What to Expect During Travel Nurse Credentialing

Becoming a travel nurse is an exciting opportunity, offering the chance to work in diverse healthcare settings across the country. However, before you can embark on your journey, you must navigate the travel nurse credentialing process. Understanding what to expect can help streamline this critical step, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your assignments.

What is Travel Nurse Credentialing?

Travel nurse credentialing is the process by which travel nurses verify and authenticate their qualifications and readiness to work in various healthcare facilities across different locations. This comprehensive process ensures that travel nurses meet the necessary legal, professional, and safety standards required to provide high-quality patient care. Credentialing involves a series of steps and requirements designed to assess the nurse’s background, skills, certifications, and overall competency.

Core Credentialing Requirements

1. Application

The first step involves filling out an extensive application form. This form will require detailed personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, contact information, and Social Security number. Additionally, you’ll need to provide comprehensive professional background details, including your nursing education, certifications, and all previous employment within the healthcare sector.

Tips: Double-check all entries for accuracy, provide clear copies of all certificates and licenses, and ensure that your employment history includes exact dates and job descriptions to prevent any delays.

2. Background Check

A thorough background check is a standard part of the credentialing process. This includes a National Criminal File PLUS search to verify your identity and professional history, a felony/misdemeanor search to check for any criminal records, and a Social Security trace to confirm your residential history for the past seven years.

Tips: Be prepared to explain any gaps in your history or any findings that might arise. Keep a clean record and resolve any pending issues beforehand.

3. BLS/CPR Certification

You must have a valid BLS (Basic Life Support) or CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification. This certification is crucial as it demonstrates your ability to respond to cardiac emergencies. Any type of BLS/CPR certification is acceptable, as long as it is current and recognized by reputable organizations such as the American Heart Association.

Tips: Schedule your renewal courses well in advance of expiration dates, and always keep an extra copy of your certification card in a safe place.

4. Specific Agency Forms

Depending on the agency, you may be required to complete additional forms. These typically include a COVID form, detailing your vaccination status or any medical exemptions, an Immunization declination form if you have opted out of certain vaccines, and a TB Questionnaire to assess your risk and history of tuberculosis.

Tips: Keep an organized file of all medical records, vaccination cards, and exemption forms. Always update your records promptly after any new vaccinations or tests.

5. Drug Screen

A 10-panel drug screen is mandatory to ensure you are free from substances that could impair your ability to perform your duties safely. This screening tests for a range of substances, including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines. The results must be negative for you to proceed with your credentialing.

Tips: Avoid any substances or medications that could cause a false positive, and disclose any prescription medications to the testing facility beforehand.

6. Valid License

Your nursing license must be valid and active in the state where you plan to work. This involves verification through state nursing boards to ensure there are no restrictions or disciplinary actions against your license. Keeping your license updated and free from issues is critical.

Tips: Regularly check the status of your license on your state’s nursing board website, and address any issues immediately. Keep track of renewal dates and requirements for each state where you hold a license.

7. Photo ID

You’ll need to provide a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, military ID card, or passport. This is used to verify your identity and ensure you match the credentials you provide.

Tips: Ensure your ID is current and not expired. Keep multiple forms of ID handy in case one is misplaced.

8. Professional References

At least one professional reference is required, covering at least one full year within the last three years. This reference should be from a supervisor or colleague who can attest to your skills, reliability, and professionalism in a clinical setting.

Tips: Choose references who are familiar with your recent work, and inform them in advance that they may be contacted. Provide them with details of the job you are applying for to help them give a relevant recommendation.

9. Additional Searches

Additional checks include running OIG (Office of Inspector General) for exclusion from federal healthcare programs, SAM (System for Award Management) for federal debarments, and OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) for sanctions. These searches help ensure that you meet all federal requirements and are not barred from working in healthcare facilities.

Tips: Maintain a clean professional record and resolve any discrepancies in your employment history. Regularly review these databases to ensure there are no surprises.

10. Skills Checklist

A skills checklist relevant to your nursing specialty is required. This checklist, which must be updated annually, evaluates your competency in various clinical skills and procedures specific to your area of expertise.

Tips: Be honest and thorough when completing the checklist. Regularly update your skills through continuing education and practical experience.

11. Specialty Exam

You’ll need to pass a specialty exam tailored to your field of nursing. This exam assesses your knowledge and proficiency in your specialty, ensuring you are well-prepared for your assignments.

Tips: Review relevant materials and guidelines for your specialty. Consider taking a practice exam if available to gauge your readiness.

12. Core Mandatory Exams

These are general exams covering essential knowledge and practices required for all travel nurses. Topics may include patient safety, infection control, and emergency protocols.

Tips: Study up-to-date materials and guidelines, and seek out resources that provide comprehensive reviews of these essential topics.

13. Social Security Card

A copy of your Social Security card is necessary for identity verification and tax purposes. Ensure it is legible and matches the information provided in your application.

Tips: Keep your Social Security card in a safe place and avoid carrying it with you to prevent loss or theft.

14. TB Test

An annual TB test is required to ensure you do not have active tuberculosis. If you have a history of a positive TB test, a recent chest X-ray report will be needed instead. This helps protect both you and your patients from potential infections.

Tips: Schedule your TB test annually and keep a record of your results. If you need a chest X-ray, make arrangements well in advance to avoid delays. In most cases the agency you are working with will schedule a TB test for you as a part of the credentialing process.

15. Work History

You must provide a detailed work history for the past seven years, including explanations for any gaps in employment. This history should include all nursing positions held, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving each job. Thorough documentation helps build a complete picture of your professional experience.

Tips: Keep an updated resume with detailed job descriptions, dates, and reasons for employment changes. Be prepared to explain any gaps or transitions in your career.

Core Credentialing Process

Step 1: Initial Submission

Your recruiter will gather the minimal requirements and submit them to the facility. This initial submission includes your application, background check results, license verification, and any immediate documents needed. This step sets the foundation for your credentialing process and ensures the facility has the basic information required to begin your file review. Submit your documents promptly and follow up with your recruiter to confirm receipt and completeness.

Step 2: Credentialing Initiation

The recruiter sends an email to the credentialing team, signaling them to start working on your file. This stage involves a meticulous review of your submitted documents. The credentialing team will ensure all initial requirements are met and identify any missing information or additional documents needed. Stay in close communication with your recruiter and respond quickly to any requests for additional information or documentation.

Step 3: In-Depth Review

The credentialing team will then review your file, conduct necessary searches (such as NSO, OIG, SAM, and OFAC), issue exams, and enter your background check. Typically, this process takes 3-7 days. If any discrepancies arise, such as issues with the drug screen, background check, or medical tests, the matter will need further review. Unresolved issues could risk your assignment. Be proactive in addressing any potential issues and keep your records organized and accessible.

Step 4: Final Approval

Once all credentialing criteria are met, the recruiter and other necessary parties will be notified that you are ready for work, achieving Prequalified status. This means you have completed all necessary steps, passed all required checks, and are fully prepared to begin your assignment. The final approval marks the end of the credentialing process, allowing you to focus on preparing for your new role. Celebrate this milestone and start preparing for your assignment by researching the facility, the area, and any specific requirements or expectations they may have.

Preparing for Your Assignment

Understanding the credentialing process and requirements for travel nurses is crucial to ensure a smooth transition into your assignments. By preparing all necessary documents and staying informed about each step, you can expedite the process and focus on what truly matters—providing exceptional care to patients across the country.

Remember, the credentialing process is designed to ensure the safety and competency of healthcare professionals. By adhering to these requirements, you’re not only meeting industry standards but also enhancing your own professional credibility. Embrace the journey, and soon, you’ll be ready to embark on your exciting career as a travel nurse.