How many sets of scrubs should a travel nurse bring on assignment?

Bring 5-7 sets for a 13-week contract. That covers a full work week without daily laundry. Always confirm the facility's required color or print policy before purchasing.

Are FIGS scrubs worth it for travel nurses?

For most nurses, yes. The fabric quality and fit hold up significantly better than budget alternatives over 13 weeks of 12-hour shifts. If you wear the same 6 sets for 3 months, investing in quality pays off.

Do facilities require specific scrub colors for travel nurses?

Yes, many do. Call your unit's charge nurse or ask your recruiter before your start date. Some hospitals assign colors by department.

What is the most durable scrub brand for frequent washing?

Cherokee Workwear and Healing Hands consistently hold up to aggressive commercial washing. FIGS fabric softens over time but maintains shape well.

Can travel nurses write off scrubs on their taxes?

Yes, in many cases. Scrubs worn exclusively for work may be deductible as a work expense. Keep receipts and consult a travel nurse tax specialist for your situation.

How much do travel nurses make per week?

Travel nurse weekly pay typically ranges from $1,800 to $3,500+, depending on specialty, location, and agency. The package includes a taxable hourly base wage plus tax-free stipends for housing and meals. Crisis contracts in understaffed markets can exceed $5,000/week.

Are travel nurse housing and meal stipends tax-free?

Yes — housing and meal stipends are tax-free only if you maintain a legitimate tax home (a permanent residence you return to and pay duplicate living expenses on). If you abandon your tax home, all stipends become taxable income retroactively.

How long is a typical travel nurse assignment?

The standard travel nurse contract is 13 weeks (approximately 3 months). Some assignments run 8 or 26 weeks. Crisis/rapid-response contracts can be as short as 4 weeks. Most nurses complete 2–4 assignments per year.

Do travel nurses need a separate license for every state?

Only for non-compact states. The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) allows one multistate license to cover 40+ participating states. Non-compact states — including California, New York, Illinois, and Michigan — each require a separate endorsement, which can take 4–12 weeks.

Should a travel nurse take agency-provided housing or the stipend?

Most experienced travel nurses take the stipend. You keep whatever you don't spend, you control your housing quality and location, and you can negotiate a higher base package. Agency housing makes sense for first-timers who aren't yet comfortable finding furnished apartments independently.

What is a travel nurse tax home and why does it matter?

A tax home is your permanent place of business — typically the area where you live and pay ongoing housing costs when not on assignment. Maintaining a valid tax home is required to receive tax-free stipends legally. The IRS requires you to: (1) pay duplicate living expenses, (2) return home during time off, and (3) have not abandoned the area.

What clinical gear should every travel nurse own?

Every travel nurse should own their own stethoscope (Littmann Classic III is the standard), compression socks, trauma shears, a penlight, a watch with a second hand, a retractable badge reel, and black pens. Facilities provide most other equipment, but your personal tools travel with you to every assignment.

Best Scrubs for Travel Nurses 2026 — Comfortable for 12-Hour Shifts

Travel nurses wear their scrubs harder than any staff nurse: different laundry machines every assignment, varying facility requirements, and the constant packing and unpacking that strains seams and fades fabric. These picks hold up across multiple 13-week contracts.

Top Scrub Brands for Travel Nurses

FIGS — premium fabric, excellent fit, holds up to aggressive washing
Cherokee Workwear — the durable standard; widely available in facility-required colors
Grey’s Anatomy by Barco — comfortable four-way stretch with a professional silhouette
Healing Hands Purple Label — great for nurses who run warm; lightweight and breathable

Frequently Asked Questions

Are FIGS scrubs worth it for travel nurses?: For most nurses, yes. The fabric quality and fit hold up significantly better over 13 weeks of 12-hour shifts and repeated washing compared to budget alternatives.
Do facilities require specific scrub colors for travel nurses?: Yes, many do. Call your unit’s charge nurse or ask your recruiter before your start date. Some hospitals assign colors by department, and travel nurses are expected to comply.