Ask a Travel Nurse: What documentation does a Travel Nursing company request upfront?
Ask a Travel Nurse Question:
Hello David, I am new to Travel Nursing and applied recently with a certain company. They are asking me online to forward them a copy of my driver’s license, social security card, and certifications (ACLS, BLS, PALS). I haven’t been offered a job or position yet, so I’m wondering, what documentation does a Travel Nursing company request upfront?
Is it normal for a company to ask for copies of a social security card and license before I am offered a job or interviewed? Could this be a scam or someone trying to steal my identity?
Thanks! I don’t want to find my credit ruined or a false identity in my name.
Ask a Travel Nurse Answer:
While you should always verify a company’s legitimacy prior to giving them any sensitive information, it is typical for companies to want to check your credentials before offering a position. This is usually called being “on file” with a company. Basically, that means you have provided all the info, filled out all the checklists, and jumped through all the hoops necessary to take an assignment with a company.
Will every company require so much info? Maybe not, but a vast majority of them will probably want to do a background check which would likely require the documents requested.
If you still have your doubts, I do offer to refer new Travelers to the recruiters I trust with my assignments. Regardless of whether or not you take me up on this, do apply with more than one company, especially when starting out. When people in other occupations are seeking a job, they do not apply with only one company and just wait until offered a position. It should be no different with Travel Nursing.
If you’d like some help in getting started, feel free to contact me at david@travelnursesbible.com and tell me a little bit about your nursing experience, specialty, and what you would like in a travel company (larger companies possibly with more assignments or small to medium sized companies with more of a focus on personalized service).
Hope this helps.
David