What mistakes do new travel nurses make most often?

I'm considering my first travel nursing assignment and trying to prepare before I start applying. I've heard that beginners sometimes focus too much on the pay and overlook important details in the contract. What mistakes did you make on your first assignment, or what do you wish you had known before starting?

One of the biggest mistakes is looking only at the weekly pay without considering housing costs, taxes, benefits, travel expenses, and the actual terms of the contract. New travelers also sometimes accept an assignment too quickly without asking about scheduling, cancellation policies, guaranteed hours, or licensing requirements.

A good recruiter can make the first assignment much easier, so compare agencies instead of taking the first offer. You can check https://tlcnursing.com as one option. They work with travel nurses and provide support with assignments, housing, benefits, licensing, and other parts of the process. I'd still compare several offers before deciding.

I'd say rushing into the first available contract is a common mistake. Read everything carefully and ask questions about anything that isn't clear before signing. Also research the area and realistic housing costs beforehand, because a good-looking pay package can feel very different once your actual expenses are included.