{"id":4471,"date":"2023-10-10T00:35:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-10T00:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/?p=4471"},"modified":"2026-04-20T15:23:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T15:23:37","slug":"travel-nurse-schedule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/travel-nurse-schedule\/","title":{"rendered":"The Travel Nurse Schedule"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p>The Travel Nurse schedule is one of the best out there, but there are things you should know. There are lots of great reasons to get into travel nursing &#8211; the flexibility, the adventure, the ability to travel to places you\u2019ve only dreamed about. But what happens when you get to your assignment? How will your schedule work? These are some great things to think about before and during your next travel nursing assignment.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_62 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/travel-nurse-schedule\/#Check_the_Contract_for_Your_Travel_Nurse_Schedule\" title=\"Check the Contract\u00a0for Your Travel Nurse Schedule\">Check the Contract\u00a0for Your Travel Nurse Schedule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/travel-nurse-schedule\/#Your_Main_Job_is_to_Show_Up\" title=\"Your Main Job is to Show Up\">Your Main Job is to Show Up<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/travel-nurse-schedule\/#Overtime_and_Giving_Up_Shifts_During_Travel_Nurse_Scheduling\" title=\"Overtime and Giving Up Shifts\u00a0During Travel Nurse Scheduling\">Overtime and Giving Up Shifts\u00a0During Travel Nurse Scheduling<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/travel-nurse-schedule\/#Planning_Ahead_The_Travel_Nurse_Schedule_From_Beginning_to_End_of_a_Contract\" title=\"Planning Ahead: The Travel Nurse Schedule From Beginning to End of a Contract\u00a0\">Planning Ahead: The Travel Nurse Schedule From Beginning to End of a Contract\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/travel-nurse-schedule\/#Getting_%E2%80%9CCanceled%E2%80%9D_as_a_Travel_Nurse\" title=\"Getting \u201cCanceled\u201d as a Travel Nurse\">Getting \u201cCanceled\u201d as a Travel Nurse<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Check_the_Contract_for_Your_Travel_Nurse_Schedule\"><\/span>Check the Contract\u00a0for Your Travel Nurse Schedule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Almost every aspect of your travel nurse schedule comes down to what\u2019s in your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/travel-nursing-contracts\/\">contract<\/a>. Have general scheduling questions? Take a look at the travel nurse contract. These contracts typically will include the work schedule terms such as shift, shift length, assignment duration, and includes any time-off that has been mutually agreed upon by you and the healthcare facility.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\r\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" class=\"wp-image-4472\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Untitled-Instagram-Post-1-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Untitled-Instagram-Post-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Untitled-Instagram-Post-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Untitled-Instagram-Post-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Untitled-Instagram-Post-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Untitled-Instagram-Post-1-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Untitled-Instagram-Post-1.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Your_Main_Job_is_to_Show_Up\"><\/span>Your Main Job is to Show Up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>As a contract worker, your travel nurse schedule might be viewed a bit differently than those of permanent staff members at the same healthcare facility.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Why is this the case?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>While you love being a travel nurse because of the ability to travel, go on new adventures and get paid well it\u2019s easy to forget the true reason you are there: to work. Most healthcare settings hire travel nurses to support an already-stretched-thin permanent workforce. Travelers are brought on to help a team during a particularly busy season, or to provide backup during large staff events like trainings, or for extra support when they need it. That means that your main job is to show up when you are scheduled.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>As a traveler, your ability to switch shifts or take days off frequently are extremely limited. Before you sign on the dotted line, just make sure you know what the schedule expectations are for any travel assignment.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Overtime_and_Giving_Up_Shifts_During_Travel_Nurse_Scheduling\"><\/span>Overtime and Giving Up Shifts\u00a0During Travel Nurse Scheduling<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>When you start working with a recruiter, they will be able to answer most of your questions about scheduling. You\u2019ll want to ask questions about topics like overtime pay and compensation for shifts where you\u2019re scheduled but not needed. When it comes to the ability to earn overtime, being a traveling nurse makes it that much sweeter. Not only are you most likely earning more than your permanent staff counterparts, your overtime pay will be that much higher. The ability to earn overtime is a great part about being a traveler.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>On the other hand, sometimes you are scheduled for a shift and when the time comes for one reason or another you are not needed or you volunteer to give up a shift. This doesn\u2019t happen often, but if it does you\u2019ll want to know what that means for your hours and your paycheck.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Planning_Ahead_The_Travel_Nurse_Schedule_From_Beginning_to_End_of_a_Contract\"><\/span>Planning Ahead: The Travel Nurse Schedule From Beginning to End of a Contract\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/6-reasons-to-compare-pay-packages-on-wanderly\/\">Signing a travel nurse contract<\/a> is making a serious commitment &#8211; like we said before, your number one job is to show up when you are needed for as long as you are needed. The \u201cwhen\u201d and \u201chow long\u201d will be determined by your initial contract. You\u2019ll want to take a look at your personal calendar and make sure you\u2019re willing and able to make the commitment, knowing that taking time off is not a guarantee on a travel nurse assignment.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Of course life happens. There are special occasions and circumstances that will happen during your time on assignment. The key is to let your recruiter know before you sign the contract. AKA if you know you\u2019re at your cousin\u2019s wedding during your travel nurse contract, make sure it\u2019s known to the recruiter so that it can be negotiated into the contract before you sign. This makes things much easier and much less stressful for both parties down the line.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>You should also expect the permanent staff to get preference on holidays off. If there is a day that you can\u2019t work, be up front and be willing to compromise when necessary.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Getting_%E2%80%9CCanceled%E2%80%9D_as_a_Travel_Nurse\"><\/span>Getting \u201cCanceled\u201d as a Travel Nurse<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>It happens. Sometimes for one reason or another a contract will end unexpectedly. Sometimes it is because the facilities\u2019 needs changed and sometimes it is performance related. Before an offer is made to a travel nurse, most agencies will thoroughly screen a candidate. This means checking all your certifications, references, and vetting you as a professional. This is all done so that a performance-based cancellation is avoided. If the hospital\u2019s needs change and your contract is canceled, well, that\u2019s the life of a travel nurse. However, if you wind up on an assignment you don&#8217;t love, try to stick it out as a commitment. The bright side? You\u2019re a travel nurse. It\u2019s only 12 weeks &#8211; you can handle it and know what to look for in your next assignment.<\/p>\r\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Travel Nurse schedule is one of the best out there, but there are things you should know. There are lots of great reasons to get into travel nursing &#8211; the flexibility, the adventure, the ability to travel to places you\u2019ve only dreamed about. But what happens when you get to your assignment? How will [&hellip;]<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":{"author_name":"adlyd","author_description":"","author_user_level":10,"author_avatar":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/86bf0574a8efbaf50009a8aba5aa3c47?s=96&r=g"},"featured_media":5271,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[49,54,17],"tags":[436,63,118,104,62,434,438,111,435,57,71],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tech-Facebook-Cover-1-1.png","author_info":{"display_name":"Adlyd","author_link":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/author\/adlyd\/"},"featured_image":{"size_thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tech-Facebook-Cover-1-1-150x150.png","size_medium":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tech-Facebook-Cover-1-1-300x169.png","size_large":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tech-Facebook-Cover-1-1-1024x577.png","size_full":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tech-Facebook-Cover-1-1.png"},"loftocean-view-count":["625"],"category":[{"id":49,"slug":"travel-nurse-career","name":"Career Resources"},{"id":54,"slug":"nurse-life","name":"Nurse Life"},{"id":17,"slug":"travel-nursing","name":"Travel Nursing"}],"post_tag":[{"id":436,"slug":"a-travel-nurse","name":"a travel nurse"},{"id":63,"slug":"nurse","name":"Nurse"},{"id":118,"slug":"nursing","name":"nursing"},{"id":104,"slug":"travel","name":"travel"},{"id":62,"slug":"travel-nurse","name":"Travel nurse"},{"id":434,"slug":"travel-nurse-schedule","name":"travel nurse schedule"},{"id":438,"slug":"travel-nurse-scheduling","name":"travel nurse scheduling"},{"id":111,"slug":"travel-nursing","name":"travel nursing"},{"id":435,"slug":"travel-nursing-schedule","name":"travel nursing schedule"},{"id":57,"slug":"wanderly","name":"wanderly"},{"id":71,"slug":"wanderly-nurse","name":"wanderly nurse"}],"views":6132,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tech-Facebook-Cover-1-1.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p92mSz-1a7","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4471"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4471"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4471\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7797,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4471\/revisions\/7797"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5271"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4471"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4471"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4471"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}