Aequor has thousands Healthcare, Schools, Life Science & Technologies Jobs across the country!
Search Now
Earn up to $1,500 each hire. Make it a side hustle & become an Aequor Ambassador.
Refer Now
Jun 09, 2025
Table of Contents
Travel nursing offers an incredible opportunity to explore the country, grow your clinical skills, and enjoy competitive pay and flexibility. But with freedom comes responsibility—especially when it comes to contracts. Your contract is more than a formality; it’s your protection and your plan. Unfortunately, many travel nurses make simple but costly mistakes when reviewing or negotiating their assignments.
At Aequor, we know how critical it is to fully understand and feel confident in your contract before starting any assignment. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help travel nurses avoid the most common contract pitfalls and make the most of every opportunity.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a travel nurse is skimming—or skipping—your contract. Contracts can be long and filled with technical language, but every clause is important. Whether it’s a line about your cancellation policy or a mention of your travel reimbursements, overlooking even one detail can create problems down the road.
What to check:
Aequor Tip: Don’t rush. Ask your Aequor recruiter for a digital copy of the full contract and review it at your own pace. Take notes and follow up with questions. Our dedicated recruiters are here to help you understand every section.
Guaranteed hours protect you from unpredictable scheduling. Without them, you could be canceled for a shift (or more) and lose income through no fault of your own. Some facilities may flex staff based on census. If your contract doesn’t include guaranteed hours, you may be left without pay.
Why it matters: Say you signed a contract for 36 hours per week, but the facility only schedules you for 28 due to low patient volume. If your hours weren’t guaranteed, you’re not entitled to the difference in pay.
Aequor Tip: Look for a clause like “Traveler is guaranteed 36 hours/week. If the facility cancels shifts, the traveler will still be paid for 36 hours.” If it’s not there, ask for clarification and if it can be added.
Your housing stipend should be clear and realistic. A common mistake is assuming the stipend will cover the full cost of rent and utilities—sometimes it doesn’t, especially in high-cost areas.
What to ask:
Aequor Tip: Aequor’s recruiters can guide you through stipend options. We aim to provide a housing stipend that leaves you with a homebase that is safe, comfortable, and close to your workplace.
Your contract should spell out what happens if you or the facility needs to cancel the assignment. Life is unpredictable—illness, emergencies, or family matters can come up. Similarly, facilities may over-hire and end a contract early.
What to clarify:
Notice period required for cancellation (usually 2 weeks)
Any associated financial penalties
Whether you’ll be paid for any canceled shifts
What happens to your housing or travel reimbursement if canceled early
Aequor Tip: Ask your recruiter to walk you through the cancellation policy and what kind of support you’d receive from Aequor in such a scenario.
Every hospital and state has different compliance requirements—background checks, immunization records, TB tests, certifications, and licenses. Missing or delayed paperwork can cause your start date to be pushed back, which means lost income and wasted time.
Aequor Tip: Aequor has an experienced credentialing team that works closely with you to gather and verify all your documents ahead of time. We’ll keep you on track and remind you of what’s due.
As a travel nurse, you know that facilities are willing to pay a higher rate for your care. It is important to understand your pay break-down. Your weekly paycheck may consist of multiple components: base hourly rate (taxable), stipends (non-taxable), overtime, bonuses, and differentials. Misunderstanding how each part is calculated can cause confusion—and disappointment—when payday comes.
What to confirm:
Aequor Tip: Always ask for a pay package breakdown showing estimated weekly gross and net pay. Our recruiters are happy to walk you through every line.
Perhaps the most critical mistake is not building a trustworthy relationship with your recruiter. At Aequor we believe that your recruiter should be your advocate—answering your questions, resolving issues quickly, and ensuring your assignment goes smoothly from start to finish.
Aequor Tip: At Aequor, we pride ourselves on being more than just a staffing agency. Our recruiters are relationship builders who stay connected with you throughout your journey. We’re available, honest, and committed to your success.
As a travel nurse, your contract is the blueprint for your work and lifestyle while on assignment. Understanding it fully is not just about avoiding problems—it’s about setting yourself up for success so you are able to get the most out of your travel nursing experience. By knowing what to look for and partnering with a trusted agency like Aequor, you can travel with confidence and focus on what really matters: delivering exceptional care wherever you’re needed.
Ready to explore new opportunities with contracts you can trust? Let Aequor be your partner every step of the way. View current travel nursing jobs and connect with an Aequor recruiter.
You'll be the first to know when there's something new.
Jun 10, 2025
May 30, 2025