Q: How do I become a travel nurse with Preferred Healthcare Staffing?
A: The first step to becoming a traveling nurse is to complete an application form. To get started today, complete our online application. Or, you can request an application form by mail, download an application directly from our Web site or speak to a recruitment specialist over the phone. The choice is yours.

Q: What happens once I submit my application form?
A: Once we receive your application form, one of our expert recruiters will contact you to begin the process of finding the right assignment for you. You and your recruiter will work together to find the travel nursing jobs that best suit your skills, preferences and career ambitions.

Q: What are the minimum requirements to work as a Preferred Healthcare traveler?
A: You must be a graduate of an accredited professional program in the United States or Canada and have 12 consecutive months of experience in your specialty.

Q: Am I under any obligation after submitting my application?
A: Absolutely not. Your application is simply used to qualify you for travel nursing jobs. It also helps us to find assignments that are well matched to your skills and proficiencies when and if you ever decide to embark on a travel nursing career.

Q: Will I have to pay any fees for your service?
A: No. Our services are completely free to you.

Q: Will I have to sign a long-term contract?
A: No. Your contractual commitment is only for the length of one assignment, typically 13 weeks. You are not committed to work for us beyond the length of the assignment you take.

Q: When should I start preparing for my travel assignment?
A: This depends on how quickly you want to move. Some of our health care professionals begin their first assignment within two weeks of submitting their application. Other nurses schedule their travel jobs four or five months in advance. If you’re considering working as a travel nurse, it may be worth your while to send us your application now so you won’t miss out on the best assignments in your specialty or desired location.

Q: Can I travel with my family or my pet?
A: Yes, of course you can. Taking friends, family or furry companions on the road is a great way to share your travel experiences. You may incur a modest fee for private housing and, if you’re traveling with a pet, you may be required to pay a pet deposit. Please refer to our housing section for more details.

Q: Do you offer shift differentials?
A: Yes, the majority of our assignments offer shift differentials for evening and night shifts, giving you the opportunity to earn extra pay for each hour you work.

Q: Do you offer any bonuses?
A: Yes, we most definitely do! We offer $1,000 sign-on bonuses for select quick-start assignments and high-need specialties. In addition, many of our client facilities offer generous completion bonuses that range from $1,000 to $6,000. If you want to know more about our available bonuses, your recruiter can provide you with further details after you’ve applied.

Q: How will I be paid?
A: You will be paid every two weeks by Preferred Healthcare’s payroll department. We can arrange to have your paycheck deposited directly into your bank account at no cost. Or, we can mail your check to you by overnight mail.

Q: Do you offer health insurance?
A: Absolutely. In fact, we offer two great health insurance options, including day-one coverage. With our medical insurance plans, we pay 100 percent of your premiums, keeping your out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum. Your medical benefits include annual wellness preventive services, physician exams and acute illness treatment, lab tests, X-rays and other diagnostic tests, hospitalization and nursing care, prenatal care and a prescription drug card.

Q: Can I add my spouse or children to my insurance?
A: Most definitely. Your spouse and/or your children can be added to your insurance for an additional premium. The premium will be deducted from your paycheck on a pretax basis.

Q: Can I take time off between assignments and keep my health benefits?
A: You most certainly can. With Preferred Healthcare, you can take time off in between assignments with no lapse in your insurance coverage. That means you can enjoy full, uninterrupted insurance coverage, provided you start your next assignment with us on or before 30 days from the last day of your previous assignment.

Q: Besides your health insurance, what else does your benefits package include?
A: At Preferred Healthcare, we are proud to offer one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the travel nursing industry. Besides our competitive pay rates and choice of two health insurance plans, we also provide you with dental insurance, life insurance, free, private housing, a 401(k) retirement plan with partial company match, free continuing education, tax-free travel reimbursement, referral bonuses, incentive programs, sign-on bonuses and more. Please visit our pay and benefits section for more information on our benefits package.

Q: Where do you offer travel assignments?
A: Name the place you want to travel to, and chances are we have assignments right where you want to be. From the biggest cities to the smallest towns (and everywhere in between) we have thousands of travel nursing jobs across the country. We even have exciting assignments in your local area.

Q: What is the length of a typical travel assignment?
A: Most of our assignments are 13 weeks. However, depending on your needs, we can customize your assignment to a time frame that suits you. Often times, if you particularly enjoy an assignment, you can extend it for an additional 13 weeks or longer.

Q: How do I choose the assignment that’s right for me?
A: Once we receive your application and skills checklist, your recruiter will contact you to discuss what you want to achieve through travel nursing. You and your recruiter will work together to find assignments that best suit your skills, preferences and career ambitions. Together you’ll discuss the advantages of each job and narrow your options to the assignments that are the best fit for you. Once you have found a travel nursing job that interests you, your recruiter will forward your credentials to the facility and a telephone interview will be scheduled.

Q: When have I made a commitment to travel?
A: Following your telephone interview with the facility, you and the facility’s hiring manager will decide if the assignment is right for you. There’s no pressure and no obligation for you to accept the assignment. Your commitment begins only if and when you decide to accept an assignment.

Q: How will I get to my assignment?
A: It’s best to drive or have your vehicle transported to your assignment destination. This will give you the freedom to explore your new surroundings and to go sight seeing when you’re away from work. If you take an assignment in a city where parking is scarce and there is a reliable transportation system, you can probably do without a car. Regardless of how you get to your destination, we will provide you with a tax-free travel reimbursement.

Q: Can I choose a travel job close to home?
A: Yes, in most cases you can. Through our local assignment program, we will work with you to find an assignment that is in close proximity to your hometown. Plus, you can enjoy many of the perks and benefits of long-distance travelers.

Q: Will I work full-time or part-time?
A: All of our assignments are for full time 36- or 40-hour weeks. Many assignments also offer the opportunity to work overtime.

Q: Will someone help me with the licensing requirements for different states?
A: Your recruiter and quality management specialist will advise you on the specific requirements for each state and the length of time necessary to obtain a license in the state where you want to take an assignment. They will help you every step of the way to make the process as simple as possible. For more information, go to our licensure information page.

Q: What happens once I complete my assignment?
A: After you’ve completed your travel nursing assignment, you have several options.

Q: Is housing really free?
A: Yes—it’s one of the great benefits of travel nursing. At Preferred Healthcare, we pride ourselves on making your home away from home as comfortable as possible. We work exclusively with pre-screened, preferred housing providers to ensure that each property meets our high standards and offers a variety of modern amenities.

Q: What kind of housing will I be provided?
A: When you take an assignment with Preferred Healthcare, you'll be provided with free, private one-bedroom accommodations in well-appointed neighborhoods across the country. In some locations, studio apartments are offered. We want you to thrive on your travel assignment and realize that for you to do so, you need to feel at ease in your new home. That's why we are meticulous about the properties we select and work tirelessly to ensure that you are satisfied with your living arrangements. You can view a sample of our traveler accommodations in the housing section.

Q: When will I be able to occupy my housing?
A: You can move in to your new home two days prior to starting your assignment. Our housing account executives will arrange everything for you—including utilities and furniture delivery—well in advance, so that your home will be ready for you to enjoy from the moment you arrive.

Q: Will I be provided with housing if I travel with my spouse/friend/children?
A: Of course! We are happy to accommodate you and your traveling companions in comfortable private housing, in close proximity to your workplace. While one-bedroom accommodations are provided free of charge, there may be a modest fee for private, two-bedroom housing. Alternatively, you can arrange your own accommodations and we will provide you with a generous housing subsidy every month.

Q: Will I be provided with housing if I have a pet?
A: While some weight and breed restrictions may apply in certain locations, we will gladly assist you in finding private, pet-friendly accommodations. You will need to pay a pet deposit, which will be returned to you upon completion of your assignment if your housing is clean and well-maintained.

Q: Can I arrange my own housing?
A: If you would prefer to arrange your own accommodations, we will provide you with a generous housing subsidy. The amount will vary depending on the assignment and the location. Your recruiter will be able to provide you with further details.