Travel Nurse Orientation Guide

Starting a new travel nursing assignment is exciting, but before you can dive in, you’ll need to get through orientation. Every facility does things a little differently, and that can feel overwhelming at first. But with the right preparation, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and make the most of your assignment.

Getting Ready

Once you’ve signed your contract, your compliance specialist will send you a checklist of everything the facility requires—think licenses, certifications, immunizations, and more. They’ll help keep you on track, but your participation is crucial: stay organized, communicate clearly, and submit everything on time.

Pro tip: Keep digital copies of all your compliance documents in a secure, cloud-based folder like Google Drive. It’s free, password-protected, and makes onboarding a breeze.

Onboarding Essentials: What to Expect

Requirements vary, but here’s what’s usually on the list:

Active nursing license
BLS and specialty certifications
Immunization records
Physical exam
Drug screening
Background check

Don’t worry about the costs – CareTeam will cover or reimburse you for required items, and your compliance specialist will help you schedule any necessary appointments.

Facility-Specific Modules

Some hospitals require you to complete online modules or competency tests before you start. You might not get access to these until close to your start date, so tackle other requirements early to leave time for these last steps.

First Day Instructions

Once you’re cleared to start, you’ll get your First Day Instructions—either from your compliance specialist or directly from the facility. These might include:

Where and when to arrive
Parking details
Orientation schedule
Dress code or scrub color
Key contacts for your unit

Some facilities provide detailed info, others just the basics. If you don’t get much, don’t panic! You’ll get more details on your first day.

Side view of female nurse working in storage room of hospital

Orientation Elements

Orientation for travel nurses is usually shorter and more focused, designed to get you up to speed quickly. You may have a few days or just a few hours, so flexibility and a proactive attitude are key.

Although orientation varies from facility to facility, here are some elements that may be included:

Unit Tour: Learn the layout, supply locations, and emergency exits.
Charting System Training: Get access and training for the facility’s electronic health record (EHR) system.
Policies & Procedures: Review emergency codes, escalation protocols, and hospital policies.
Skills & Competency Testing: Some units require specific tests (e.g., EKG, medication calculations).
Preceptor Assignment: Many hospitals assign a preceptor for your first 1–3 shifts to help you acclimate to the unit’s workflow and expectations.

Ask the Right Questions

Orientation moves fast, so come prepared with questions. Here are some traveler-approved topics to cover:

How do I contact providers? Is there a directory or on-call list?
What are the important phone numbers and door codes?
What are the documentation standards for my unit?
Where and when do I clock in and out?
How are emergency codes called? Are they named differently here?
What’s the unit culture? Who can I turn to for help?
Who makes the schedule, and how do I request changes?
Where can I find hospital policies and procedures?
What’s the process for calling in sick?

Tips for Success

Arrive early and bring all required documents.
Approach orientation with a positive and proactive attitude.
Take notes – especially on facility-specific practices and essential contacts.
Ask clarifying questions about anything unfamiliar. A traveler who isn’t asking questions is a hazard to themselves and their patients.
Be flexible and ready to seek out information independently.
Keep an open mind! Every assignment is different, and surprises are part of the journey.

At the end of the day, orientation is just part of the travel nurse routine. Every facility does things a little differently, and there’s always a learning curve, but you’ll get the hang of it. Stay organized, ask questions when you need to, and don’t be afraid to lean on your resources at CareTeam or your new coworkers.

It’s normal to feel a bit out of place at first, but give it some time – you’ll find your rhythm and settle in. Each assignment is a chance to pick up new skills and meet new people, so just take it as it comes and make the most of the experience.