So you found an assignment, received an offer and now, you get to start credentialing! This is exciting, but oftentimes where travelers begin to run into issues. Credentialing requirements vary from facility to facility, so what you did for your last assignment might be different this time around.
But fear not- that’s where we come in! This blog post will give you an overview of what to expect while you’re in the period between signing your contract and getting your first day instructions.
The BasicsAt Travel Nurses, Inc. there are certain credentialing requirements you will need for every assignment. These are things like a drug screen, background check, updated vaccination records, updated resume, a physical and a picture of your driver’s license. Some of these items you only have to update once a year, which makes it easier for you as the traveler.
Things like your skills checklist and certification cards also must stay up to date. However, you do not need to update these for every assignment. You must update your skills checklist once a year, and your skills checklist must match the position you are submitting to. For instance, if you have a MedSurg/Tele skills checklist on file, but you are submitting to a PCU/Stepdown assignment, then you will need to complete a new skills checklist for PCU/Stepdown. You complete credentialing items for the unit you will be working on.
In addition to the items listed above, each facility could have additional credentialing requirements. Sometimes facilities need specific things listed on your resume, or the facility may require references from the past six months. If your recruiter comes to you after you signed a contract asking for additional references or information for your resume, it is because the facility is asking for updated information.
Some facilities require very specific drug screening panels. In these cases, it’s possible you will have to go to a specific place to draw these labs. Keep in mind, our credentialing team is always looking for the lab closest to you. If they ask you to go out of your way for your drug screen, it’s because the facility has specific requirements.
It’s also important to remember that different states have different laws when it comes to recreational drugs and some drugs stay in your system for up to 30 days. Be very mindful of what you are consuming. It is also possible for a facility to have a zero-tolerance policy for nicotine. Your recruiter will be able to give you a heads-up about these facilities.
After COVID, many facilities implemented a radius restriction for travelers. Most facilities have a 50-mile radius restriction. However, sometimes facilities have up to 150-mile radius restrictions, or they prohibit travelers from the same state. For example, if a facility is in Phoenix, Arizona, they might say travelers cannot be from Arizona.
To verify a radius restriction or a state restriction, facilities look at your driver’s license. They do not go by the address listed on your resume. If the address on your driver’s license is incorrect or does not meet the requirements, then be prepared to update your driver’s license prior to starting your assignment.
For nurses, your driver’s license also must match your primary nursing license. You cannot have a driver’s license in one state, and a compact license in another state. For example, if you live in Kansas, you must have a Kansas nursing license (preferably a compact license). You cannot live in Kansas and work using an Oklahoma compact nursing license. The state licenses must match.
If you live in a compact state and want to travel to a state that is not part of the compact (i.e. New York, California, Hawaii, Alaska, etc.), you must apply for those single state licenses. However, your primary license still must match your driver’s license home state.
This can seem like a lot of rules to remember for new traveler, but remember that with Travel Nurses, Inc., you never go alone. Our recruiters and credentialing team are here to guide you every step of the way. Just remember to have open communication with your recruiter and compliance specialist to mitigate any roadblocks that could arise.
For more information on traveling with TNI, email us at info@travelnursesinc.com.
