Your First Travel Assignment Checklist: 30 Things to Do Before Day One

Your first travel therapy assignment is exciting — and overwhelming. There are dozens of things to handle between signing your contract and showing up on day one. This checklist keeps you organized so nothing falls through the cracks.

Licensing & Credentialing (6-8 Weeks Before Start)

Start with the most time-sensitive items. Apply for your state license if you don't have one yet — processing times vary from 2 weeks to 3+ months depending on the state. Use our License Lookup Tool to check requirements and timelines. If your discipline participates in a compact license agreement, investigate whether that covers your assignment state.

Complete your agency's credentialing requirements, which typically include background check authorization, drug screening, immunization records (including TB test, Hep B, MMR, and flu shot), BLS/CPR certification (must be American Heart Association), professional references (typically 2-3 supervisors), skills checklists specific to your setting, and copies of your license, diploma, and transcripts.

Get a head start on this paperwork — credentialing delays are the number one reason start dates get pushed back.

Financial Preparation (4-6 Weeks Before)

Set up your finances before you're in the midst of a move. Open a savings account for your travel fund if you don't have one — having $3,000-$5,000 in reserves provides a safety net. Understand your pay schedule (when is the first paycheck, and will you need to cover expenses before it arrives?). Review your pay package one more time — are all negotiated terms in the contract? Set up your tax home documentation if you haven't already. And research health insurance options through your agency (enrollment often has a waiting period).

Housing (3-5 Weeks Before)

Lock down your housing situation. If you're taking the housing stipend, start searching on Furnished Finder, Airbnb, and local rental groups. If you chose company housing, confirm the details with your agency — location, furnishings, move-in date. Arrange renter's insurance if required (many short-term rentals require it). Set up utilities if they're not included, and plan your internet setup (a portable hotspot is a great backup). Confirm the exact move-in date and coordinate with your travel schedule.

Logistics (2-3 Weeks Before)

Handle the practical details of your move. Plan your travel route and timing — arrive at least a day before your start date to settle in. Arrange for mail forwarding from your current address. Notify important contacts of your temporary address (banks, insurance, subscriptions). Pack strategically — focus on essentials since most furnished places have basics. Prepare an "assignment kit" with work essentials: scrubs, comfortable shoes, stethoscope, gait belt, and any specialty equipment you prefer using.

Download important apps for your new area: maps, food delivery, local transit, and healthcare worker housing groups.

Clinical Preparation (1-2 Weeks Before)

Prepare yourself professionally for the new environment. Review the facility's documentation system if possible (ask your recruiter what EMR they use). Brush up on clinical skills specific to the setting — if it's been a while since you've done acute care, a quick refresher helps. Research the facility online to understand their patient population, size, and culture. Prepare questions for your first day: productivity expectations, documentation deadlines, schedule, dress code, and parking.

First Week Survival Tips

Your first few days at a new facility set the tone for the entire assignment. Arrive early on your first day — plan for extra time to find parking, navigate the building, and handle HR paperwork. Bring your own lunch for the first few days until you learn the food options. Introduce yourself to as many coworkers as possible. Be humble and adaptable — every facility does things differently, and showing flexibility earns respect fast. Ask questions freely — it's expected for a new traveler, and most staff appreciate that you want to do things their way.

Take notes on facility-specific protocols, documentation workflows, and key contacts. Having a small notebook dedicated to each assignment is incredibly helpful when you're learning a new system.

Self-Care & Settling In

Moving to a new city every 13 weeks takes an emotional toll, especially the first time. Be intentional about self-care in your first week. Explore your new neighborhood — find a grocery store, gym, coffee shop, and a good takeout spot. Reach out to the travel therapy community in the area through Facebook groups or your agency's network. Establish a routine as quickly as possible (meal prep, exercise, winding down before bed). Give yourself grace — it's normal to feel overwhelmed, lonely, or homesick during the first week. It gets easier with every assignment.

Emergency Contact & Info Card

Create a card (digital or physical) with essential information you may need quickly: your recruiter's name and phone number, agency's after-hours emergency line, facility HR contact, local emergency room and urgent care addresses, housing manager or landlord contact, your state license number, and important insurance policy numbers.