Understanding Your Travel Reimbursements

Considering a travel nursing career? Here's a quick overview of the reimbursements you may be eligible for and how they work.

If you're considering a travel nursing career you may wonder what kind of reimbursements you're eligible for and how they are covered. Fear not! A knowledgeable Recruiter can explain all the reimbursements you may receive and how to claim them. But first, here's a brief overview:

The vast majority of travelers journey to their assignments by car. Why? You can with essentials - including pets and family members - plus, your car will be there for your work commute once your assignment begins. You will receive a per-mile reimbursement, based on the distance you travel. Most agencies will set a maximum each way and round trip to and from your assignment, with reimbursement based on the actual distance traveled. As a general rule, you should save all your assignment-related receipts. You will need them when you fill out a reimbursement form. You'll be reimbursed for the "to" portion of your trip a few weeks into your assignment and then for the "from" portion when you complete it. In most cases, the travel reimbursement will be non-taxable, unless your housing benefit and per diem are taxable. You may opt out of the travel reimbursement if you wish to increase your take-home compensation - for example, if you're catching a ride with someone who happens to be going your way.

There are a few locations where flying there is the only option (Hawaii, anyone?). You'll want to think about your daily commute in that case. Can you walk to work, rent a vehicle, ride a bike, or hop on a subway or metro bus? There are even some locations, like downtown Manhattan, where a daily drive to work just doesn't make sense. Your Recruiter can help you do the research.

At American Traveler you will be provided with a per diem for meals and incidentals for each day of your assignment, not only the days you are scheduled to work. If you have a tax home -- as defined by the IRS -- and are eligible for the associated tax benefits, your per diem and your housing allowance will be tax-free. Many travelers like to make their own housing arrangements. Providers like AirBnB and Furnished Finder have made it easy to find housing exactly when and where you need it -- in your target price range. If DIY housing works for you, your agency can offer you either a monthly subsidy or an increased pay rate. The subsidy is based on the cost of living in the area you are traveling to.

If you want to eliminate the task of arranging for housing, full-service agencies like American Traveler also offer free, private housing. We will provide you with a one-bedroom, one-bath furnished apartment, exclusively for you. We will pay for your utilities, up to a generous monthly cap. Your only responsibility may be for cable/phone/internet. If you are traveling with family, friends, or pets, we are happy to arrange housing that meets your needs.

For those of you who travel in an RV or another type of 'rolling home,' you'll want to work out the combination of reimbursements that's best for you. We love working with travelers who take their homes with them!

Like all RNs, travel nurses must have a license to practice in the state of their assignment. As an aspiring traveler, you may not yet have a license in your desired location. Agencies like American Traveler will reimburse you for a temporary or permanent license if you have not worked on the license previously. Remember to send in a copy of your new license along with the receipt. You should receive your reimbursement in the third paycheck of your assignment. If you make a copy of all supporting documents that you sent to the Board of Nursing, it will help you -- and your agency -- in case your submission needs to be tracked or checked on.

A compact nursing license will greatly expand your options -- NLC licenses are now accepted in 38 states. There are a few states, outside the Compact, where securing a license takes a bit longer than average. Case in point, if you're sure you want to work in California or New York, start your profile as soon as possible.

You will not need to be reimbursed for online CEUs while you are on assignment with American Traveler. They are entirely free while you are working with us. Your Recruiter can provide you with details to access these continuing education benefits.