As exciting it is to be a traveling therapist, there are steps that should be considered as you embark on your therapy assignment. Here, you will find some recommended actions that may help reduce the stress of traveling and make your therapist job as enjoyable as possible:
- Keep your Travel Recruiter handy at all times should any problems occur. They are a great source of guidance and can help you with any situation that may arise with your assignment, housing, benefits, etc.
- Make sure you ask whether or not your hours are guaranteed before you sign a contract. Will you be paid due to low census? Each therapy job is different and it’s best to know what is and is not guaranteed.
- Thoroughly review your benefits. Many suggest taking private insurance if you plan on taking assignments through different companies. Also determine when the benefits you do receive are in effect as it may not be immediately.
- Know the information on state licensure. The processing time for licenses vary from each state. Many do offer temporary licenses which make it easier however, it’s best to check with the Travel Job Company you are working with to determine what’s involved.
- Handling Utilities on your housing is an important factor. Many recruiters will provide you with the numbers you need to call for you to set up your utilities, whereas some Travel Therapy Companies handle the set up of all your services prior to your arrival. Make sure to ask before you leave.
- Consider speaking to an accountant about taxes and traveling. The percentage of state income tax (if the state even has it) may influence whether or not you take the assignment.Â
- Ask others in the industry how they are doing and any other questions you may have such as specific facilities you are considering, locations, travel therapy job companies, etc.