Everything You Need to Know About Travel Nurse Credentialing

Every hospital, clinic, and long-term care facility has its own standards for verifying a clinician’s qualifications and readiness to practice. Even if you’ve worked at a similar facility before, you can’t automatically carry over your credentials. Each assignment requires you to complete a credentialing and onboarding process to ensure patient safety and compliance with regulations.

Credentialing typically includes:

• Drug screening
• Health assessments
• Proof of licensure and certifications
• Background checks and reference verifications
• Competency exams
• Facility-specific training and onboarding

Many nurse managers or department leaders will schedule a phone or video call to review workflows, discuss expectations, and confirm you’ve completed all requirements before your start date.

What You’ll Need for Credentialing

Preparation is key. Keeping all your essential documents organized will save you time and stress whenever you accept a new assignment. Here’s what you’ll need to have ready:

• Copies of your professional license(s) and any specialty certifications (such as BLS, ACLS, PALS)
• Two valid forms of identification (e.g., driver’s license and passport)
• A record of your annual physical exam (valid for one year)
• TB test results (valid for one year)
• Drug screen results
• Immunization and titer records (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and others)
• Proof of flu vaccination (especially if starting in the fall or winter)
• COVID vaccination records if required by the facility
• Payroll forms and direct deposit information
• References and verified work history
• Competency test results (if applicable)

If you want to avoid delays, consider getting your TB test, physical, and immunizations updated while you’re applying for contracts. Staying current helps you move quickly when the right opportunity arises.

Online Assessments and Facility Orientation

Most healthcare facilities require online assessments to verify your competency in your specialty. These assessments might include:

• Skills checklists
• Clinical scenario testing
• Electronic medical record (EMR) training modules

Once you pass these evaluations, you’ll typically complete one to two days of orientation to get familiar with the facility’s policies, documentation standards, and workflows. This process helps ensure you can provide safe, effective care from day one.

Special Considerations for High-Demand Specialties

If you work in in-demand roles such as ER RN, PCU RN, CT Technologist, RRT, Surgical Tech, Mammo Tech, Home Health RN, or M/S RN, expect additional verifications and specialty-specific assessments. Facilities often have strict guidelines for these positions due to the complexity of care and the need for current certifications.

Staff Relief’s credentialing team can walk you through these specialty requirements step by step so you feel confident and prepared.

Smaller Agencies Offer a Personal Touch

Large national agencies often have more rigid, self-directed credentialing processes. Working with a regional partner like Staff Relief provides you with hands-on support. Our team will:

• Help you track deadlines for documents and assessments
• Coordinate background checks and health screenings
• Connect you with local resources for TB testing and physicals
• Answer your questions about compliance and onboarding

This personal guidance ensures nothing falls through the cracks—and you’re always ready to step into your next assignment.

Tips for Staying Credentialed Year-Round

Credentialing isn’t a one-time process. Here are a few habits that can help you stay organized:

• Keep a digital folder with scanned copies of your documents
• Mark your calendar with expiration dates for your TB test, physical, and certifications
• Get your annual flu shot early if you expect to start an assignment in the fall
• Check whether your next facility requires a COVID vaccine or booster
• Keep your immunizations up to date to avoid delays

Being proactive makes you more competitive for premium travel contracts and quick-start assignments.

Credentialing Support You Can Count On

Navigating credentialing can feel like a lot to manage, especially if you’re juggling multiple offers. That’s why choosing the right staffing partner is so important.

Staff Relief has years of experience supporting clinicians across Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and the Carolinas. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned professional, you’ll have a dedicated team behind you to make credentialing smooth, transparent, and stress-free.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re exploring travel nursing jobs or allied health contracts in the Southeast, our team is here to help you navigate credentialing and start your next adventure with confidence. Contact Staff Relief today to learn about current opportunities and get expert support every step of the way.