Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Nursing
As a travel healthcare professional, you have the opportunity to travel to new states and support healthcare communities in need. It is a big commitment - you will work away from your home for the duration of your assignment. Not for you? We also offer local long-term assignments (4-13 weeks), as well as per diem (day-to-day) shifts in your area!
GrapeTree specializes in staffing skilled nursing care and long-term care facilities with high-quality, experienced CNAs, STNAs, LPNs, and RNs to fill per-diem, local long-term assignments, and travel assignments. In 2021, we began offering travel opportunities throughout our 12 state region in the Midwest.
Travel assignments are typically 8-13 weeks with opportunity for extensions.
Yes! If you are on an assignment that you love and want to stay at for longer than your original contract states, let both your GrapeTree Recruiter and the facility that you are working at know, and your Recruiter will get to work setting up another assignment with the facility. Our team loves extensions, because that means you and the facility are a great match!
Yes! This is one of the many benefits that comes along with being a traveler. You have the option to set your start and end dates so that if you want or need to take time off between contracts, you have the ability to do so. Many of our travelers will take a week or two off to go home and reset before heading out on their next assignment.
You must be certified/licensed in the state where you will be working the assignment and all state requirements must be completed before the start of your contract.
CNAs must have at least 6 months of experience.
LPNs and RNs must have at least 1 year of experience.
While each state has their own process for becoming licensed, it is easy to get your license transferred. This process is called getting "reciprocity" or "endorsement." Our team has compiled a list of all the state registries so that you can easily get certified in other states.
You are paid a taxable rate, as well as housing and per diem reimbursements. These pay packages are higher than working a local assignment or per diem shift due to you increasing your living expenses. Package amount is based on facility type, specialty, location, and certification of healthcare professional.
GrapeTree provides you a housing reimbursement and allows you the flexibility to choose your housing based on your preferences. These reimbursements will be paid out on your weekly paychecks and are laid out in the details of your assignment agreement.
You are in control! Since you will arrange your housing, we recommend you make sure to check with your landlord/host/hotel on any policies regarding your housing.
GrapeTree currently has assignments all throughout 14 states – Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.
Let’s get you started on your next adventure! Fill out the form below and let us know what you’re looking for. Once we receive your submission, a Recruiter will get in touch with you to start matching you with an opportunity!
Travel Nursing FAQs
All timesheets are due each Monday by 5 PM CST. If your timesheets are not submitted, you run the risk of not getting paid for your shifts. If you have any issues submitting your timecard or clocking in/out, please contact your recruiter.
You will be paid weekly on Fridays.
Our pay week starts on Sunday and ends on Saturday, as long as your timesheets are submitted prior to our deadline of Mondays at 5 PM, you will get paid the following Friday.
Your timesheet can be signed by any supervisor or charge nurse at the facility.
No. All timecards must be approved by your supervisor at the facility. Self-signed timecards will not be paid out unless they were already approved and discussed between GrapeTree and your facility. Ask your recruiter if you’re not sure about prior approval!
If no one is available to sign your timesheet, please let your recruiter know so we can try to help. If it is outside of our regular business hours and you can’t reach them, send them an email and we can request approval the following day.
Yes! However, always alert your recruiter when you pick up an overtime shift. All overtime must be approved in order to be paid on time.
You have guaranteed hours outlined in your contract. If you do not get your full hours in a week due to the facility canceling or requesting that you leave early, please let your recruiter know!
If you volunteer to leave early or mutually agree to any cancelled time, the guarantee will not apply and you may lose a portion of your housing and per diem reimbursements.
Yes! If you’re looking for extra hours, your contracted facility might have the option for overtime. Check with a scheduler and let your recruiter know that you're interested! If they do not have extra hours, reach out to your recruiter to see if we can find you per diem at other local facilities.
Our team is always here to help. Please reach out to your recruiter or to our Payroll Department at (712) 336-0800 extension 2747 with any additional questions you have!