The Biggest Obstacles Clinicians Face When Entering Travel Healthcare

Breaking Barriers: The Biggest Obstacles Nurses and Allied Health Professionals Face When Entering Travel Healthcare

Travel healthcare offers a unique blend of flexibility, adventure, competitive pay and the chance to make a real impact in communities across the country. For nurses and allied health professionals, it’s an exciting career path, but it’s not without its challenges.

If you’re thinking about making the leap with Trustaff, one of the nation’s leading travel healthcare staffing agencies, here’s a look at the biggest obstacles you might face—and how Trustaff can help you overcome them.

1. Licensing and Credentialing Complexities

Navigating state licensure and credentialing is one of the most common hurdles. While the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) simplifies things for RNs in participating states, allied professionals like physical therapists and radiologic technologists often face more fragmented systems.

How Trustaff Helps: Trustaff’s credentialing team is known for its hands-on support. They can help you navigate state-specific requirements, gather necessary documentation and stay on top of renewals so you can focus on your next assignment. Trustaff also offers licensure reimbursement for select states.

2. Uncertainty and Job Security

Travel assignments typically last 8 to 13 weeks, which can create anxiety around job continuity. Constantly searching for new contracts can be stressful, especially if you’re new to the travel lifestyle.

How Trustaff Helps: Trustaff provides exclusive access to a wide range of assignments across the country and works proactively to secure your next opportunity before your current one ends. Our recruiters build long-term relationships with travelers, not only to ensure consistent assignments and peace of mind, but also to support contract extensions whenever possible—helping you stay where you want, for as long as you want.

3. Housing and Relocation Logistics

Finding short-term housing in unfamiliar cities can be overwhelming. Safety, affordability and proximity to your workplace are all key concerns.

How Trustaff Helps: Trustaff offers a generous housing stipend and connects travelers with trusted housing resources like Furnished Finder and recommendations from other travelers who have recently worked in the area. Our team can also provide guidance on neighborhoods and logistics to make your move as smooth as possible.

4. Adapting to New Work Environments

Every facility has its own culture, systems and expectations. Travel professionals must quickly adapt to new teams and workflows, often with limited orientation.

How Trustaff Helps: Trustaff prepares you with detailed facility profiles and assignment expectations before you arrive. Recruiters are available throughout your contract to support you if challenges arise, and many travelers find that Trustaff’s transparency helps them feel more confident walking into new environments.

5. Emotional and Social Challenges

Leaving behind family, friends and routines can be tough. Travel healthcare can feel isolating, especially during your first few assignments.

How Trustaff Helps: Trustaff fosters a strong traveler community through social media groups, events and one-on-one recruiter relationships. Many travelers stay in touch with their recruiter like a friend, not just a professional contact. You’re never alone—Trustaff makes sure of it.

6. Tax and Financial Complexity

Working in multiple states can complicate your taxes. Understanding stipends, reimbursements and per diems is essential to avoid surprises.

How Trustaff Helps: Trustaff provides clear breakdowns of your pay package and offers resources to help you understand your financial responsibilities. We can also help connect travelers with tax professionals who specialize in multi-state filings.

7. Limited Career Advancement Opportunities

Travel roles offer variety and experience, but they may not always provide clear paths for advancement or specialization.

How Trustaff Helps: Trustaff encourages professional growth by offering access to continuing education resources and certifications. Many travelers use their downtime between assignments to pursue new skills, and Trustaff supports that ambition.