How to Strengthen Your Nursing or Allied Health Job Application
Starting your next travel nurse or allied health assignment begins long before day one; it starts with your Nomad profile and application. A strong profile helps us match you to the best-fit jobs based on your certifications, years of experience, and specialty. Timing is also critical. Facilities need to move fast, and the clinicians who stand out are the ones who submit complete, polished applications from the start.
At Nomad, we want your healthcare staffing application to be as smooth and efficient as possible so you can focus on what you do best: caring for patients.
6 ways to strengthen your application and stand out as a top candidate
1. Complete every section of the application checklist
Your application is not ready to submit until all requirements are met. Each section is designed to give facilities the confidence they need to move forward quickly.
Be sure to:
Upload all credentials (state RN license, allied health certifications, BLS/ACLS, etc.)
Add work experience with correct specialties and start dates
Provide at least two professional references
💡 Pro Tip: Do Not Skip These Two Items
Driver’s License: One of the top reasons applications get placed on hold is a missing driver’s license. Upload a clear, valid copy right away to keep your application moving forward.
Social Security Number (SSN): We understand clinicians may be cautious here. Your SSN is fully encrypted and secure in our system, and it’s required for background checks and compliance. Providing it early prevents delays later.
Read, ‘Breaking down Nomad's application sections.’
2. Keep your credentials current
Expired licenses or missing documents are one of the most common reasons healthcare applications stall. Stay ahead by making sure your credentials are valid and uploaded successfully (no blurry images).
Verify that your state nursing license or allied health certification is active
Renew required certifications (like BLS, ACLS, PALS) before expiration
Upload Flu and Covid vaccines (as applicable) and any other compliance documents
💡 Pro Tip: Be Careful with Background Questions
Answer every background question truthfully and carefully. Mistakes here are one of the most common reasons we have to pause an application and follow up. Taking a few extra minutes to answer accurately prevents delays and avoids unnecessary back-and-forth.
3. Highlight your specialties and flexibility
Facilities want to see both depth and adaptability in your experience. Highlighting specialties accurately makes you visible for a wider range of assignments.
For RNs:
You will need to select a primary specialty when entering your experience.
You also have the option to choose float specialties to show where else you’re comfortable practicing.
If you worked in multiple primary specialties at the same facility, you’ll need to create separate facility entries for each specialty.
For allied health professionals:
You can enter up to five specialties per facility entry.
The Employment Type field can be tricky. We are working on improving it, but for now, choose the closest fit or select “Other.”
The Specialty field is where you should clearly show your scope of practice and all areas where you are trained and confident. Be sure to enter all specialties under the Specialty section, even if you already selected it in Employment Type.
Flexibility often opens the door to more assignments. Facilities look for clinicians who can confidently float across units or modalities.
💡 Pro Tip: Make the Most of “Additional Notes”
The Additional Notes field is client-facing and gives you the opportunity to highlight what makes you an excellent candidate. Many clinicians use this space to share great information, but spelling errors or rushed writing can leave the wrong impression.
Treat this section like a short cover letter. Keep it professional and polished.
Highlight unique strengths such as adaptability, strong patient communication skills, or experience in diverse care settings.
Review for accuracy and grammar. A clear and error-free note helps you stand out to hiring managers.
4. Provide strong, recent references
References can be the deciding factor for hiring managers. Outdated or missing references often cause delays.
Choose recent supervisors, charge nurses, or department leads who have directly observed your work.
Ensure their contact information is accurate and current.
Provide at least two references who can speak to your clinical skills and professionalism.
💡 Pro Tip: Choose the right references
References should come from people who have directly observed your clinical work, such as recent supervisors, charge nurses, or department leads. Make sure their contact information is accurate and up to date.
5. Pay attention to job-specific requirements
Once you apply to a specific assignment, the Application Checklist updates to include facility requirements in addition to your profile information. A polished and accurate application helps you stand out and prevents delays in being submitted.
Review your resume for formatting, spelling, and accuracy.
Confirm all employment dates and specialties match your actual experience.
Double-check that your licenses and certifications are valid and uploaded.
Complete the Skills Checklist thoroughly so facilities see your experience in key areas.
Fill out the Facility Questionnaire carefully and honestly, since facilities use this to confirm your fit for their unit.
💡 Pro Tip: Details Matter
Facilities often review applications side by side. Small errors like incorrect dates or incomplete questionnaires can slow you down or even cause a rejection. Take a few extra minutes to review everything before submitting so your application reflects the same professionalism you bring to patient care.
Read, ‘Ensuring your application meets all requirements.’
6. Be responsive and professional
After you apply, a Nomad team member may reach out for clarification or to request additional documentation. The faster you respond, the faster your application can be submitted to facilities.
Reply quickly to requests so your file does not get held up.
Keep communication clear, polite, and professional.
Keep an eye on your Applications and Messages tabs in the Nomad portal, along with your email and texts, for any outstanding items or updates.
Responsiveness signals reliability, which hospitals and facilities value when choosing candidates.
💡 Pro Tip: Treat every interaction as part of your application.
A prompt, professional response not only keeps your file moving but also reinforces the impression that you are organized and dependable.
Join Nomad's travel nurse community
Your strongest application yet
A strong healthcare staffing application shows facilities that you are not only clinically qualified but also prepared, organized, and dependable. Complete your Nomad profile, keep credentials current, and double-check details to help our team submit you quickly and confidently for your next travel nurse or allied health role.
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