Travel nurse credentialing checklist

1. Confirm licensing for the destination state

• Record the nurse's legal name, license number, issuing state and expiration date; resolve name differences before submitting.
• Verify current license status and any restrictions through Nursys where supported, or the issuing board. Record the source, result, reviewer and date.
• For a compact assignment, confirm that the nurse actually holds a multistate license and that the destination participates. A license issued in a compact state is not automatically multistate.
• If compact privileges do not apply, check the destination board's endorsement or temporary-license process before treating the nurse as ready to work.

2. Collect certifications and specialty evidence

• BLS: confirm the facility's accepted issuer, course format, verification method and expiration date.
• ACLS, PALS, NRP or other unit-specific courses: collect only those required for the assignment; do not assume every traveler needs every certification.
• Specialty skills checklist, work history and references: match the unit and the facility's requested recency.
• Check whether each credential must remain current through the entire contract, not just the start date.

3. Match screening and onboarding requirements

Ask the facility for its current list of background screening, drug screening, occupational-health clearance, orientation and competency requirements. Record the accepted evidence and timing for each item. Do not invent annual renewal rules or assume one hospital's packet works everywhere.

Credentialing Check is not for patient records: PHI is prohibited in documents, notes, forms, AI text and integration payloads. Redact patient information before uploading; do not use this checklist as permission to store PHI. We do not sign BAAs or claim HIPAA compliance.

• Track identity and employment paperwork in the appropriate agency process.
• Confirm completion of facility-specific orientation and requested screening.
• Keep a separate list of outstanding items, who owns each one and when it is due.

4. Review before submission—and again during the contract

1. 1

   Compare against the actual facility list

   Mark missing, pending review, rejected, expired and current documents separately. An uploaded file is not the same as an approved credential.

2. 2

   Review dates against the assignment

   Flag credentials that expire between the planned start and end dates. Give the nurse time to complete renewal and your team time to review it.

3. 3

   Confirm acceptance

   Your agency's ready status helps organize the file; it does not replace the hospital's acceptance decision or the licensing board's practice rules.

4. 4

   Maintain the file

   On Free, track up to 5 clinicians with document storage, checklists and expiration status. Automated reminder emails and facility requirements are paid features.