Travel Nurse Glossary
Clear, concise definitions of 66+ terms every travel nurse should know — from pay package components and tax concepts to clinical abbreviations and agency jargon.
A
ADN
Associate Degree in Nursing. A two-year nursing degree that qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses. Some travel agencies and hospitals prefer or require a BSN, but many accept ADN-prepared RNs with sufficient experience.
Agency Housing
Housing arranged and paid for directly by the staffing agency for the travel nurse. The agency leases or books the accommodation and deducts the cost from the nurse's total compensation. The alternative is taking a housing stipend and finding your own housing.
ANCC
American Nurses Credentialing Center. A subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA) that offers board certification exams in nursing specialties including med-surg, pediatrics, psychiatric-mental health, and others. ANCC certifications are recognized nationally and can increase your marketability as a travel nurse.
B
Bill Rate
The total hourly amount a hospital pays the staffing agency for a travel nurse's services. The bill rate includes the nurse's wages, benefits, stipends, agency overhead, and profit margin. Travel nurses don't typically see the bill rate, but understanding it helps with contract negotiation.
Blended Rate
A pay structure where all compensation — taxable wages and non-taxable stipends — is rolled into a single hourly rate. Blended rates make it difficult to compare offers because you can't see the individual components. Most financial advisors recommend requesting an itemized pay breakdown instead.
BSN
Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A four-year nursing degree increasingly required by Magnet hospitals and preferred by many facilities. Some travel contracts list BSN as required or preferred, and it can affect assignment options.
C
Call Pay
Additional compensation paid to a nurse who is on-call (available to come in if needed) but not actively working a scheduled shift. Call pay rates vary by facility and contract, typically ranging from $2 to $8 per hour of on-call time, with a higher rate if called in.
Cancellation Clause
A provision in a travel nurse contract that specifies what happens if the facility cancels the assignment early or cancels scheduled shifts. A strong cancellation clause protects the nurse's income by guaranteeing a minimum number of hours or weeks of pay.
CCRN
Critical Care Registered Nurse certification, awarded by the AACN (American Association of Critical-Care Nurses). This specialty certification validates expertise in acute and critical care nursing and can increase pay rates on ICU travel assignments.
CEN
Certified Emergency Nurse, a specialty certification from the BCEN (Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing). CEN certification demonstrates expertise in emergency nursing and is valued by facilities hiring travel ER nurses.
Cerner
A major electronic health record (EHR) system used by many hospitals across the United States (now part of Oracle Health). Travel nurses should list Cerner proficiency on their skills checklist, as EHR experience is a key factor in assignment matching.
CEU
Continuing Education Unit. Measured hours of approved educational activities that nurses must complete to maintain their licenses. Each state board of nursing sets its own CEU requirements for license renewal, and travel nurses working in multiple states must track requirements for each.
Charge Nurse
A registered nurse who takes on a leadership role during a shift, coordinating patient assignments, managing patient flow, and serving as a resource for staff. Travel nurses may be asked to take charge, which sometimes comes with additional pay (charge differential).
CMS
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The federal agency that oversees Medicare and Medicaid programs and sets hospital standards. CMS compliance requirements affect hospital operations and, by extension, what travel nurses encounter on assignment.
Compact License
See NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact). A compact license, also called a multistate license, allows a registered nurse to practice in any NLC member state without obtaining additional state licenses. Your compact license is issued by your primary state of residence.
Completion Bonus
A lump-sum payment given to a travel nurse upon successfully completing the full term of a contract. Completion bonuses are taxable income and typically range from $500 to $3,000 depending on the assignment, specialty, and market demand.
Compliance
The process of meeting all requirements to work at a healthcare facility — including licensure, certifications, immunizations, background checks, drug screens, and skills checklists. Travel nurse compliance must be maintained throughout every assignment and is typically managed by the staffing agency.
Conversion Fee
A fee the hospital pays to the staffing agency if the facility hires a travel nurse as a permanent employee. Conversion fees typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more and are usually waived after the nurse has completed a certain number of contract weeks at the facility.
Credential File
The complete collection of documents a travel nurse must maintain for compliance — including licenses, certifications, immunizations, references, background check results, and skills checklists. Your credential file (or "cred file") is managed by your agency and submitted to facilities before each assignment.
Crisis Pay
Premium pay rates offered during staffing emergencies, natural disasters, or public health crises. Crisis contracts typically offer significantly higher weekly pay (sometimes double or triple standard rates) but may come with less desirable locations, shorter notice, or higher patient acuity.
CRNA
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who administers anesthesia. Travel CRNA positions are among the highest-paid travel nursing roles, with weekly gross pay often exceeding $4,000 to $6,000.
D
Do-Not-Return (DNR)
A designation placed on a travel nurse by a facility indicating that the nurse is not eligible for future assignments at that location. DNR status can result from performance issues, policy violations, or interpersonal conflicts. A DNR at one facility does not necessarily affect assignments at other facilities.
E
EHR/EMR
Electronic Health Record / Electronic Medical Record. Digital systems used to document patient care. The most common EHR systems travel nurses encounter are Epic, Cerner (Oracle Health), and Meditech. Proficiency with specific EHR systems is a major factor in assignment matching.
Endorsement
The process of obtaining a nursing license in a new state by transferring your existing license credentials. Endorsement requirements, fees, and processing times vary by state. In non-compact states, travel nurses must apply for endorsement before starting an assignment.
Epic
The most widely used electronic health record (EHR) system in the United States. Travel nurses with Epic experience are in high demand. Epic proficiency is often listed as a requirement or strong preference on travel nursing job postings.
Extension
An offer to continue a travel nurse contract at the same facility beyond the original end date. Extensions are common (often 13-week renewals) and may come with adjusted pay rates. Accepting an extension eliminates the downtime and costs associated with transitioning to a new assignment.
F
Float Pool
A group of nurses who are not assigned to a single unit but instead "float" to different departments as needed based on staffing needs and census. Travel nurses may be assigned to float pool, which requires flexibility and a broad skill set across multiple units.
G
GSA Rates
General Services Administration per diem rates. The GSA publishes maximum allowable per diem rates for lodging and meals by geographic location. These rates are used by many staffing agencies as a baseline for calculating non-taxable housing and M&IE stipends for travel nurses.
Guaranteed Hours
The minimum number of hours per week that a travel nurse is contractually guaranteed to be paid, regardless of whether the facility cancels shifts. Common guaranteed hours are 36 or 48 per week. If the facility cancels a shift, the nurse is still paid for guaranteed hours.
H
HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Federal law that protects patient health information privacy and security. All travel nurses must maintain HIPAA compliance, which includes annual training and careful handling of protected health information (PHI) at every assignment.
Holiday Pay
Premium pay for working on designated holidays. Holiday pay policies vary by agency and contract — some offer time-and-a-half, some offer a flat bonus, and some include holiday pay only for specific holidays. Always verify which holidays qualify and what the premium rate is before signing.
Housing Stipend
A non-taxable reimbursement included in a travel nurse's pay package to cover housing costs at the assignment location. The stipend amount is typically based on GSA rates for that area. To receive the housing stipend tax-free, you must maintain a tax home and duplicate living expenses. The alternative is agency-provided housing.
I
Incident Report
A formal document filed when an unexpected event occurs that could affect patient safety — including medication errors, falls, equipment malfunctions, or near-misses. Travel nurses are required to follow the facility's incident reporting procedures just as staff nurses do.
J
Joint Commission
An independent organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation is considered a gold standard for hospital quality. Travel nurses working at Joint Commission-accredited facilities must meet the organization's standards for documentation and practice.
L
Local Contract
A travel nurse contract at a facility within commuting distance of the nurse's permanent residence. Local contracts typically do not include housing stipends or M&IE stipends because the nurse is not duplicating living expenses. Pay rates on local contracts may be lower than standard travel contracts.
M
M&IE
Meals and Incidental Expenses. A component of the non-taxable per diem stipend based on GSA rates for the assignment location. M&IE covers daily food costs and small expenses like tips and laundry. The amount varies by city and is separate from the housing stipend.
Magnet Hospital
A healthcare facility that has received Magnet Recognition from the ANCC for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes. Magnet hospitals often offer better working environments, higher nurse-to-patient ratios, and competitive pay. Some travel nurses specifically seek Magnet facility assignments.
Meditech
A healthcare information technology company that provides EHR/EMR systems to hospitals. Meditech is the third most common EHR system travel nurses encounter, after Epic and Cerner. Listing Meditech experience on your profile can open additional assignment options.
MSN
Master of Science in Nursing. An advanced nursing degree that can lead to nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), nurse educator, or nurse administrator roles. An MSN is not typically required for standard travel nursing positions but opens doors to advanced practice travel roles.
MSP (Managed Services Provider)
A company that manages the entire contingent staffing program for a hospital or health system. The MSP acts as a single point of contact between the facility and multiple staffing agencies. When a hospital uses an MSP, travel nurse orders are distributed through the MSP rather than directly to agencies.
N
NCLEX
National Council Licensure Examination. The standardized exam that nursing graduates must pass to become licensed as a registered nurse (NCLEX-RN) or licensed practical nurse (NCLEX-PN). Passing the NCLEX is a prerequisite for all nursing practice, including travel nursing.
NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact)
An agreement among participating states that allows registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses to practice in any compact member state with a single multistate license issued by their home state. As of 2026, 41 states plus Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands participate in the NLC. Having a compact license dramatically simplifies the licensing process for travel nurses.
NP
Nurse Practitioner. An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with a graduate degree who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and manage patient care. Travel NP positions exist across primary care, urgent care, and specialty settings, often with higher pay than RN travel contracts.
O
Onboarding
The process of completing all pre-assignment requirements before starting at a new facility. Onboarding for travel nurses typically includes drug screening, background check, compliance document verification, credential review, and scheduling orientation. Onboarding timelines vary from one to four weeks.
Orientation
The introductory training period at the start of a travel nurse assignment. Orientation typically lasts one to three days (shorter than staff nurse orientation) and covers facility-specific policies, EHR systems, unit layout, and emergency procedures. Some contracts pay a lower rate during orientation days.
Overtime
Hours worked beyond the standard threshold (typically 40 hours per week or the contracted shift length) that are compensated at a premium rate, usually 1.5x the taxable hourly rate. Overtime policies vary by agency and state. Note: overtime is calculated only on the taxable portion of pay, not on stipends.
P
Patient Ratio
The number of patients assigned to a single nurse during a shift. Patient ratios vary by unit type and state regulation — California, for example, mandates maximum nurse-to-patient ratios by unit. Travel nurses should ask about typical ratios before accepting an assignment, as high ratios increase workload and burnout risk.
Per Diem
A daily allowance provided to travel nurses to cover living expenses at the assignment location. Per diem typically includes housing and M&IE (meals and incidental expenses) components. When paid as a reimbursement to a nurse with a valid tax home, per diem is non-taxable. Per diem rates are often based on GSA published rates for the assignment city.
Perm Placement
A staffing arrangement where the agency places a nurse in a permanent (staff) position at a facility rather than a temporary travel contract. Perm placements involve conversion fees paid by the facility to the agency. Some travel nurses transition to perm roles after completing travel contracts at a facility they enjoy.
Preceptor
An experienced nurse who guides and mentors a new or less experienced nurse. In travel nursing, a preceptor is sometimes assigned during the first few shifts to orient the travel nurse to unit-specific workflows. Travel nurses may also serve as preceptors for new staff at facilities they know well.
PRN
Pro re nata, a Latin phrase meaning "as needed." In nursing, PRN refers to a work arrangement where the nurse picks up shifts as available rather than committing to a set schedule. Some travel nurses supplement their contracts with PRN shifts, and some transition to PRN work between assignments.
PSLF
Public Service Loan Forgiveness. A federal program that forgives remaining student loan balances after 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. Some travel nurses working at non-profit hospitals may qualify, but the employment structure through a staffing agency can complicate eligibility.
R
Rapid Response
A term with two meanings in travel nursing: (1) A rapid response team is a group of clinicians who respond to deteriorating patients outside the ICU to prevent cardiac arrest. (2) Rapid response contracts are assignments with very short start dates (often less than two weeks) that typically offer premium pay rates.
S
Sentinel Event
An unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury. The Joint Commission requires hospitals to report and investigate sentinel events. Travel nurses must be aware of sentinel event reporting procedures at each facility and understand that these events trigger root cause analysis investigations.
Shift Differential
Additional pay for working less desirable shifts, typically nights, weekends, or holidays. Shift differential rates vary by facility and contract, commonly ranging from $2 to $8 per hour for night shifts. Travel nurse contracts may or may not include shift differentials — always verify before signing.
Skills Checklist
A self-assessment form where travel nurses rate their proficiency in clinical skills relevant to their specialty. Skills checklists are part of the credential file and are reviewed by facilities when evaluating travel nurse candidates. Common categories include patient care procedures, equipment operation, medications, and EHR systems.
State Board of Nursing
The regulatory body in each state responsible for licensing nurses, enforcing nursing practice standards, and handling disciplinary actions. Travel nurses must comply with the nursing practice act and regulations of each state where they work. Board of nursing websites are the primary resource for license applications and requirements.
Stipend
A non-taxable payment included in a travel nurse's pay package intended to reimburse expenses incurred while working away from home. Common stipends include housing, meals and incidental expenses (M&IE), and travel reimbursement. Stipends are only tax-free if the nurse maintains a valid tax home and is duplicating living expenses.
Subcontracting
An arrangement where one staffing agency fills a travel nurse position through another agency rather than placing its own nurse directly. In subcontracting, the primary agency holds the contract with the hospital and the subcontracting agency provides the nurse. Subcontracted positions often have lower pay because two agencies are taking margins.
T
Tax Home
For IRS purposes, your tax home is your regular place of business or the general area where you work, not necessarily where your personal residence is. Travel nurses must maintain a tax home (typically by keeping a permanent residence, paying rent/mortgage, and returning regularly) to receive non-taxable stipends. Losing your tax home status means all stipend income becomes taxable.
Time Card
The record of hours worked by a travel nurse during each pay period. Time cards must be submitted accurately and on time to ensure correct payment. Most agencies use digital time-keeping systems, but some still require manual submission. Always keep your own records of hours worked as a backup.
Travel Reimbursement
A payment to cover the cost of traveling to and from an assignment location. Travel reimbursement may be a one-time lump sum, a per-mile rate, or a set dollar amount. When structured properly, travel reimbursement is non-taxable. Not all contracts include travel reimbursement — it is a negotiable component.
V
VMS (Vendor Management System)
Software used by hospitals and MSPs to manage the process of ordering, credentialing, and tracking travel nurses from multiple staffing agencies. Common VMS platforms include ShiftWise, Medefis, and Stafferlink. When hospitals use a VMS, agencies submit candidates through the platform rather than directly to the facility.
W
W-2
The tax form that an employer issues to an employee showing total wages earned and taxes withheld during the calendar year. The vast majority of travel nurses are W-2 employees of their staffing agency. W-2 status means the agency withholds income taxes, pays the employer share of FICA, and provides workers' compensation coverage.
Walk-Through State
An informal term for states where the nursing license endorsement process is relatively fast and straightforward, with minimal additional requirements beyond verification of your existing license. Walk-through states allow travel nurses to obtain a new state license quickly, often within days or a few weeks.
0-9
1099
A tax form used for independent contractors rather than W-2 employees. In travel nursing, 1099 arrangements are rare and should be approached with caution. When a nurse is classified as a 1099 contractor, they receive no tax withholdings, no workers' comp, and must pay self-employment taxes. Most legitimate travel nursing positions are W-2.
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