Travel contract red flags: what to catch before you sign

What are the biggest red flags in a travel contract?

The biggest red flags are vague pay terms, no guaranteed hours, a schedule that differs from what you were promised, and pressure to sign before you have read the document. Any term the recruiter will only confirm by phone, and not in writing, deserves a second look before you commit.

What pay terms should make me stop and ask questions?

Be wary of a headline weekly number with no breakdown, a stipend amount that is "to be determined," and an overtime rate that is missing. Ask for the taxable hourly rate, stipends, overtime and guaranteed hours in writing. Our pay explainer shows what a complete package should list.

Which cancellation and guaranteed-hours terms are risky?

Look for clauses that let the facility cancel your shifts, cut your hours or end the contract with little or no notice while you owe a long notice to leave. A fair contract states guaranteed hours, what you are paid if a shift is canceled, and the notice each side owes.

• No guaranteed hours. You could be sent home unpaid when the census drops.
• One-sided notice. You owe weeks of notice, the facility owes days or none.
• Unclear cancel pay. Ask whether a canceled shift is paid, made up or lost.

What should worry me about the schedule or unit in the contract?

Check that the unit, shift length, start time and weekend or call expectations match the posting. Watch for broad language that lets the facility float you to any unit or change your shifts at will. If the unit on the contract is not the unit you interviewed for, ask why before you sign.

Are there red flags in how the recruiter or agency behaves?

Yes. Pushing a same-day deadline, dodging questions about pay, submitting you somewhere without asking, or going quiet after you accept are all warning signs. A good recruiter answers in writing, gives you time to read, and asks permission before every submittal. See how to compare travel nursing agencies for more.

What fine print do clinicians most often miss?

• Benefits start date. Ask when coverage begins and what it costs.
• Reimbursements. Ask what is reimbursed, such as travel, and what the deadline is.
• Extension and renewal terms. Ask whether your rate stays the same if you extend.
• Non-compete or placement clauses. Read any language that limits where you can work next.
• Housing and stipend rules. Ask what you must document to keep the stipend.

What should I do if I spot a red flag?

Ask for the term to be fixed in writing, and wait for the revised contract before you sign. If the answer is vague or the pressure continues, you can walk away, since another assignment will come. Use our list of questions to ask before accepting to check each point.