Starting a new travel nurse or allied health assignment is exciting. But we know the healthcare traveler onboarding process can feel like a whirlwind of paperwork, checklists, and “who do I talk to next?” moments.
That’s why we do what we can to make that transition from accepting your offer to working your first day as breezy as possible. With us, you’ll always know what’s coming next — and who’s in your corner. Because onboarding with Fusion isn’t just about forms and files, it’s about welcoming you to a team that’s got your back before, during, and after every assignment. Here’s what you should know about onboarding as a Fusion healthcare traveler.
What To Expect During the Traveler Onboarding Process at Fusion
How traveler onboarding works at Fusion
First-time Fusion travelers
At Fusion, onboarding looks a little different depending on whether you’re a first-time Fusion traveler or a returning one — but no matter where you are on your journey, you’re never doing it alone.
Onboarding starts the moment travel nurses and allied health travelers accept an assignment with Fusion. From there, your personal recruiter walks you through what to expect and introduces you via email to the teams that’ll guide you through each step (stay tuned for more!).
In your initial welcome email, you’ll notice a detailed outline of must-haves to complete; think of it as your roadmap to becoming fully Fusion- and facility-compliant. The good news? Each task you check off brings you closer to day one, and your support team is always there to answer questions and keep things moving.
Returning Fusion travelers
Returning to Fusion for another adventure? You may find the onboarding process to be a bit smoother (and quicker). That’s because requirements vary depending on the healthcare facility or vendor. For example, you may not need to redo your I-9 or other core employment documents, but you could be required to complete a new background check or drug screen to meet the new facility’s requirements.
Completing onboarding isn’t always fun, but our teams make it as simple and transparent as possible, communicating every update in a timely manner, so you’re never left guessing. Whether you’re starting your first assignment or your fiftieth, onboarding at Fusion is built around one thing, and that’s making sure you feel supported, prepared, and part of our community from day one.
Meet your Fusion onboarding support team
Your personal recruiter
Your Fusion recruiter is your go-to throughout your entire travel journey at Fusion. They’re your main point of contact for personalized job matches, contract details, career advice, and their support doesn’t stop once you accept an offer.
Related: Our Recruiters Make Tough Talks Easy. Here’s Our Secret.
Additionally, your recruiter helps connect you with the other Fusion teams who’ll walk you through the next steps, like compliance, backgrounds, and benefits, making sure you always know who’s reaching out and why. They’re your trusted travel buddy — here to answer questions, keep you informed, and make your transition into your new assignment as stress-free as possible.
Compliance specialist
The next person you’ll meet on your support team is your compliance specialist. This person will be your personal guide through the behind-the-scenes work that makes your assignment possible.
Once you’ve accepted an offer, your compliance specialist steps in to inform you of and verify all the licenses, certifications, and medical documents you’ll need to be fully cleared for your start date. You can expect to receive a welcome call, as well as an email that includes a checklist to keep everything organized, and you can count on them to be by your side as you tackle each requirement.
You may like: Compliance Requirements Made Clear: A Guide for Fusion Travelers
It can feel like a lot — and we get it; onboarding paperwork isn’t anyone’s favorite part — but your compliance specialist is there for you to make the process easier, answer questions, and keep you on track so you’re ready to hit the ground running when your start date rolls around.
Backgrounds specialist, if applicable
Like your compliance specialist and recruiter, your backgrounds specialist plays an important part in getting you ready for your assignment. Once your contract is accepted, the backgrounds team handles your background check.
Typically, you’ll hear from this specialist early in the process with digital forms to complete, and they work behind the curtain to ensure all required screenings are processed quickly and accurately. For many travelers, this is a relatively straightforward step, but for others — like new travel nurses or allied health professionals or those heading to a new facility — there may be additional steps based on state or healthcare facility requirements.
Fear not! Your background specialist will keep you in the loop, so you always know what’s coming next.
I-9 specialist, if applicable
Your I-9 specialist helps complete one of the most important to-dos in the onboarding process — verifying your employment eligibility so you can officially start working with us at Fusion. What does that look like?
After your background check and compliance items are complete, your I-9 specialist may reach out and guide you through submitting your federal I-9 form. For returning travelers who’ve been continuously employed by Fusion, you may not need to repeat this step unless your previous I-9 has expired, or your work status has changed. Luckily, your I-9 specialist will let you know which documents are required for each of your Fusion assignments.
Benefits team
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Another team you’ll hear from during onboarding is benefits, who’ll help you navigate your benefits options and make your elections. Usually, you can expect to hear from a benefits specialist after your compliance process is finished, and their goal is to make sure you understand your options and feel confident choosing what’s best for you and your family. It’s just one more way we set you up for success — not just on the job, but in every part of your life.
Clinical liaison
ICYMI, we have an in-house team of dedicated nurses with unmatched clinical knowledge that’re committed to making your every Fusion assignment a positive experience. Here to serve as your advocates and problem-solvers, this team will introduce themselves during onboarding to let you know they’re ready to assist with any clinical concerns that might come up, such as scope-of-practice questions or patient safety issues.
Beyond that, they’re also champions for your well-being, connecting you with mental health resources and guidance to help you manage the unique ebbs and flows of travel healthcare.
Marketing team
The final Fusion team you may hear from during the onboarding process is marketing. Designed to make the transition into a new job a little easier (and a lot more exciting), we send a series of marketing emails that include helpful resources, tips, and links to everything you may need to feel confident and prepared for your assignment. Want a sneak peek of what’s included?
You’ll learn more about Fusion’s perks and benefits, get reminders about tools and programs available to you, and find quick access to traveler resources like support contacts, referral info, and feedback surveys. Think of these emails as your digital welcome kit — a way for us to stay connected, celebrate your new adventure, and (spoiler!) even surprise you with a first-day gift. 😉
What makes Fusion’s onboarding experience stand out
The thing about onboarding is that you’ll have to do it no matter where you’re starting your next employment — with us, another agency, or a completely different profession altogether. So, what makes our process positively stand out?
The answer’s simple: what makes us stand out is the people behind it and the mindset that we’re in this with you.
“If you’re confused or have a question, there are so many people here at Fusion who can and want to help you,” said Molly Wellenstein, traveler experience advocate. “You don’t have to figure it out by yourself.”
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Your recruiter, compliance, clinical, and more — every team at Fusion works together to support, inform, and care for you. Here, it’s not “you vs onboarding,” it’s “us and you vs onboarding.” That traveler-first mentality is what makes our process not just smoother, but more human.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the onboarding process take for Fusion travel nurses and allied health travelers?
Onboarding’s not on a one-size-fits-all timeline, so how long it takes to complete can vary quite a bit. For some travelers, especially those who’ve worked with us before or have all their documents ready, it can be wrapped up in as little as a week or two.
For others, it may take a few more depending on factors like your specialty, state requirements, facility standards, or whether you’re a new travel nurse or allied health traveler. Each healthcare travel assignment is unique, and some facilities or vendors may request additional paperwork, screenings, or certifications along the way. No matter the situation, your Fusion team will keep you updated at every step, so you know what’s needed and when.
What documents should I be prepared to provide during Fusion's onboarding program?
When you onboard with Fusion, you’ll use an online paperwork portal to complete and upload all your essential documents. Think: medical records including proof of a physical completed within the last 12 months, valid licenses and certifications, etc. If applicable, you may also need to provide COVID-19 vaccination records or any additional facility- or vendor-specific items, such as additional testing.
Download Fusion’s compliance checklist
Once you've completed every task on your checklist, uploaded your required documents, and gotten clearance from your compliance specialist that all looks good, you can officially count it as an allied health or nurse onboarding success.
Do I have to upload the same paperwork for each Fusion travel contract?
Not always — it really depends on your situation and where you’re headed next. If you’re a returning traveler who’s been working with us continuously, a lot of your documentation will already be on file, so you may not need to resubmit everything.
“If you’re a returning traveler, there may be less documentation,” said Fusion Compliance Manager Rachael Stewardson. “But additional items may be required. So, you could be Fusion compliant, but we have different requirements that must be met on the healthcare facility or vendor side, as well.”
Because requirements can vary, even the most experienced nurses and seasoned healthcare travelers sometimes must redo certain items like background checks, drug screens, or health documents.
“We know you might fill out what feels like the same form several times, but it’s all for something different,” Rachael shared. “Just take it one step at a time.”
While it can feel repetitive, these requirements come directly from the facility — not Fusion — and at times, are added last-minute, but your compliance specialist will clearly explain what needs to be updated and why.
What's the difference between onboarding and orientation?
You may hear onboarding and orientation used interchangeably, but they're actually two different parts of the process. Here's the difference.
Onboarding happens first when you complete all the requirements with both Fusion and your assigned facility to make sure you're fully compliant and meet both set of standards before you start. This includes things like submitting licenses, background checks, and finishing health and training requirements.
Once you've been cleared to start, you'll go through an orientation program, which often takes place on-site at your healthcare facility during your first day or two of assignment. The orientation process gives you a chance to get familiar with the hospital, meet your new team, and learn the ins and outs of the unit and systems you'll be working with.
In what ways does Fusion support travel nurses and allied health travelers before, during, and after the onboarding process?
The thing that really sets us apart from other travel nursing and allied staffing healthcare organizations is that we believe your travel career should feel personal — not transactional.
From your first convo, you’re paired with a recruiter who gets to know you, your goals, and what matters most to you both professionally and personally. That same recruiter stays by your side through every contract, every renewal, and every new adventure.
Related: Working with Multiple Recruiters Doesn’t Benefit You. Here’s Why.
Our promise is simple: clear communication, transparency, and ongoing support. You’ll always know what’s happening, who’s reaching out, and what comes next. And that support doesn’t stop after onboarding. Along with your recruiter, our compliance, clinical, and traveler experience teams continue to be there for you during every contract, offering help, answers, and advocacy.
With day-one benefits, wellness resources, continuing education reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and exclusive Fusion perks and programs, we’re here to make every part of your journey easier, safer, and more rewarding. Even after an assignment ends, your recruiter stays in touch to help you plan what’s next. Because with us, it’s about people. We’re with you before, during, and long after onboarding, empowering you to be your best you.
At the end of the day, onboarding is just the first step in your Fusion journey. We know it can feel like a lot at first, but you’re never doing it alone. From your recruiter to compliance, clinical, and beyond, you’ve got a whole team in your corner making sure you feel prepared, confident, and cared for every step of the way. Once onboarding is complete, the real adventure begins — and no matter where your assignment takes you, we’ll be right there with you, cheering you on.
