FAQs

There are many Pro’s to being a Healthcare Traveler. Great rates of pay and tax incentives, the freedom to choose where you work and when you work. You also get to choose when you can take breaks from assignments or schedule holidays. You get to experience different working environments and gain new professional experiences. To top it all, you can make new friends, explore new cities and states.

It’s true – being a Healthcare Traveler is not for everyone. Keeping up to date with all the paperwork is a factor – making sure resumes, licences, mandatory training and competencies are all completed, takes plenty of organizing. Potentially changing location every 13 weeks, always being the new staff member in the department, arranging accommodation, being away from family and friends in an unfamiliar environment.

We would encourage you to talk to any Traveler colleagues you may know, about their experiences. We are also happy to share our experiences too, so you get a balanced picture of what life is like on the road.

As long as you have received the required education and have the registration and licences to work in your clinical specialty, then that’s usually all you will need to become a Traveler.

Why not speak with one of our Recruitment team regarding any other paperwork needed? They can help advise you, on mandatory training, skills competencies and state licences you may require.

Unfortunately the answer to that is usually No.

Most Hospitals and Agencies require at least one year’s experience post graduation before being accepted as a Healthcare Traveler. However, some facilities prefer two or more years of experience.

It can depend on a couple of factors – how up to date you are with your paperwork and whether we have a role ready to fill that you are well matched for.

In general, we recommend Travelers start looking for their next assignment approximately four to six weeks before they want to start. This gives us plenty of time to get all the paperwork completed and you sufficient time to prepare for your next adventure.

It’s always your call, how you want to get there but you there are several of options available to you. If long distances are involved and you are prepared to travel lite, then flying or taking the train maybe better. Some Healthcare Travelers prefer to drive, so they can transport family, luggage, possessions and pets more easily. The other good thing about taking have a car, is the ability to explore the area or go shopping on days off.  Saying that, you can always hire a car at your destination if required.

Traveler assignments usually last 13 weeks. However, some travelers end up staying for a shorter time and some end up staying much longer. That’s because assignments often end up either being extended or the job and location is so enjoyable it can turn into a permanent role.

That’s the beauty of the Traveler lifestyle, you’re in control. You can stay in a location, continue to receive non-taxable per diems or stipends in addition to your regular hourly pay. Or you can decide it’s time to move on and explore new areas.

We, as the Staffing Agency, are your employer during your assignment, not the Facility that you are working at.

Well it does very much depend on the location, clinical specialty and need. Pay rates are higher in some States than others. If there is a shortage of staff in a particular specialty, then again pay rates may be higher. It is usually accepted that Travelers get paid better than their permanent colleagues but that is because they are willing to accept temporary assignments and the uncertainty that goes with the role. According to Indeed the average salary for travelers in 2023 was $126,384 or $2,345 per week.

If you submit your signed timesheet by the appointed time, then we will pay you weekly and normally on a Friday.

Yes – absolutely! Having the company can often make an assignment that much more enjoyable. You will obviously have to consider appropriate accommodation if the traveling party is larger.

Traveling with school aged children can prove a slightly bigger challenge. You might have to coordinate assignments closer to home or during school holidays.

The answer is usually Yes. However, it is important to check the rental agreement or lease to see if pets are allowed. Even if pets are permitted, there may be additional fees for cleaning or deposits (which may or may not be refundable) required.

It’s also worth checking that the area you are staying in has pet-sitter or pet-walker services, should you need them?

That’s entirely up to you. WHR would be delighted to help you look for your next adventure. With all your paperwork on file, we can start searching for a new role immediately.