First time Travel Nurse Advice

First Time Traveler Advice

Experts share their top tips on how to start travel nursing and get the most out of your first assignments.
If you're just starting to think about travel nursing, a knowledgeable recruiter can be your best source of information. Here's some sage advice to new travelers, straight from some of our top recruiters.

Tips for New Travel Nurses

Top three pieces of advice from our experienced recruiters for first time travelers... Do your homework. Make the most of your experience. Ask questions and communicate with your recruiter.
Senior Recruiter Kristin Z. -
“My goal is to exceed travel nurse expectations, to go beyond high pay and free private housing. I want to make travel nursing an adventure.” A self-proclaimed “outdoor junkie” and “still a big kid,” this Long Island native says every travel nurse destination has vacation potential. No matter where you take your first travel assignment, you can find exciting adventures and unique experiences. “It’s important to have fun while travel nursing and explore as much as possible.”
Recruiter, Jennifer R. -
“Look forward to looking back at every travel nurse job as a learning experience.” The longer you travel, the more you’ll be exposed to new situations and experiences. Situations that might be scary on your first travel job might not phase you when you’re on your third assignment! She says both new candidates and experienced travel nurses alike should always do their homework before leaving on assignment, and seek out as much information and local flavor as possible when they arrive. On the logistical side, “always keep all of your receipts!”
Recruiter, Anita M. -
“Do your homework!” Know what to expect from the area, from your housing, and from your travel job. This will make it easier to follow the rest of Anita’s advice: “Make great plans to maximize your travel experience. Pack light - you can always find a Target if you’ve forgotten something. Bring pictures in frames to make your apartment feel homey right away. And most of all, HAVE FUN!”
American Traveler recruiter, Amy R., suggests that first-time travelers try locations that have earned rave reviews from past travelers. Choose a location that's easy to love, in other words. Arizona travel nursing jobs are often a hit with first time travelers. Travel nurse jobs in Arizona are known for excellent pay, award-winning hospitals, friendly staff, and tons of entertainment options. Travel nurses will find plenty of ways to spend their off-duty hours in Arizona, from riding a mule into the Grand Canyon or hiking to Havasu Falls, to visiting art galleries in Sedona or shopping in Phoenix.

Essential Advice for First Time Travelers

Recruiter, Karen S. -
"No question is too small of a question, I tell travel nurse candidates to ask me anything that comes to mind, and if I don't have the answer I'll find out for them. It’s also important that you let me get to know you. Once I do, I can help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Then, once on assignment, I’ll call you weekly to ensure your continued satisfaction with your benefits, housing, and assignment - and to let you know I’m available to help in any way.”

Last Modified On: Jan 04, 2023

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