Tips for Illinois Travel Nursing:

First of all, it’s important for you to learn all you can about Illinois. The Web site EnjoyIllinois.com provides some excellent information about the state. After familiarizing yourself with your new assignment location, research some practical information about Illinois, including cost of living, crime rate, quality of education, transit and traffic patterns. This type of information can be found at Illinois.gov.

1. Prepare Your License and Records
As you may guess, being organized is an important part of being a travel nurse.  By being organized, we mean that you should have all of your necessary paperwork organized and sent to your travel company before your initial departure.  There is no need to fret over this situation though as your recruiter and document specialist will offer you the necessary information concerning these documents.  For instance, you can learn about how to obtain a license, and learn about how to complete any required testing.  Further, these professionals can also help you find any appropriate classes that you may need to attend.  As a safeguard though, many nurses do take their records (with extra copies) with them to ensure a smooth work transition at their new place of work.

2. Ensure that You Understand Your Travel Assignment Package and Contract
Don’t be shy about asking questions concerning your assignment and contract. Be sure that you understand all that your contract entails before you sign anything.
Pay Rate: Pay, of course, is an extremely important issue. Make sure that you understand all of the pay rate information like hourly pay, overtime rules and bonus pay info.
Float Policy: Understanding an organization’s float policy is also important. For instance, when you work in various specialties, it may be beneficial to know if floating is acceptable.
Benefits/Health Coverage: Ask what health coverage and benefits are available.
Housing: Be sure to notify your recruiter about any special housing needs you have.

3. Be Flexible and Open
One of the key characteristics of a successful travel nurse is the ability to easily adapt to changing environments and people. Being open minded and positive about a situation goes a long way.