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Travel Nursing & Therapist FAQ

Covering your most common questions to help guide you on your travel healthcare journey!

This page covers the most frequently asked questions about:

  • Traveling with Ventura MedStaff
  • Travel nursing
  • Travel therapy
  • Onboarding
  • Timesheets and payroll
  • Traveler benefits
  • Facilities
  • Internal employment

If you have more questions that aren’t answered here, we’d love to hear from you. Either fill out the form on this page or contact a recruiter, and we’ll contact you right away!

FAQs About Traveling With Ventura MedStaff

  • Ventura MedStaff offers travel jobs in all 50 states for Nursing, Therapy, and Allied Health in a variety of different specialties. Click each link to view the specialties we staff.
  • It’s crucial to begin the application process for your state license as soon as you consider a travel assignment. The licensing process can take up to eight weeks, depending on the state, so starting early is essential. See the map on our website for licensing timeframes for each state. Ventura MedStaff requires updates on the status of your license before your assignment begins, making timely action even more important. If you encounter any challenges during the process, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help you navigate the licensing requirements and answer any questions you may have. As a valued member of the Ventura MedStaff team, you’ll also enjoy the benefit of full reimbursement for your licensing costs. Let us support you every step of the way!
  • Yes, we offer reimbursements for required licenses and state certifications.
  • Yes, Ventura MedStaff will reimburse you for travel expenses to and from your travel location. Travel expenses are paid at the beginning and the end of your travel assignment. Your Ventura MedStaff recruiter will work with you on all the necessary details.
  • Yes, we offer our travelers $300 per year to take any required CEU exams.
  • Yes, we offer our Ventura MedStaff travelers a stipend that falls within the guidelines outlined by the U.S. General Services Administration. Ask your Ventura MedStaff recruiter for complete stipend details.
  • Our recruiters go the extra mile to help our travelers locate and secure housing by recommending many different housing resources.
  • Absolutely! At Ventura MedStaff, pets are part of our culture; they provide love and companionship to our travelers while they’re away from home. Your Ventura MedStaff recruiter can help you find pet-friendly housing, or check out our pet-friendly housing tips here.
  • Absolutely! We are honored anytime we receive a referral, in fact, many of our current travelers are with us because they were recommended by a friend or colleague.

  • And the best part is, we offer $750 (taxed) for each traveling nurse, therapist, or allied health professional that you refer, if they complete their assignment! Ready to submit a referral? Click here.
  • This will vary based on the facility. Some will guarantee hours while other clients will implement a cancellation policy allowing them to cancel a specified number of shifts/hours during the course of each contract. It’s good practice to verify the “cancellation” policy with your recruiter before confirming your assignment.
  • Steps to Take Before Leaving Home:

    1. Plan Your Route:
      Ventura MedStaff can assist by providing maps and directions to your destination.
    2. Inform Your Family:
      Share your travel plans and estimated arrival time with loved ones. While your family is welcome to travel with you, you’ll be responsible for any additional costs. If traveling with small children, consider committing to a longer contract (e.g., an entire semester) and bringing someone to help with childcare.
    3. Make Pet Arrangements:
      If you have pets, arrange for their care while you’re away. Pets may be allowed on some assignments, but restrictions apply. Many apartment complexes require a pet deposit and have weight or size limits. You’ll be responsible for any related fees.
    4. Update Your Address:
      Notify the post office of your forwarding address.
    5. Manage Utilities and Accounts:
      Cancel or suspend utilities and services you won’t use during your absence, like cable TV.
    6. Track Expenses:
      Prepare a system for organizing receipts related to licensing, travel, and work expenses for tax purposes.
    7. Stay Connected:
      Ensure your recruiter has your cell phone number. If you don’t have a cell phone, consider purchasing one with a nationwide calling plan.
    8. Prepare Financially:
      Bring enough cash to cover expenses until you receive your first paycheck.
    9. Set Up Utilities:
      Make arrangements for utilities to be connected at your new location before you arrive.

  • Travel Tips:
    • Follow your planned route and check weather forecasts in advance.
    • Travel during daylight hours and take frequent rest stops.
    • Refuel before entering areas with limited gas stations.
    • Carry emergency supplies such as jumper cables, flares, extra water, and a cell phone.
    • Stay in touch with your recruiter and update them on your progress

  • Preparing for Your First Day
    1. Test Your Commute:
      Drive to the hospital beforehand to familiarize yourself with the route.
    2. Confirm Your Uniform:
      Check with your recruiter for uniform requirements. Scrubs or a white uniform/jacket are typically acceptable, but some facilities may require specific colors. Maintain a professional appearance, with clean and neat attire, shoes, and proper hygiene.
    3. Have Your Badge Ready:
      Ensure your name badge is ready to wear, as it must be displayed at all times while on duty. Remember, you cannot work without a valid state license, and facilities may send you home without pay if you lack the proper badge.
  • What happens when you complete your assignment is completely up to you. You may have the opportunity to renew your assignment at your current facility, you may want to travel to a different location, or you may choose other career options. Whatever you decide, your recruiter and Ventura MedStaff are here to help you and guide you wherever your path takes you.
  • When looking for a healthcare recruiter, prioritize finding someone honest, hard-working, and detail-oriented. These qualities are shared by good healthcare recruiters who will help you succeed as a traveler.
  • At Ventura MedStaff, we take it a step further by providing you with exceptional and experienced recruiters. Our recruiters connect with travelers on a deeper level, approach every interaction with integrity, respond promptly, and give their best effort to find travelers their ideal job. Click here to Find a Recruiter today!
  • The medical staffing industry is a competitive environment. Here’s what makes Ventura MedStaff stand out from the rest:

  • Our Authenticity – Our company believes in always doing the right thing, and always telling the truth.

  • Our Recruiters – Our recruiters are some of the best in the industry because they C.A.R.E.
    • Connection:
      • Our recruiters take pride in getting to know our travelers, learning about their goals, developing personal connections, and building genuine relationships. They serve as our travelers’ primary contact throughout their entire Ventura MedStaff career, giving them a personalized, one-of-a-kind travel experience.
    • Approach:
      • Our recruiters approach their responsibility of helping travelers and medical facilities with integrity, honesty, and transparency.
    • Responsiveness:
      • Our recruiters are easy to contact, and they respond quickly to traveler’s needs.
    • Effort:
      • Our recruiters go the extra mile to find travelers their ideal placement.

  • Our Experience – Our ownership team has over 50 years of combined experience in the healthcare industry. Because of this, we understand the individual needs of our travelers better than anyone else.

  • Veteran-Owned Company – We’re designated a Certified Veteran’s Business Enterprise (VBE) by the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA), and we’re proud to support all Veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders.

FAQs About Travel Nursing

  • A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who works temporary assignments at understaffed healthcare facilities, providing high-quality care to patients across the country. These assignments can be at hospitals, clinics, or other medical facilities – wherever there is a staffing need. Travel nurses are often required to have at least one year of nursing experience before they can begin traveling. Because of nursing shortages across the country, there are tremendous opportunities for nurses to travel and work in areas where they’re needed the most.
  • At Ventura MedStaff, we offer travel nursing jobs in all 50 states for these specialties:
    • Registered Nurse – RN
    • Licensed Practical Nurse – LPN
  • See our current openings here.
  • Travel nursing contract lengths typically last 13 weeks, although some jobs may be shorter or longer. The length of the assignment is determined by the needs of the facility where the traveler will be working. For example, a 13-week assignment may be used to cover someone on maternity leave, while an 8-week assignment may be used to cover a vacation. Once the assignment is complete, the traveler is free to return home or take another assignment. Depending on the facility’s demands, the traveler may be asked to extend and take another assignment at the same place, or they can choose to go to a new facility entirely.
  • The short answer is yes – but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to obtain a nursing license in the state where you want to work. Each state has its own application process and license requirements, so be sure to do your research ahead of time. You can use the job map located on our website to learn more information about different state’s license processing times, duration, associated fees, and if the state is part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC).

  • Nurses with a primary residence in a compact state can apply for a multi-state license, giving them the ability to work in all states that are a part of the NLC. If your state is not a part of the NLC, you will have to apply individually to every state you want to practice medicine in. Once you have your license, you can start applying for jobs!  Working as an RN outside of your home state can be a great way to broaden your horizons and gain new experience.
  • Travel nurses can expect to earn a competitive salary. This is due to several factors, including supply and demand, experience, the number of working hours, and stipends. In addition to a competitive payment package, travel healthcare agencies offer benefits such as tax-free housing, meals, and travel stipends. Plus, they also typically assist with licensing and credentialing, making it easy for nurses to get started in their new roles. As a result, travel nurses can enjoy both financial and professional rewards by pursuing this unique career path.
  • Starting your travel career with us is simple – all you need to do is click Find a Recruiter and supply your information. Afterward, one of our Ventura MedStaff recruiters will reach out to help guide you through the whole process of finding your next adventure. Take the first step towards your new career by contacting us today!
  • Your Ventura MedStaff recruiter will be your main resource and your single point of contact, and they’ll help guide you and answer all your questions as you navigate through your Ventura MedStaff career. Along with your recruiter, we have a full team working behind the scenes in the areas of compliance, human resources, finance, payroll, and marketing, to give you the support you need.

  • We also have resources to help you locate housing, and you’ll have access to Relias exams for continuing education while you’re on assignment with us.

FAQs About Travel Therapy

  • Travel therapy is when healthcare workers with a specialty in therapy work temporary assignments at healthcare facilities across the country with a staffing need.

    Therapy specialties include:
    • Physical Therapist – PT
    • Physical Therapist Assistant – PTA
    • Occupational Therapist – OT
    • Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant – COTA
    • Speech Language Pathologist – SLP
    • Speech Language Pathologist Clinical Fellowship Year – CFY


At Ventura MedStaff, we offer travel therapy jobs in all 50 states with settings in outpatient, inpatient, SNF, home health. See our current openings here.

  • A travel therapist is someone who works short-term assignments in different locations and in different settings treating patients. You can find travel therapists at hospitals, home health companies, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and schools – wherever there is a staffing need. Travel therapists often work with a travel healthcare staffing agency that helps place traveling therapists in positions that match their skills and experience.
  • To become a travel therapist, you will need a state license from each state that you’d like to work in. You’ll also need recent work or clinical experience. View license requirements here.
  • Yes, you can! Therapy graduates who have passed their boards, obtained licensing, and have the required work experience are immediately eligible to begin working a traveling. We love to help new graduates find their first travel therapy adventure!
  • The short answer is yes, they can! Travel therapists can work in other states if they have that state’s license. Each state has its own application process and license requirements for different therapy specialties, but you can get most licenses in under two months. You can use the job map located on our website to learn more about specific licensing timeframes for different states, and see our map of therapy compact states. Once you have your license, you can start applying for jobs in that state! Working as a therapist outside your home state can be a great opportunity to see the country while doing the job you love.
  • Depending on the setting, assignments can last anywhere from 8 -52 weeks. The most common travel assignment is 13 weeks in length.
  • Travel therapists can expect to earn a competitive salary. This is due to several factors, including supply and demand, experience level, setting, location, and many others. In addition, many travel healthcare agencies offer benefits such as tax-free housing, meals, and travel stipends to cover the cost of living as a traveler. Plus, they typically assist with licensing and credentialing, making it easier for you to get started in your new role. As a result, traveling therapists can enjoy both financial and professional rewards by pursuing this unique career path.
  • Our team of therapy recruiters includes many therapy clinicians, and they’ll be your main resource and your single point of contact, helping guide you and answer all your questions as you navigate through your Ventura MedStaff career. Along with your recruiter, we have a full team working behind the scenes in the areas of compliance, human resources, finance, payroll, and marketing, to give you the support you need.

  • We also have resources to help you locate housing, and we have a clinical liaison on staff for support as well.
  • Starting your travel therapist career with us is simple- all you need to do is click the Find a Recruiter button on our website provide all the necessary information, and we will take it from there. One of our Ventura MedStaff recruiters will reach out to help guide you through the whole process of finding your next adventure. Take the first step towards your new career by contacting us today!

FAQs About Onboarding

  • When you’re hired, our compliance team will work with you directly through the onboarding process to ensure you start on time and have a memorable experience. Here’s what onboarding entails:
    • Collection of your state issued photo ID and an acceptable I-9 verification document (ex. U.S. Passport, Permanent Resident Card).
    • You’ll review and sign various documents:
      • Perm Tax Form
      • Job Description
      • HIPAA Acknowledgement
      • Fingernail Hygiene Acknowledgement
      • Traveler Handbook
      • Release of Medical Release Form
    • We’ll coordinate any required exams through Relias.
    • Your recruiter will send you a Background Release Form to sign and return.
    • We’ll collect any certifications that are required for your job. We require an AHA certification and a BLS certification on every traveler.
    • We’ll verify your license for the state you’re going to be working in.
    • You’ll complete a skills checklist and the required health tests and vaccinations:
      • Drug Test (within 30 days)
      • MMR/Varicella Titers or Vaccines
      • TB skin test or TB Quant
      • Health physical
    • The final step in the onboarding process is to verify your I-9 with us through a Zoom call.

FAQs About Timesheet and Payroll

  • Ventura MedStaff travelers are required to report and submit all hours worked during the previous work week, both in Paycom and by email to their recruiter, by Sunday at 12:00 (noon) p.m. Central Time. A recommended best practice is to turn in your timesheet immediately following your final shift for the week.
  • If we do not receive your timesheet and Paycom entries at the time of payroll submission on Wednesday, you will not receive pay. Once we receive updated timesheets, we will add them to the following payroll.
  • All timesheets and Paycom timecards are reviewed for accuracy by our payroll team. If there are any discrepancies, your recruiter will work with you to correct your time entries. Notifications are then sent out to review your timecard for any additional discrepancies. Payroll is processed every Wednesday once all payroll items have been completed.
  • As a Ventura MedStaff traveling medical professional, you’ll get paid every Friday.
  • Yes, all times should be submitted into the Paycom app.

FAQs About Traveler Benefits

  • As a Ventura MedStaff traveling professional, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package to provide for you and your family’s physical and financial health and well-being. Non-medical benefits include:
    • Weekly pro-rated stipends
    • $300 per year for Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
    • Travel and License Reimbursement
    • Competitive 401k with company match
    • $750 Referral Bonus

  • We offer a comprehensive healthcare benefits package to eligible, full-time employees who work 30 hours per week. Once hired, you’ll have 15 days prior and after your official start date to enroll/decline healthcare benefits. Healthcare benefits include:
    • Medical benefits from Meritain
    • Dental and Vision from Metlife
    • Flexible Spending Accounts
    • Health Savings Account
    • Life and AD&D Insurance
    • Voluntary Short-Term Disability
    • Voluntary Long-Term Disability
    • Voluntary Accident
    • Voluntary Critical Illness
    • Voluntary Hospital Indemnity
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
    • Gallagher Marketplace
    • Numerous other healthcare perks and benefits such as gym discounts, Teladoc, CancerCARE, and more!

FAQs About Facilities

  • We help hospitals, clinics, and various other medical facilities such as critical access, long term Care, home health, and rehabilitation, overcome their staffing challenges by matching them with the most talented and qualified medical professionals in their field.
  • Here are some good questions to ask during your interview process to ensure the facility and location are a good fit.

    • Ask questions about the facility and the unit:
      • What is the nurse-to-patient ratio?
      • What types of patients will I be caring for?
      • What is your team structure and expectations on the unit?

    • Ask about policies you have questions about:
      • Are there overtime shifts or policies that you should be aware of?
      • How is or how does scheduling look like?  Is it self-schedule?

    • Other good questions to ask:
      • What do your orientation and training expectations look like?
      • What types of support do you offer the unit and what resources are available?
      • What is the culture or environment of the facility like?
      • What are the parking arrangements? Is there an extra cost?
      • How can I get connected in the community? What are the things that I should check out in the area?

FAQs About Internal Employment

  • At Ventura MedStaff, we offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package to eligible, full-time employees who work 30 hours per week; this includes:
    • Medical benefits from Meritain
    • Dental and Vision from Metlife
    • Flexible Spending Accounts
    • Health Savings Account
    • Life and AD&D Insurance
    • Company provided Short Term Disability
    • Voluntary Long-Term Disability
    • Voluntary Accident
    • Voluntary Critical Illness
    • Voluntary Hospital Indemnity
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
    • Gallagher Marketplace
    • Numerous other healthcare perks and benefits such as gym discounts, Teladoc, CancerCARE, and more!
  • At Ventura MedStaff, it’s all about people! We believe our greatest asset is YOU. We truly value the relationships we build and are dedicated to the happiness and well-being of everyone on our team—from our internal staff to our incredible travelers, clients, and the patients we serve. Your success and joy are at the heart of everything we do!

  • All of our team members enjoy a casual, yet engaging workplace culture, complete with amazing benefits, open collaboration, extensive resources, and personal support – not only from our training team, but also from our ownership and leadership teams.
  • Besides their recruiter, it takes a full team of support staff to assist our travelers and make sure they have a memorable Ventura MedStaff experience. Support staff departments include compliance, human resources, finance, payroll, accounting, training, and marketing. Click here to see all our current internal job openings.

FAQs About Internal Training & Development

  • All new internal employees go through our new hire onboarding class, and they receive role-specific training within their department.
  • Absolutely, there are Director-Led and Benefits-related training sessions held throughout the year.  In addition to monthly assigned courses through our Learning Management System (Paycom). 

  • In addition, the Sales Team has monthly sessions on topics that are geared to help them build their skills and drive success.

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