List of Documents for Travel Nurse Jobs

Documentation is a basic travel nurse requirement. Having your documents organized and ready to go can set you ahead of the rest!

Many new and aspiring travel nurses are curious about the documentation they will need to provide. Required credentials and documents are unique to every assignment. Your American Traveler support team can tell you exactly what is needed for specific positions. Once you have your documents prepared and on hand, you will be ahead of other candidates!

When you start a profile with us, you'll be able to easily upload scanned or photographed documents. Images aren't always needed; many of the required credentials can be verified online, such as your professional licensure.

Travel Nurse Documentation

Here is a list to get you started:

1. You'll need to upload your professional licenses and/or registrations if you have a hard copy. This information can often be verified online as well.

2. Providing professional references usually comes a little later in the onboarding process, but you'll do yourself a favor by asking previous employers for a reference in advance. Gather the necessary contact information, and keep it in an easy-to-find location, along with your resume, license information, and any other certifications you may have.

3. We recommend you provide your most recent:

TB-PPD skin test
Titers results with lab values for Rubella, Rubeola, Varicella, and Mumps
Completed physician's statement. A physician statement should dated within the 12 months prior to your start date and specify that you are free of communicable diseases.
Current flu shot
Tdap vaccine
COVID-19 vaccination. Your recruiter will let you know what is currently required for each specific facility and assignment.
Basic Life Support (BLS), ACLS and PALS certifications must include an eCard code or QR code for scanning issued by the American Heart Association (AHA). ACLS and PALS will be required as determined by your specialty.
Respirator fit mask test. Whenever you have a respirator fit test, request a copy of the results for your records; you will need it.
Any college diplomas and/or transcripts, as well as your most recent driver's license.

4. A bit further into completing your profile, you'll be asked to provide the dates, locations, and your roles of previous employment. So if you don't have your work history gathered together in one place yet, collect the dates, facilities, and units you worked in, and you will easily roll through work history!

More Documentation Pro Tips

Tip #1 - Digitize EVERYTHING.

If you haven't digitized your professional documents yet, consider doing so. While it might feel daunting now, you won't regret it once you hit the road for your first travel job!

Tip #2 - Whether you’re scanning or photographing your documentation, make sure you capture everything and that it’s all legible.

This means make sure you get the front and back of all two-sided documents, that nothing is over- or under-exposed, and that nothing is blurry. For items like driver’s licenses, make sure any copies are made in color.

Tip #3 - Your my.americantraveler.com profile makes it easy to find your essential documentation, no matter where you are.

Your documentation can be easily saved in your my.americantraveler profile

Tip #4 - Apply for state nursing licenses early.

There are few situations as frustrating for travel nurses as finding the perfect travel job but lacking the proper state license. So we like to avoid that situation by planning ahead! Many states take eight weeks or more to issue nursing licenses. California currently hold the dubious honor of the longest licensure process - it can take longer than six months. This means if you want to hit the sunny San Diego beaches or busy San Francisco streets on a California travel nursing job, it’s a good idea to start the licensure process now!

Tip #5 - Use your Credentialing Specialist

At American Traveler, we help you through every step of the documentation process. In fact, you have a designated documentation specialist who is available to answer all of your questions, review your documents as you send them in, and help you through any hiccups. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact them.

Tip #6 - Keep everything up to date.

Once you're registered with American Traveler, you'll receive regular reminders about expiring documents. Not only will your profile display your documents' status, your American Traveler support team will guide you through every detail of what is required for any upcoming assignment. We're here to make sure you have everything you need!

You’ve successfully compiled your documentation, completed your profile, and finished your skills checklists - congratulations! You’re well on your way to being a travel nurse superstar. But in order to keep your good-to-go status and prevent future headaches, make sure to keep everything updated. This includes your skills checklists! Every travel assignment can broaden your skill set and make you a more valuable hire, whether you’re a new nurse, seasoned professional, or mid-career caregiver.