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FAQs | TCS Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Get travel nursing information and details on our travel nursing requirements with our travel nursing FAQs. If you don't see your question addressed below, please send us an email or call us at (317) 388-0800 and one of our recruitment specialists will be happy to assist you.
General Travel Nursing Information
Am I under any obligation after submitting my application?

No. Your application is simply used as a qualification for you to travel. You can choose to travel now or in the future. After your application is processed there will be an assignment waiting for you whenever you decide to travel.



Are there any fees associated with your services?

No, never. Our hospital clients pay for our services.



Can I travel with my family or pets?

Absolutely! Traveling with your family or pets is a great way to share the fun and excitement of your travel experiences. If you choose to travel with your pets, please let your recruiter know before you confirm your assignment. Many, but not all, housing complexes allow animals and most have breed and/or size restrictions. A non-refundable pet fee is charged for one or more pets going on assignment with you. This fee will be divided between your 2-3 paychecks. You will be emailed about these deductions. It is very important that the Housing Team has all of the details regarding your pet(s).



Do I have to commit to a long-term contract?

No. Your commitment to TCS Care only extends through the length of the assignment you agree to take.



How do I become a traveling nurse with TCS Care?

To become an TCS Care traveler, you need to complete an online application. You'll then complete the skills checklists and reference request form. You can also create an TCS Care profile for exclusive access to resources and to easily manage your resume and credentials. Once you submit your forms, our expert recruiters will contact you to discuss assignments that match your particular skills and experience.



Is travel nursing a smart choice in a competitive job market?

Demand for travel nurses continues to grow. In fact, the current need is so great that salary ranges for travel nurses are reaching all-time highs. When you travel with us, you’ll have the security of knowing that you’ll always have thousands of facility choices in most states, including positions with the top facilities across the country. And when you’re ready to move on to your next assignment, you can always count on TCS Care to have a variety of travel nursing jobs available for you.

As a traveling nurse, you’ll also have the freedom to choose “low cost of living” locations where your earnings potential and purchasing power goes further, not to mention additional budget-friendly benefits like guaranteed pay and increased travel reimbursements.



What are the minimum travel nursing requirements?

The minimum travel nursing requirements depend on your area of specialty, as well as the facility, unit and sometimes even the location of the position. The facilities we work with have different requirements and preferences, but the majority of them request a minimum one year of experience. For some specialties like psych and rehab, the minimum can be as high as two years.



Information On Pay And Bonuses
How much will I earn?

Pay rates vary depending on the facility and location, as well as your specialty. But, with TCS Care's new take-home pay rates for nurses, you can earn up to 15 percent more on each paycheck. Your take-home travel nursing pay will include a daily incentive for meals and incidentals, which in turn increases the size of your paycheck. You can now earn more money than ever before when you travel with TCS Care.

In addition to our new take-home pay rates for travel nurses, many hospitals offer generous completion and sign-on bonuses that range from $500 to $6,000. For specific pay rate information, and more details on take home pay rates, please contact your recruiter.



When and how will I be paid?

As an TCS Care traveler, you will be paid directly from our payroll. We provide payment by direct deposit into your bank account every week. If you choose direct deposit, your payroll stub will be mailed to you for your records.



Will I earn a bonus if I refer another nurse to TCS Care?

We welcome and appreciate any referrals you send to us. Under the TCS Care refer-a-friend program, you’re eligible for a bonus as soon as your friend or colleague completes his or her first 13-week assignment (depending on specialty).



Benefits And Incentives
Do I still have health benefits when I'm not on assignment?

Yes. You may take up to 30 days off between assignments and still maintain your health benefits.



Do you offer free education?

Yes. We offer all our travelers free continuing education.



How do I enroll in your 401(k) retirement plan?

It's never too early to start planning for your retirement. You can enroll after you receive your first payment. You may contribute up to 75 percent of your salary or the annual IRS maximum — whichever is lower — tax free. Our 401(k) plan offers a variety of well-known stock, bond and money market funds. Eligible travelers who join the program can also take advantage of the 401(k) match that we offer. Ask a recruiter for details!



What benefits does TCS Care offer to traveling nurses?

In addition to providing some of the highest compensation to travel nurses in the industry, we also offer a wide variety of benefits including medical, dental and vision, as well as life insurance. Additional voluntary benefits such as short term disability, critical illness, accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and legal services are also available. Free, private housing; 401(k) retirement plan; free continuing education; travel reimbursement; The Service Connection; incentive programs; and much more.



Travel Assignment Information
Can I work as a traveler in my hometown?

Yes! We have plenty of local "travel" opportunities. With our local travel program, you can still enjoy all the benefits of travel nursing, without leaving your family or the comforts of your home. It's a great way to balance your home life with a flexible and rewarding career. Talk to one of our recruiters today to find the right position in your area.



Does TCS Care offer clinical support?

Yes. TCS Care offers clinical liaisons to help our travelers if they have clinical questions or concerns on their assignment. Their support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.



How do I choose an assignment?

Once we have reviewed your application and skills checklist, you and your recruiter will discuss your assignment expectations, career goals, and your desired destination in order to find the best assignment for you. You will then be presented with available assignments, including details on the pay rate, facility, unit, shifts, location and bonuses.

From that list, you will interview with the facilities of your choice. All interviews are done over the phone. After your interview, you and your recruiter will decide which assignment to take



How long are travel assignments?

Typically, assignments range from eight to 13 weeks. However, we can often be flexible and offer shorter or longer assignments based on your specific needs. And many times, you have the option to extend an assignment you particularly enjoy.



How long will it take to approve my application and start my assignment?

Some travelers start their first assignment a week after submitting their application, while others plan their assignments several months down the road. How quickly you can start traveling depends on whether your documentation is in order and if your license is current for the state where you will be practicing. If it isn’t, don’t worry — we’ll help you get all the paperwork and credential requirements organized in time for your assignment start date.



What are the state licensing requirements for my assignment?

Your recruiter will advise you on the specific requirements for the state in which you have chosen to take an assignment. For more information, please visit our state licensing section.



What happens after I complete my assignment?

After your assignment is complete, you have many options. Many facilities will give you the option of extending your current assignment, or may offer you a permanent position at their facility. If you prefer, you can travel to a new assignment, or even return home and travel at a later date. It's entirely up to you.



What kind of facility will I work in as a traveler?

Our travelers work primarily in hospital settings. The size of the hospitals can range from very large teaching hospitals to small community healthcare facilities.



Where do you offer assignments?

We work in thousands of facilities in all 50 states, from major cities to rural communities. Tell us where you want to go, and we'll get you there.



Will I work full time or part time on assignment?

All of our assignments are for full-time, 36- or 40-hour work weeks. And if you’d like more hours, many assignments also offer the opportunity to work overtime.



Housing and Travel Information
How will I get to my assignment?

It's best to drive or have your vehicle transported to your assignment, since you'll want to explore your new surroundings and go sightseeing on your days off. If, however, you accept an assignment in a major city where parking is scarce and public transportation is readily available, you can probably do without a car. We will always ensure that you have detailed instructions on how to get to your destination and your new workplace.



How will my housing needs be taken care of?

Our amazing team will help and guide you in getting set up for an apartment or other housing complex for the state you have chosen for your assignment.



Will I be reimbursed for my travel expenses?

Yes, we provide our travelers with a generous travel reimbursement. Best of all, it's tax-free.



Will I receive a housing subsidy if I stay with friends or family?

Yes. If you choose to secure your own housing accommodations for your travel nursing assignment, we will still provide you with a monthly housing subsidy. This housing subsidy varies depending on the assignment and the location. To find out specific subsidy amounts, please contact your recruiter.



Will you provide accommodation if I travel with my spouse and/or children?

If you are traveling with a travel partner, spouse, significant other and/or a child/children, you must inform your Recruiter as soon as possible so the Company may find appropriate lodging and give authorization to the property for these companions to reside in your unit. Not informing the property of other occupants may result in eviction. Most of our properties require all tenants 18 years and older to complete a criminal background check application. Please be aware that you and your travel partners would be subject to the results of this application. Many states have "Two Hearts Beat" laws limiting residents to two people per bedroom. Be sure you let your Recruiter know your needs. If non-standard housing is required, a co-payment may be necessary to cover the additional costs of housing multiple people. If you are traveling with children, it is your responsibility to arrange for and ensure appropriate child care and/or supervision for any children residing in Company housing. If children are, inappropriately, left alone in the unit, the property may have grounds to evict.