The Travel Nurse Blueprint: From Contracts to Confidence

Thinking about travel nursing but don’t know where to start? Whether you’re freshly curious or ready to hit the road, this post is your go-to starter guide. Travel nursing offers exciting opportunities—exploring new places, expanding your skill set, and enjoying the flexibility of freedom. But it can feel overwhelming at first.

As a travel nurse, mama, and ICU veteran, I’ve been there. So here’s everything I wish I had known when I started—simplified for you.

📝 Choosing Your First Assignment: Know What You’re Signing

Picking your first contract is like picking your first travel buddy—it sets the tone for everything else. Here’s what to look for:

Location vs. Pay: Don’t just chase the money. A high-paying gig in a poorly staffed unit can be a nightmare. Aim for balance.
Unit Type and Ratio: Be clear about your skill set and the patient load expectations. Is it ICU, step-down, or med-surg? Ask!
Shift & Scheduling: Are weekends required? Will you rotate shifts? What’s the holiday policy?
Floating Expectations: Will you float to other units or specialties?
Cancellation Policy: Know your rights. What happens if they cancel early?

✅ Pro Tip: Use a travel nurse checklist to review each offer before signing. (Hint: a downloadable one is coming soon!)

🏡 Housing: Apartment vs RV Living

When it comes to housing, you’ve got options—and each comes with pros and cons.

Option 1: Furnished Apartments

✅ Easy setup
✅ No maintenance
❌ Less flexible between assignments
❌ Pricey in hot travel markets

Option 2: RV Living (My Route!)

✅ Take your home with you
✅ Save money over time
✅ Kid- and pet-friendly!
❌ Requires setup knowledge
❌ Limited space (hello minimalist life!)

📦 Coming Soon: Full RV Setup Tour & Packing List for Nurse Moms

🗂️ Licensure, Tax Homes & Compliance—Simplified

This part can feel like alphabet soup, but here’s the breakdown:

Compact License (eNLC): If your home state is in the compact, you can work in 40+ states without applying for individual licenses. ✅
Non-Compact States: You’ll need to apply for a license in each state separately.
Tax Home: To keep your travel stipends non-taxed, you must maintain a permanent tax home. This can be tricky, so track your paperwork.
Compliance Documents: Immunizations, drug screens, physicals, BLS/ACLS—all must be up-to-date. Your recruiter will help with this.

💡 Downloadable Tax & Licensing Q&A Guide coming soon!

🧳 What to Pack & How to Adapt Quickly

Packing smart makes or breaks your travel experience—especially if you’re a mama juggling chaos.

Essentials:

Scrubs + 1 backup set
Comfortable shoes (Nike 270s, anyone?)
Rolling laundry bin
Basic kitchen setup
Medications & prescriptions
Favorite comfort items (candles, books, cozy blanket)

Adapting to New Units:

Ask for a unit tour on day 1
Make a “go-to” checklist: IV pumps, monitors, med room codes
Introduce yourself confidently—first impressions matter
Keep a little notebook of policies and phone numbers

✨ Stay tuned for a Travel Nurse Packing Checklist you can print and check off!

👨‍👩‍👧 Travel Nursing with a Family: Yes, It’s Possible

I travel with my partner and little one—and while it isn’t always smooth sailing, it’s so worth it. Here’s how we manage:

Flexible Assignments: Pick family-friendly areas near parks, libraries, or kid-friendly attractions
Childcare Options: Look for short-term daycare, drop-in centers, or nanny shares
Routine is Key: Even in new cities, stick to nap schedules, meal routines, and bedtime rituals
RV Perks: Having your own space helps kids feel secure

🍼 Coming to the blog: dive more into my journey as a travel nurse mom

🌟 Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

The transition to travel nursing doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a bit of planning and the right support, you can go from feeling uncertain to confidently cruising through contracts. Whether you’re solo or bringing your whole crew, this lifestyle can be the fresh start or adventure your nursing career needs.

🧡 Loved this guide?

Follow along for more nursing tips, mom-life hacks, and sanity-saving support at SimplyJulesRN.com
And don’t forget to connect with me on Instagram → @simply.jules.rn

📥 Coming Soon for Subscribers:

Printable Travel Packing Checklist
RV Setup Tour for Nurses with Families
Travel Nursing Tax & License Q&A PDF

👉 Sign up here to get these free resources sent directly to your inbox!

The Travel Nurse Blueprint: From Contracts to Confidence

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📝 Choosing Your First Assignment: Know What You’re Signing