Travel Nursing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step to applying to become a travel nurse?
Completing an application is the first step towards a rewarding career in travel nursing. In combination with an application, a skills checklist and supporting documents will need to be submitted in order to complete your profile. Together, these documents outline your area(s) of expertise, skill level and experience.
How long does the TravelNurse application process take?
You can expect to book your first assignment approximately a week after you submit the completed paperwork. This time may vary slightly depending on the status of your license in each province you are requesting to work. Our HR Department will easily walk you through this process.
Am I obligated to work once I finish my paperwork?
You are never obligated to work for TravelNurse once your paperwork is complete. Your recruitment specialist will work with you to find an assignment that best suits your experience and skill level, and your individual location preferences and time frames.
How much experience do I need?
TravelNurse provides services to facilities that are critically short staffed. Ideally you will have a minimum of one year recent experience for all entry level positions and two years recent experience in your chosen specialty for all specialty area assignments.
Can I choose where I want to go?
You are always free to choose different locations that match your skill set and dates of availability. Keep in mind that it is the facility that makes the final decision on approving you to work in their facility.
How do I find out what locations are available?
Once your paperwork is complete, you will receive a password that allows you access to a web posting list of locations. This is updated each week and makes a great reference to current and future assignments. Your recruiter will also send you emails and periodic phone calls to inform you of urgent and new postings that may interest you. You can contact your recruiter during office hours and give them your current and future availability. With this information your recruiter will look for assignments that match your dates and preferences and contact you with the details.
How long do I need to go for?
Assignment lengths vary from a minimum of four (4) shifts to a maximum of twelve (12) weeks. The length of an assignment depends on the facility's needs, as well as the costs and logistics of travel.
If I take an out of town assignment, will my travel and accommodation expenses be paid for?
We work hard to find assignments in those locations where you have expressed an interest. Each contract is negotiated independently, and it is our goal to cover travel and accommodation expenses on every out-of-town assignment. We want you to have as many choices as possible.
Do I have to maintain my own payroll?
No. Our payroll department will look after all of your payroll needs. When you work with TravelNurse you will become an employee and we will make all your federal remittances including CPP, EI, and Workers' Compensation. TravelNurse also maintains significant liability coverage on your behalf.
Does TravelNurse offer a medical / dental benefit package?
TravelNurse does offer a medical/dental benefit package that is employee/employer paid. To become eligible, you must have worked for a total of 12 weeks of assignments. You will also be required to work a minimum of 20 hours per week. The plan provides extended medical and dental benefits but does not pay your monthly MSP premiums. We have a comprehensive information package that we can mail out to you that explains the types and amounts of coverage.
Does TravelNurse offer superannuation / pension / disability plans?
TraveNurse does not offer superannuation, pension or long term disability plans.
How can a nursing agency pay higher wages than working under a collective agreement?
Union bargaining is limited in what it can do to increase your earnings. Remember, union negotiations nearly always involve more than just wages: they deal with issues like seniority, job security, benefit packages, disability, vacation time, and so on. What we do for you is very different. We provide work for a negotiated hourly rate. Here at TravelNurse we are not competing with existing collective agreements. What we offer is entirely different and does not replace collective agreement packages.
How can the government afford to pay these higher rates?
In reality, agency pay-rates are not that much more costly than what is actually being paid out to regular permanent employees. It is more expensive to offer things like generous benefit packages, sick-time replacement, and administrative services. At TravelNurse, we removed these extra costs and passed the savings along to you - giving you the ability to choose how the full amount of your wages are spent.
How do I obtain a license to work in other provinces and countries?
Please contact the licensing body for the province that you would like to work in. You can find the contact information for all Canadian licensing bodies here.
Read more about Travel Nursing's: EXCEPTIONAL PAY & BENEFITS | BONUS INCENTIVES | ACCOMMODATIONS & TRAVEL | F.A.Q.
Okanagan area, BC
New Brunswick
Coastal British Columbia
Yukon Territory
