Accurate Healthcare
Travel Nurse FAQ
Get answers to common travel nurse and facility staffing questions about pay packages, weekly gross, stipends, credentialing, licensing, housing, MSP/VMS platforms, and healthcare staffing support.
For Travel Nurses
How fast can I start?
Start times depend on the facility, specialty, licensing status, and credentialing requirements. Some travel nurse assignments move quickly, especially if your license, resume, references, and core documents are already current.
In general, the faster your file is complete, the faster we can submit you and move you toward an offer. Our team helps you understand what is needed before submission so there are fewer surprises later.
How often do I get paid?
Travel nurses are typically paid weekly. Your recruiter will review the pay schedule, weekly gross pay, hourly rate, stipends, and any assignment-specific details before you accept a contract.
We believe pay should be clear before you say yes.
Do you offer benefits?
Yes. Benefit options may be available for eligible travelers depending on assignment status and company plan requirements. Your recruiter can walk you through current benefit options during the placement process.
Do you help with licensing?
Yes. We help travel nurses understand licensing requirements for each assignment state, including compact license situations and single-state license needs.
Licensing timelines vary by state board, so it is always best to start early when targeting assignments in a new state.
Do you help with housing?
We do not directly place travelers into housing, but we can help you understand how housing stipends work and what to consider when evaluating assignment locations.
Most travel nurses choose their own housing so they can control cost, commute, location, and personal preferences.
What documents do I need before submission?
Common documents needed before submission include an updated resume, active license, certifications, skills checklist, references, and recent work history.
Some facilities may require additional items depending on specialty, unit, state, or MSP/VMS requirements. Your recruiter will tell you exactly what is needed for each opportunity.
Can I work with Accurate if I am already traveling?
Yes. Many travel nurses work with multiple agencies. You can work with Accurate Healthcare Staffing even if you are currently on assignment or already connected with another agency.
We will help you explore future travel nurse jobs, compare options, and prepare for your next contract without disrupting your current assignment.
Pay & Contracts
What does weekly gross mean?
Weekly gross is the total estimated amount you can earn each week before applicable taxes and deductions.
A travel nurse weekly gross package may include taxable hourly wages plus non-taxed stipends for housing and meals, when eligible. Your recruiter will review the full pay package before submission or acceptance.
Are stipends taxed?
Housing and meal stipends are generally non-taxed when a traveler meets IRS eligibility requirements, including maintaining a qualifying tax home.
Accurate does not provide tax advice. Travelers should speak with a qualified tax professional to understand their specific situation before relying on tax-free stipends.
What is a guaranteed-hours contract?
A guaranteed-hours contract outlines the minimum number of hours a facility agrees to pay for each week, assuming the traveler is available and meets assignment expectations.
Guaranteed hours can vary by facility and contract. Your recruiter will review the details before you accept an offer.
Can pay packages change?
Pay packages can change before a contract is signed if the facility updates the bill rate, schedule, shift, guaranteed hours, or assignment details.
Once a contract is accepted, pay terms should match the written agreement unless there is a facility-driven change, cancellation, extension, or contract modification. We believe travelers should understand any changes before making a decision.
What happens if a facility cancels?
Facility cancellations can happen, although they are not the goal. If a facility cancels an assignment before or during a contract, Accurate will communicate the details as quickly as possible and help you look for another travel nurse assignment.
Cancellation terms can vary by facility and contract, so your recruiter will review what applies to your specific offer.
Credentialing
What documents are required?
Credentialing requirements vary by facility, specialty, and state. Common requirements include license verification, certifications, health records, immunizations, background check, drug screen, skills checklist, references, and facility-specific forms.
Our credentialing team will guide you through the exact requirements after an offer is accepted.
How long does compliance take?
Compliance timelines depend on how quickly required documents are completed, whether health records are current, and how fast third-party items such as background checks and drug screens are returned.
A complete file moves faster. Delays usually happen when documents are missing, expired, incomplete, or not accepted by the facility.
Do I need references?
Yes, most travel nurse submissions or facility files require professional references. Requirements vary, but facilities often prefer recent supervisor or manager references from similar clinical settings.
Your recruiter will let you know what type of references are needed for each assignment.
Do I need a drug screen and background check?
Yes, most facilities require a background check and drug screen before a traveler can start an assignment.
Some facilities may also require additional screenings, health documents, or compliance items based on state, specialty, or facility policy.
What happens after I accept an offer?
After you accept an offer, the credentialing process begins. You will receive a list of required documents, deadlines, and next steps.
The goal is to complete your file quickly and accurately so you are cleared before your scheduled start date. Your recruiter and credentialing team will help keep the process moving.
For Facilities
How quickly can Accurate send candidates?
Timing depends on the specialty, location, shift, pay package, and urgency of the need. For active openings with competitive rates, Accurate can often begin sending qualified candidates quickly.
We focus on speed, but not at the expense of quality. Our goal is to send candidates who match the role, understand the assignment, and are ready to move.
Are travelers credentialed before submission?
Travelers are screened before submission, but full credentialing usually occurs after an offer is accepted. This allows facilities to review qualified candidates quickly while ensuring final compliance is completed before start.
Submission requirements may vary by facility, MSP, VMS, and contract process.
What specialties do you staff?
Accurate Healthcare Staffing supports travel nursing and allied health staffing needs across a range of clinical specialties.
Common areas may include Med Surg, Telemetry, ICU, Emergency Department, Labor and Delivery, Operating Room, Long-Term Care, and other high-need healthcare roles depending on market demand and facility requirements.
Do you work through MSP/VMS platforms?
Yes. Accurate works with facilities through direct relationships as well as MSP and VMS platforms.
We understand the speed, documentation, and submission requirements needed to compete in MSP/VMS environments and support healthcare facilities with responsive staffing coverage.
How do facilities request staff?
Facilities can contact Accurate Healthcare Staffing directly through the website, phone, or email to discuss open needs.
Once we understand the specialty, shift, location, start date, contract length, and requirements, our team can begin identifying qualified healthcare professionals for review.