How to Land Your First Travel Nurse Assignment (Without Stress)

Starting Your Travel Nursing Journey

Travel nursing is an amazing opportunity to see new cities, gain experience, and increase your pay. Starting your travel nursing career can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? What do you need to know about licensing, contracts, and housing?

At TNAA | TotalMed, we’ve helped thousands of first-time travelers navigate their first contract with confidence. Here’s a step-by-step guide to landing your first travel nurse assignment without stress.

Step 1: Gain Experience

Most hospitals like you to have at least 1–2 years of recent bedside experience in your specialty before you become a travel nurse. This helps guarantee you can confidently step into new environments, adapt to different electronic medical record (EMR) systems, and provide safe patient care.

Focus on building strong clinical skills and documenting your accomplishments. Specialties in high demand include ICU, ER, OR, and L&D — but even med-surg experience can open doors to your first assignment.

Step 2: Prepare Your Licensing

Licensing is one of the biggest hurdles for new travel nurses, but it doesn’t have to be.

• Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC): If your state is part of the NLC, your license allows you to work in other compact states without additional applications.
• Non-Compact States: If your home state isn’t in the NLC, TNAA | TotalMed’s licensing specialists help you apply for the necessary state licenses, guiding you through every step to avoid delays.

Having your licensing ready allows you to accept assignments immediately when you find the right opportunity.

Step 3: Work With a TNAA | TotalMed Recruiter

Your recruiter is an invaluable resource. TNAA | TotalMed recruiters specialize in matching first-time travelers with assignments that fit their experience, lifestyle, and career goals.

They’ll help you:

• Compare pay packages and contract details
• Evaluate housing options and stipends.
• Prepare for onboarding and credentialing.
• Answer questions about benefits, insurance, and travel reimbursement.

Having a recruiter in your corner helps make your first experience smooth and stress-free.

Step 4: Plan the Details

Travel nursing assignments come with extra planning, but TNAA | TotalMed is here to support you every step of the way:

• Housing: Access furnished accommodations near your assignment site.
• Travel: Reimbursement for mileage, flights, or rental cars.
• Insurance: Coverage starts from day one, so you’re protected from the start.
• Orientation: Facilities will onboard you, but TNAA | TotalMed makes sure all paperwork and credentials are complete before your first shift.

By being prepared in advance, you can focus on your clinical work and enjoy the adventure of travel nursing.

Step 5: Embrace the Experience

Your first travel assignment is more than just work — it’s an opportunity to explore a new city, gain unique clinical skills, and expand your professional network. Take time to learn from coworkers, immerse yourself in the community and all that it has to offer, and reflect on what kind of traveler you want to become. Every contract teaches something new, from adaptability to teamwork.

Tips for Success

• Communicate openly with your recruiter about your preferences and limitations.
• Keep essential documents organized (licenses, certifications, immunizations).
• Network with other travelers for tips and advice.
• Be flexible — every facility has its own workflow and culture

Ready to take the leap?

Start your journey today and apply for your first travel nurse assignment with TNAA | TotalMed. Our recruiters are ready to guide you from your initial application to your first shift, making your first travel experience smooth, rewarding, and memorable.

Apply for your first TNAA | TotalMed travel nurse assignment today.