Travel Nurse Employment FAQs

Deciding to become a travel nurse is exciting because job opportunities are available across the country. Below you'll find the questions that we're asked most frequently about travel nurse employment. If you don't see your question, please give us a call at (877) 504-7794 and we'll be happy to assist you.

Getting Started with O'Grady Peyton

What are the minimum requirements needed to work as a travel nurse?

For travel nurse employment, you must be a graduate of an accredited healthcare professional program in either the U.S. or Canada, with a minimum of 12 consecutive months of recent experience in your specialty in an American acute-care facility—some specialties may require more than 12 months.

How do I become a traveler with O'Grady Peyton?

The first step is to complete an application to help us understand your career path, along with a skills checklist so we can evaluate your qualifications and match you with assignments that call for your particular skills and experience. Applying only takes a few minutes and can be done online, by fax or over the phone—whatever works best for you.

What are the benefits and bonuses of traveling?

As a travel nurse, job opportunities are available to you at hundreds of locations across the country, so you decide where you want to go. With O'Grady Peyton, you'll also enjoy free, private housing and one of the industry's most competitive benefits packages, often including sign-on and completion bonuses, and excellent pay rates. For specific information, please visit the pay and benefits section or housing page, or call us at (877) 504-7794.

Am I under any obligation after submitting my application?

Absolutely not. Your application is simply used to qualify you for travel so that we're ready to match you with an assignment if and when you decide you're ready to go. Once you become registered, you’ll have access to exciting travel opportunities nationwide.

Is there a fee for O'Grady Peyton's job placement services?

No, never. Our travel nurse employment services are provided to you at no cost.

Where do you offer assignments?

Choose from a wide variety of travel nurse job opportunities across all 50 states, from small rural facilities to world-renowned hospitals and medical facilities—the choice is yours.

Can I travel with a friend?

We encourage it! Traveling with another healthcare professional, spouse or any close friend will allow you to share the experiences of a lifetime.

About Travel Nurse Jobs

How long are travel assignments?

Most O'Grady Peyton assignments are 13 weeks; however, we may be able to customize the length of an assignment to meet your needs. Many times you are able to extend an assignment you particularly enjoy.

What types of travel nurse jobs are available?

There's a whole spectrum of assignments available nationwide. You specify the type of assignment you're looking for, and we'll find it. From prestigious teaching facilities to small clinics—in big cities to rural settings—positions are available in almost all specialties and shifts. We have thousands of open positions across all 50 states.

When should I start preparing for my assignment?

This depends on you and how quickly you want to move. You could begin your first assignment within just a few weeks. Some travel nurses schedule their assignments four or five months in advance. Even if you're only curious about available jobs, send in your application now so you won't miss out on an opportunity that’s ideally suited to you. Remember, there's never an obligation to travel after applying.

How do I choose an assignment?

Once O'Grady Peyton has reviewed your application and skills, you and your assigned recruiter will discuss what you expect from your travel assignment. Then you'll be presented with available travel nurse employment opportunities based on your position and shift preferences. You’ll also receive a complete description of the facility, unit, area, salary and available bonuses. You choose the assignment that's right for you—it's always your choice.

Will you have the assignment I want?

With thousands of assignment choices across the nation, the chances are good that we have the right assignment for you. However, if we don't have your specific position in the location of your choice, we'll contact facilities in that area to present your credentials and search for other travel nurse job opportunities.

What happens after I select an assignment that interests me?

A copy of your paperwork with your selected start date, unit and shift will be sent to the facility for their review, along with a time for the facility to call you for a telephone interview. Prior to the interview, it's a good idea to prepare a list of questions you have about the unit in which you'll be working. Your recruiter can help you prepare. We want you to be comfortable with your assignment from the very beginning.

Do I need to sign a one-year employment contract?

No. Your contractual commitment is only for one assignment at a time.

When have I made a commitment to travel?

Following your telephone interview with the facility, you and the facility will decide if the assignment is right for you. There's no pressure or obligation for you to accept the assignment. Exciting travel begins only if and when you decide to accept an assignment.

How will O'Grady Peyton prepare me for my assignment?

Once you have decided on the travel nurse employment opportunity that's right for you, your recruiter will confirm your start date, shift, unit and salary. Shortly thereafter, you will receive a confirmation package in the mail with information pertaining to your assignment. We will then prepare you for your arrival. All you need to do is pack your bags!

How do I find out the licensing requirements for each state?

Your recruiter will advise you on the specific requirements in each state and the length of time necessary to obtain a license in the state you have chosen to take an assignment. For more information, visit our state licensing section.

What happens at the end of my assignment?

After you've completed your assignment, you may have the option to: extend your current assignment, accept an assignment at a new facility, or return home and perhaps travel again at a later date.

Can I travel with my pet?

Pets are welcome on assignments and many travelers choose to bring them along. Be sure to let your recruiter know that you want to travel with your pet so suitable housing can be arranged for you. Often, the housing complex requires a pet deposit, so you’ll be responsible for the pet deposit. Some properties have breed restrictions and pets are not allowed on travel assignments in Hawaii.

Travel Nurse Employment Benefits

What’s included in your benefits package?

Besides earning great pay, we offer our travelers health, dental and life insurance, free private housing, a generous 401(k) retirement plan and more. Please visit our Benefits section for more information.

What health benefits do you offer?

We offer two great health insurance options for you to choose from, including day-one coverage. Whether you need immediate coverage, additional dental benefits or want to stay with your current physician, you can choose the option that best fits your needs. Talk to a recruiter to learn more about your options.

Will I still have benefits when my assignment ends?

Your coverage will continue as long as you begin your next O’Grady Peyton assignment within 30 days.

Do you offer continuing education?

We offer you free, nursing continuing education through RN.com, because your professional development is so important to us. RN.com is a fully accredited site that offers more than 200 contact hours online and instant certification after you’ve successfully completed the course. Providing you with continuing education is just one more way that O’Grady Peyton supports you and your nursing career.

Compensation and Bonuses

How much will I be paid?

We offer our travelers highly competitive rates. Your hourly pay will depend on the location, your experience and specialty. Many facilities offer sign-on or completion bonuses. Check with a recruiter to find out more about compensation rates for travel nurses.

When and how will I be paid?

O'Grady Peyton travelers are paid every two weeks, with a direct-deposit option at no charge. In some instances, however, the assignment facility will pay you directly according to its normal payroll schedule.

Do you offer referral bonuses?

Yes! When you refer a friend or colleague to O’Grady Peyton for travel nurse employment, you can earn a $500 bonus. When your referral completes a 13-week assignment (or longer), you’ll be eligible to receive a bonus. Please visit our Refer a Friend page for complete eligibility rules and details.

Do you offer shift differentials?

Yes, most assignments give you the ability to earn even more through shift differentials, for both evening and night shifts.

Housing and Travel

Where will I live?

O'Grady Peyton’s housing department will make all the arrangements for you, so all you have to do is pick up the key! We pride ourselves on making your home away from home comfortable and inviting. We carefully select quality complexes that often include amenities such as workout facilities, tennis courts, swimming pools and hot tubs. Your apartment will be in move-in condition complete with furniture and utilities all prearranged for you. If you prefer, you can select your own housing and we’ll provide you with a generous housing allowance. Visit our Housing section for more information.

Is housing really free?

Yes. You will have a private, furnished apartment located in a neighborhood close to your assignment facility. Talk to a recruiter for more details.

How do I get to my assignments?

It's usually best to drive or have your vehicle transported to your travel nurse job location, since you'll want to explore your new surroundings and go sight seeing on your days off. If, however, you accept an assignment in Hawaii, Alaska, or a major city where ample public transportation is readily available, you can probably do without a car. Your recruiter will help you decide what’s best for each assignment.

Do you provide travel reimbursement?

Yes! You’ll receive tax-free travel reimbursement to help you get where you need to go. Talk to a recruiter for more details.