (list  their first and last names, title, unit, facility and position)
• Online credentialing assessment(s) 
• A background check authorization form
• A drug screening, either on-site or prior to arriving to your contract location
  
  
  

By law, employers are required to offer the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) vaccine series to all workers who have what's called "occupational exposure." This includes healthcare workers in almost every capacity. 

The Hepatitis B Virus can be life-threatening. HBV is transmitted through exposure to blood and other infectious materials. 

Per OSHA, it must be offered at no cost. If an employee has already received this vaccine or declines to receive it, they must complete what's referred a Hep B declination form. If an employee originally declines to receive it but then decides they'd like it at a later date, the employer is then required to provide it at that later and at no cost.

Travel nursing contracts vary by specialty and location.

A typical travel nursing assignment in an acute care (hospital) setting is 13 weeks. However, in some instances, travel nursing agencies will offer shorter contracts - four weeks, six weeks, or eight weeks. 

Travel nurses and CNAs usually work 10-hour or 12-hour shifts – days or nights. Those who opt to work in acute care settings can expect to work three or four days per week, prior to any overtime (OT) hours.

Longer shifts (12-hour shifts) are also common in long-term care settings, which includes Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF), assisted living (AL), continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) and memory care.

LeaderStat has more than 1,800 travel nursing positions open across the country. Whether you're looking for a contract in Med-Surg, ER, LTACH, Home Health, Clinic, Rehab, or LTC settings, we would love to partner with you to help find the perfect fit.

To view a complete list of local and travel nurse contracts, check out our Job Board.