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Travel Nursing FAQ and Resources

Travel Nursing FAQs and Resources

Welcome to Junxion Med Staffing’s Travel Nursing FAQs hub. Here you’ll find answers to the most common travel nursing frequently asked questions, along with resources to help you succeed in your career.

Whether you’re wondering what do travel nurses do, how much do travel nurses make a year, how to become a traveling nurse, or even how to file taxes as a travel nurse, this guide will walk you through it all.

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Travel Nursing FAQ and Resources - Downtown Los Angeles, California

General Travel Nursing FAQs

Travel nursing is a career option for nurses where they accept short-term assignments in different locations, typically around 13 weeks. It allows you to explore new places, gain diverse clinical experience, and enjoy competitive pay and benefits.

Hospitals and healthcare facilities hire travel nurses through agencies like Junxion Med Staffing to cover staffing gaps. These may be due to leaves of absence, seasonal surges, or shortages. You sign a contract with the agency, usually 13 weeks, and complete the assignment at the designated facility.

The role is the same—providing excellent patient care—but travel nurses step in temporarily to support facilities. Assignments range across specialties, from ICU and ER to L&D and surgical units.

Yes. You can select contracts based on pay, shift, location, and facility type. The more flexible you are with preferences, the better your chances of landing the assignment you want.

Most facilities require at least 1–2 years of recent hospital experience. While new grads usually don’t qualify right away, once you’ve built up that experience, you can transition into travel nursing.

  • Pay varies by specialty and location, but travel nurses typically earn more than staff nurses. While the average staff RN earns around $86,000 annually, travel nurses often make between $100,000–$120,000 when factoring in stipends for housing, meals, and travel.

Because hospitals are filling urgent staffing needs, they offer higher pay packages to attract qualified travelers. Specialized roles like ICU or OR often come with even higher pay.

Agencies like Junxion Med Staffing offer competitive pay, housing stipends or placements, comprehensive insurance, 401(k) options, referral bonuses, and in some cases, continuing education opportunities.

Yes. You can receive health, dental, and vision insurance through the agency. However, if you plan to take long breaks between contracts, you may want to secure your own coverage to avoid gaps.

Housing isn’t completely free, but you have options:

  • Take agency-arranged housing (convenient, but may lower your pay).

  • Accept a housing stipend and find your own accommodations, often the more cost-effective route.

Most travel nurses live in extended stay hotels, furnished apartments, or corporate housing. Others choose RVs, vacation rentals, or shared housing with fellow travelers. Junxion offers stipends so you can pick what works best.

Popular options include Airbnb, Furnished Finder, and corporate housing providers. Some nurses also sublet or share housing to save money.

It depends on location and housing choice. Some nurses keep housing costs low and pocket part of their stipend, while others spend more for comfort or family needs.

Yes. Many nurses bring spouses, children, or pets. Just let your recruiter know so housing can be arranged accordingly.

Yes, but housing stipends typically apply only if you maintain a separate tax home and duplicate expenses. Otherwise, you’ll earn just your hourly pay.

You’ll need:

  • An active RN license

  • 1–2 years of specialty experience

  • Certifications as required by facilities (e.g., BLS, ACLS)

Once qualified, apply through Junxion Med Staffing to get connected with assignments.

A compact license allows you to work across multiple states without reapplying. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to apply individually for each state where you work.

To qualify for non-taxable housing stipends, you must maintain a permanent residence (“tax home”). This shows you’re duplicating expenses while on assignment.

Adaptability, clinical competence, and communication skills are crucial. Travel nurses must adjust quickly to new facilities and patient populations.

Travel nurses are still Registered Nurses (RNs). They may also be referred to as “contract nurses” or “agency nurses.”

Taxes for travel nurses can be complex. If you maintain a tax home, housing and meal stipends are usually non-taxable. Many travelers consult tax experts who specialize in multi-state nursing.

It depends on where you work and your tax home status. Often you’ll need to file in multiple states, but you won’t necessarily be taxed twice if handled properly.

Most contracts are 13 weeks, but you can take back-to-back assignments or breaks. Some nurses move every 3 months, while others stay longer through extensions.

Assignments can be across the country or close to home. With compact licenses, it’s easier to work in multiple states without extra paperwork.

Hawaii is competitive and often pays less than mainland assignments, but many nurses choose it for the experience and lifestyle rather than the paycheck.

Most nurses say yes. The higher pay, flexibility, and career growth opportunities outweigh the challenges.

Most are 13 weeks, but they can range from 8–26 weeks. Extensions are common if you and the facility agree.

Timing matters. Submitting your application early dramatically boosts your odds:

  • First 3 submissions → 85% higher chance of securing the job

  • Within 12 hours → 23% higher chance

  • Within 48 hours → 13% higher chance

  • Within 3–5 days → 7% higher chance

The best way to stay competitive is to keep your Traveler Success Portal profile updated so you’re ready to submit as soon as an assignment opens.

Build at least 1 year of experience, apply with Junxion Med Staffing, and let a recruiter help guide you into your first contract.

Assignments are available nationwide, from big cities to rural communities. Your location depends on demand, specialty, and licensure.

Ask about guaranteed hours, shift expectations, orientation, pay structure, and non-compete policies.

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Final Note

This guide to travel nursing FAQs is designed to answer both common and overlooked questions. At Junxion Med Staffing, we’re here to help you navigate the details so you can focus on growing your career and exploring new opportunities.

If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to us through our Traveler Success Portal or contact us today.

Let's take care of your career.

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