Most travel heartache comes from assumptions—not from bad faith. A few topics are worth clarifying in writing (or in a clear email thread) before you lock a contract.
Floating and cross-training
- Which units are in scope, and how often can you be pulled?
- Is there a different ratio or acuity cap when you float?
- Who decides—house supervisor, charge, policy—and how do you escalate concerns?
Time off and holidays
Ask how PTO requests interact with guaranteed hours, whether holidays are premium or blackout, and what happens if census drops around your planned days off. “We will figure it out later” is not a plan.
Extensions
If you might stay, ask early about extension windows, rate changes, and whether stipend treatment stays consistent. Some systems reset terms; others roll forward with minimal friction.
Cancellation and low-census
Understand guaranteed hours, call-off order (travelers first or rotating), and whether you can be sent home without pay. Pair those answers with what recent travelers report in reviews for the same facility.
Keep your own paper trail
Summarize verbal promises in a message to your recruiter or manager so expectations are aligned. You will thank yourself week six when schedules get busy.