The Excursion Health Blog
Practical guides, deep-dive breakdowns, and expert advice on the financial side of travel nursing. No fluff — just the information you need to earn more and keep more.
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Find guides on the topics that matter most to your travel nursing career.
Pay & Taxes
Pay package breakdowns, tax home rules, multi-state filing, stipend optimization, and W-2 season guides.
24 articlesHousing
City guides, housing stipend vs. agency housing, furnished rental tips, and lease negotiation strategies.
18 articlesCredit Cards & Money
Best travel credit cards, banking for travelers, budgeting on assignment, and building credit on the road.
15 articlesGear & Packing
Packing lists, scrub reviews, travel essentials, and portable gear for the mobile nursing lifestyle.
12 articlesInsurance
Health insurance options, malpractice coverage, gap insurance, dental and vision plans for travelers.
10 articlesGetting Started
First assignment guides, agency selection, licensure steps, credentialing timelines, and new traveler FAQs.
20 articlesLatest Posts
Fresh guides and updated resources for the current assignment season.
2026 Travel Nurse Tax Guide: What Changed This Year
The IRS updated per diem rates and standard mileage deductions for 2026. Here is what every travel nurse needs to know before filing — including the new stipend thresholds and multi-state considerations.
Read more →Stipend vs. Agency Housing: The Complete Financial Breakdown
We ran the numbers on 50 real assignments across 10 cities. Here is the average monthly savings when you take the stipend and find your own housing, broken down by metro area.
Read more →The 5 Best Travel Credit Cards for Nurses in 2026
Maximize your points on flights, gas, and dining between assignments. We compare annual fees, sign-up bonuses, and rewards rates for the top cards used by travel nurses.
Read more →How to Set Up Your Tax Home as a Travel Nurse
Your tax home determines whether your stipends are tax-free. This step-by-step guide covers what the IRS requires, common mistakes, and how to document everything properly.
Read more →First Assignment Survival Guide: Week-by-Week Checklist
From accepting your first offer to finishing orientation, here is a detailed week-by-week checklist covering credentialing, housing, finances, and what to expect on the floor.
Read more →Compact Nursing License 2026: Updated State List and How to Apply
The Nurse Licensure Compact now includes 41 states. Here is the updated list, application steps, fees, and processing times — plus which states are expected to join next.
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