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For CliniciansApril 2026 · 4 min read

Ten questions to ask before you accept an assignment

A short, practical checklist to make sure an assignment is the right fit — before you sign anything.

Excitement about a new role is no substitute for clarity. Before you accept, run through these questions with your recruiter so there are no surprises on day one.

About the work

  • What unit will I be on, and what's the typical patient ratio?
  • What shifts and how many hours per week are guaranteed?
  • Are floating to other units or on-call shifts expected?
  • What's the orientation like, and how long is it?

About the package

  • How does the pay package break down, and what's taxable versus reimbursed?
  • What does housing or a housing stipend cover?
  • What happens to my pay if the facility cancels a shift?
  • Are travel and licensing costs reimbursed?

About the fine print

  • What are the cancellation and contract-termination terms?
  • Who do I call if something goes wrong mid-assignment?

A staffing partner worth working with will answer all of these plainly and put the important ones in writing. If a question gets a vague answer, keep asking until it doesn't.

This guide is general information about the healthcare-staffing process, not legal, licensing, or financial advice. Requirements vary by state, employer, and role and can change over time — always confirm the specifics that apply to your situation.

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