Many nurses and travel nurses realize that an agency or healthcare facility will do a background check on you prior to your employment. It’s pretty much a no-brainer in today’s society. But what many nurses and travel nurses don’t realize is that agencies will often perform a credit check on you as well. Quite often, nurses assume it’s standard practice, but the reality is that nurses can opt out having a credit history report generated prior to taking on an assignment.

In fact, some travel nurses (and recruiters for that matter) have suggested to me that you find another agency if your current agency pressures you into allowing a credit check. But, if you DO come across paperwork that mentions a credit check, you can cross those words out, and write “I do not give permission for a credit check to be performed.” Then sign your name next to it.

In today’s economy many people, travel nurses included, are having credit issues. It shouldn’t keep you from getting an assignment, so don’t let it. You should know your approximate credit score. If that’s not good enough for a recruiter or agency, it might be time to move on.

By the way, if you DON’T know your credit score, you are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Go to the Annual Credit Report website and get yours today. Make sure it’s correct and contact the credit reporting agencies to report any inaccuracies.