Most travel nurse companies advertise in nursing journals and have Web sites. Do a little research and decide what you want, and then see which companies offer those services. To find the company that's best for you, compare what each offers in terms of variety of assignments, pay rates, benefits and friendliness and competence of the recruiters. Then make the phone call or research them further on the Internet.

NursingJobs.com has partnered with seven of the best travel nurse companies in the industry—American Mobile Healthcare, Medical Express, NursesRx, *NurseChoice—so you can apply to one or more of these companies. This service is free and 100 percent confidential. You are under no obligation to work with a company after sending in an application. Simply complete the online application and skills checklist to get started. You will then be matched with a travel nursing company, and will be prompted to fill out the professional reference request form.

Once you complete the three steps outlined above, you will be assigned a personal recruiter. You should tell your recruiter what you want to get out of travel nursing. Do you want to see a specific area of the country or work in a prestigious facility? From the information you provide and from your application, your recruiter will explore assignments that best match your skills and preferences.

Are you interested in exploring a big city or a small town? The East Coast or the West? Mountains and snow, or beaches and sun? Do you want to stay close to home or travel across the country? You and your recruiter will discuss the advantages of each assignment, compare what each has to offer, evaluate pay, review hospital requirements and determine which suits your needs.

The next step is the telephone interview with a hospital, usually with a nurse manager. Your recruiter will help you prepare for the interview, giving you the best opportunity to be offered the job of your choice.

Congratulations, you've chosen your assignment! Your travel nursing company will help you with credentialing requirements and the licensure process in your assignment state. Housing managers will find you housing and will arrange for utilities and furniture delivery—all the details to make your assignment a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Your travel nurse company will provide you with driving directions to your new home and the facility where you will be working. After you arrive, your recruiter will keep in touch to make sure everything is just right for you. Let the adventure begin!

*NurseChoice offers flexible, short-term assignments and excellent benefits.