Tips and tricks

Know before you go

What to ask before you sign, how uneven pay hits your taxes, what to check in a short-term rental, the deposit law in every state, and how to keep your points and gym when you move.

Before you sign

The headline rate is only part of the offer. Ask these, and get the answers in writing.

When does pay start?

Some employers pay a day rate from the moment you leave the house. Others start on your first shift and leave travel days unpaid. Get it in writing before you accept — it can be worth more than a dollar or two on the hourly rate.

What are the guaranteed hours?

Ask what happens when a shift is cancelled: are you paid anyway, moved to another unit, or sent home unpaid? "Up to 48 hours" is not a guarantee.

Is the stipend paid on days off and travel days?

A daily per diem paid only on worked days is a smaller package than the same rate paid seven days a week.

How does the rotation count?

On a 7-on/7-off or 14/14 schedule, find out whether travel happens on your days off, whether those days are paid, and who books and pays for the flights.

Is the stipend actually tax-free?

Only if you keep a tax home you are duplicating while you work away. Otherwise it is taxable wages, no matter what the offer calls it.

What gear do they provide?

Uniforms, boots, PPE and required certifications add up. Ask what is issued, what is reimbursed and what you are expected to bring.

Run the offer through the calculator → Offer checklist → Stipends and tax home →

Taxes when pay is uneven

Payroll withholds each check as if that pay lasted all year. Six weeks at a high weekly rate, then weeks off or a lower-paying job, usually means you overpay and wait for a refund.

Even it out

Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator with your real year, then give payroll a new W-4.

Paid as a 1099 contractor?

Nothing is withheld. Set money aside from every check and pay quarterly with Form 1040-ES.

Getting help

The IRS explains how to check a preparer's credentials in choosing a tax professional. Ask whether they work with travel clinicians and multi-state returns.

See your withholding gap in the calculator →

Short-term housing

What to check before you book and the day you arrive.

Before you book

Drive time at shift-change hours, not at noon.
Parking that fits your vehicle, and somewhere safe to leave it for weeks.
Blackout curtains and a quiet bedroom if you work nights.
Washer and dryer — scrubs and uniforms every few days.
Whether it's a lease or a lodging stay. A lease is usually covered by the state law below; a nightly or weekly stay usually falls under the platform's policy instead.
The cancellation policy if your contract ends early or gets cancelled.

The day you arrive

Walk through and take time-stamped photos and video of every room before you unpack.
Send the host or landlord a list of existing damage the same day, in writing.
Test the heat, A/C, hot water, locks, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Avoid rental scams

Never pay by wire, gift card or crypto, and don't pay for a place nobody will show you.
Search the address with the owner's name; if it's on a booking site, keep messages and payment on that site.
See the FTC's guide to rental listing scams.

When you leave

Photograph everything again, return every key, and give your forwarding address in writing.
Check your state below — several give you only a few days to answer a damage claim.

Security deposits by state

How much a landlord can charge, how long they have to return it, and what happens if they don't — read from each state's statute.

Alabama

Most they can charge: 1 month's rent (extra allowed for pets, changes to the unit or added risk)
Must return within: 60 days after the tenancy ends and you hand back the keys
If they don't: 2× your original deposit if the landlord misses 60 days
Know this: Give a forwarding address in writing, and cash the refund — unclaimed deposits are forfeited after 90 days.

Ala. Code § 35-9A-201

Alaska

Most they can charge: 2 months' rent (no limit if rent is over $2,000 a month)
Must return within: 14 days after proper notice and move-out; 30 days if damages are deducted
If they don't: Up to 2× the amount withheld, for willful failure
Know this: Normal wear and tear isn't damage.

Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070

Arizona

Most they can charge: 1½ months' rent, prepaid rent included
Must return within: 14 business days after you move out and ask for it
If they don't: 2× the amount wrongly withheld
Know this: You get a move-in damage form and the right to attend the move-out inspection. Dispute the itemized list within 60 days or it becomes final.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321

Arkansas

Most they can charge: 2 months' rent
Must return within: 60 days after the tenancy ends and you hand back the keys, with an itemized notice
If they don't: 2× the amount wrongly withheld, plus costs and attorney's fees
Know this: Doesn't apply to an individual landlord with 5 or fewer units who manages them personally. If they use a property manager, it does.

Ark. Code §§ 18-16-303 to 18-16-306

California

Most they can charge: 1 month's rent (2 months for a landlord with no more than 2 properties and 4 units)
Must return within: 21 days after you move out
If they don't: Up to 2× the deposit for bad-faith retention, plus actual damages
Know this: The landlord must photograph the unit at move-in (tenancies from July 1, 2025) and before and after any repairs they charge you for.

Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5

Colorado

Most they can charge: 2 months' rent
Must return within: 30 days after the lease ends or you move out, whichever is later (up to 60 if the lease says so)
If they don't: 3× the amount wrongly withheld plus attorney's fees, if it isn't paid within 7 days of your written demand
Know this: Ask for a walk-through before you leave. To claim triple damages, first send a written demand and wait 7 days before filing.

Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 38-12-102.5, 38-12-103

Connecticut

Most they can charge: 2 months' rent (1 month if you're 62 or older)
Must return within: 21 days after the tenancy ends, or 15 days after you give a forwarding address, whichever is later
If they don't: 2× the deposit
Know this: Send your forwarding address in writing. Deposits earn interest.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21

Delaware

Most they can charge: 1 month's rent on leases of a year or more (no limit for furnished units)
Must return within: 20 days after the lease ends, with an itemized list
If they don't: 2× the amount wrongly withheld
Know this: Cashing a partial refund counts as agreeing to the deductions unless you object in writing within 10 days.

Del. Code tit. 25, § 5514

District of Columbia

Most they can charge: Set by D.C. housing regulations (14 DCMR 308)
Must return within: Notice of any amount claimed, with photos or other proof, within 45 days after the tenancy ends
If they don't: Complaints go to the Office of Administrative Hearings
Know this: You have 30 days to dispute a claim; the landlord must answer within 10 days. Ordinary wear and tear can't be charged.

D.C. Code § 42-3502.17

Florida

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 15 days if no claim; a claim must be sent within 30 days by certified mail or e-mail
If they don't: Landlord who misses the 30-day notice forfeits the claim; prevailing party gets attorney's fees
Know this: If you get a notice of claim, object in writing within 15 days or the landlord may deduct it.

Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)

Georgia

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 30 days after the landlord gets the unit back, with a written statement of anything kept
If they don't: 3× the amount improperly withheld plus attorney's fees; missing the lists or deadline forfeits all deductions
Know this: Inspect and sign the move-in damage list before paying the deposit. You can review the move-out list within 5 business days — dissent in writing to anything you disagree with.

O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-33 to 44-7-35

Hawaii

Most they can charge: 1 month's rent, plus up to 1 month for a pet
Must return within: 14 days after the rental agreement ends, with written evidence of costs
If they don't: Missing 14 days forfeits all deductions; willful wrongful retention can bring 3× damages
Know this: The landlord can collect only first month's rent and the deposit up front. Give a mailing address.

Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44

Idaho

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 21 days, or up to 30 days if the lease says so
If they don't: Prevailing party gets attorney's fees
Know this: Any partial refund must come with a signed, itemized statement and a detailed list of what was spent.

Idaho Code § 6-321

Illinois

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: Itemized damage statement with paid receipts within 30 days; otherwise the full deposit within 45 days
If they don't: 2× the deposit due, plus court costs and attorney's fees
Know this: Deductions for damage need paid receipts attached. Give the landlord a mailing or e-mail address when you leave.

765 ILCS 710/1 (Security Deposit Return Act)

Indiana

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 45 days after the lease ends and you hand back the keys, with an itemized list
If they don't: Missing the list means no damages are due: the full deposit, plus attorney's fees
Know this: The landlord owes nothing under the law until you give a mailing address in writing — do it when you leave.

Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-12 to 32-31-3-16

Iowa

Most they can charge: 2 months' rent
Must return within: 30 days after the tenancy ends and you give a mailing address
If they don't: Late statement forfeits all deductions; bad faith adds up to 2 months' rent in punitive damages
Know this: Give a mailing address — if you don't within a year, the deposit goes to the landlord.

Iowa Code § 562A.12

Kansas

Most they can charge: 1 month's rent unfurnished; 1½ months furnished; plus up to ½ month for pets
Must return within: 14 days after deductions are set, and no later than 30 days after you move out and ask for it
If they don't: The amount due plus 1½× the amount wrongly withheld
Know this: Don't use the deposit as your last month's rent unless the lease allows it — you can forfeit it.

Kan. Stat. § 58-2550

Kentucky

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: No fixed deadline; the landlord must notify you of any refund due, and may keep it if you don't respond within 60 days
If they don't: Landlord who skips the separate account and both damage listings may not keep any of the deposit
Know this: Applies only where the city or county adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Sign the move-in and move-out damage lists or dissent in writing item by item — you can only sue over items you dissented to.

KRS 383.580; KRS 383.500

Louisiana

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 1 month after the lease ends; an itemized statement of anything kept may come up to 15 days later
If they don't: The amount wrongly kept plus $300 or 2× that amount, whichever is greater, for willful failure
Know this: Send a written demand: no refund within 30 days of it counts as willful. Leave a forwarding address.

La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:3251–9:3252

Maine

Most they can charge: 2 months' rent
Must return within: The time in your lease, up to 30 days; 21 days for a tenancy at will
If they don't: Landlord who misses the deadline forfeits the right to keep any of it
Know this: Normal wear and tear can't be deducted.

Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, §§ 6032–6033

Maryland

Most they can charge: 1 month's rent
Must return within: 45 days after the tenancy ends, with interest (at least 1.5% a year)
If they don't: Up to 3× the amount withheld without a reasonable basis, plus attorney's fees
Know this: The landlord must give you a written receipt; keep it.

Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203

Massachusetts

Most they can charge: 1 month's rent (plus first and last month's rent)
Must return within: 30 days after the tenancy ends, with any interest
If they don't: 3× the deposit owed, plus 5% interest, court costs and attorney's fees
Know this: The landlord must give you a receipt and a written statement of the unit's condition. Deposits earn interest.

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B

Michigan

Most they can charge: 1½ months' rent
Must return within: Itemized notice of damages within 30 days; otherwise the full deposit immediately
If they don't: Missing the 30-day notice counts as agreeing no damages are due
Know this: Send your forwarding address in writing within 4 days of moving out, and answer a notice of damages by mail within 7 days or you forfeit the amount claimed.

MCL 554.602, 554.609–554.613

Minnesota

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 3 weeks after the tenancy ends, once you give a mailing address
If they don't: The withheld amount again as a penalty; up to $500 more for bad faith
Know this: Deposits earn 1% simple interest. Ask for the initial and move-out inspections.

Minn. Stat. § 504B.178

Mississippi

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 45 days after the tenancy ends, you hand back the keys and you ask for it
If they don't: Up to $200 plus actual damages, for bad-faith retention
Know this: Ask for the deposit back — the 45 days start with your demand.

Miss. Code § 89-8-21

Missouri

Most they can charge: 2 months' rent
Must return within: 30 days after the tenancy ends, with an itemized list
If they don't: 2× the amount wrongly withheld
Know this: You have the right to be at the move-out inspection; the landlord must tell you when it is.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300

Montana

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 10 days if there's nothing to deduct; 30 days with a written list of charges
If they don't: The deposit statute sets no extra penalty
Know this: Either side can ask for an inspection in the last week of the tenancy; cleaning charges need written notice first.

Mont. Code §§ 70-25-201, 70-25-202

Nebraska

Most they can charge: 1 month's rent, plus up to ¼ month for pets
Must return within: 14 days after the tenancy ends, with an itemized list
If they don't: Amount due, court costs and attorney's fees; willful violations add 1 month's rent or 2× the deposit, whichever is less
Know this: Give the landlord a mailing address.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416

Nevada

Most they can charge: 3 months' rent, last month's rent included
Must return within: 30 days after the tenancy ends, with an itemized accounting
If they don't: The entire deposit, plus up to the deposit again at the court's discretion
Know this: Only a reasonable cleaning fee can be nonrefundable; any lease clause calling the deposit nonrefundable is void.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242

New Hampshire

Most they can charge: 1 month's rent or $100, whichever is more
Must return within: 30 days after the tenancy ends, with an itemized list and proof of repairs
If they don't: 2× the deposit plus interest, minus lawful charges
Know this: List any existing problems in writing within 5 days of moving in. Give a new address when you leave — without it the landlord isn't liable.

N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 540-A:6–540-A:8

New Jersey

Most they can charge: 1½ months' rent
Must return within: 30 days after the lease ends, with interest and itemized deductions, by personal delivery or registered/certified mail
If they don't: 2× the amount owed, plus court costs and possibly attorney's fees
Know this: Renting in an owner-occupied building with 2 or fewer units? Send the landlord 30 days' written notice invoking the security deposit law, or it doesn't apply. Disputes up to $5,000 go to small claims.

N.J. Stat. §§ 46:8-21.1, 46:8-21.2, 46:8-26

New Mexico

Most they can charge: 1 month's rent on leases under a year; more allowed on annual leases, but it earns interest
Must return within: 30 days after the lease ends or you move out, whichever is later, with an itemized list
If they don't: Late statement forfeits all deductions plus court costs and attorney's fees; bad faith adds a $250 penalty
Know this: Normal wear and tear can't be deducted.

N.M. Stat. § 47-8-18

New York

Most they can charge: 1 month's rent
Must return within: 14 days after you move out, with an itemized statement
If they don't: Landlord who misses 14 days forfeits the whole deposit; up to 2× the deposit for willful violations
Know this: You can ask for a joint move-in inspection; damage noted in that signed agreement can't be charged to you later.

N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108

North Carolina

Most they can charge: 2 weeks' rent (week to week), 1½ months (month to month), 2 months (longer terms)
Must return within: 30 days after you move out; up to 60 days with an interim accounting
If they don't: Willful noncompliance voids the landlord's right to keep any of it; attorney's fees possible
Know this: Within 30 days of the lease start, the landlord must tell you which bank holds the deposit or which insurer bonds it.

N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-50 to 42-55

North Dakota

Most they can charge: 1 month's rent (2 months in limited cases); separate pet deposit up to $2,500 or 2 months' rent
Must return within: 30 days after the lease ends and you hand back the keys
If they don't: 3× any amount withheld without reasonable justification
Know this: Deposits sit in an interest-bearing account; you get the interest if you stayed 9 months or longer.

N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1

Ohio

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 30 days after the lease ends and you hand back the keys, with itemized deductions
If they don't: The amount wrongly withheld again as damages, plus attorney's fees
Know this: Give a forwarding address in writing, or you lose the right to damages and fees. Deposits over one month's rent earn 5% interest after 6 months.

Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16

Oklahoma

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 45 days after the tenancy ends, you hand back the keys and you ask in writing
If they don't: You can recover the deposit and any prepaid rent
Know this: Make a written demand — if you don't within 6 months, the deposit goes to the landlord.

Okla. Stat. tit. 41, § 115

Oregon

Most they can charge: No statutory limit (last month's rent counts as part of the deposit)
Must return within: 31 days after the tenancy ends and you hand back the keys, with a written accounting
If they don't: 2× any amount withheld without a written accounting or in bad faith
Know this: The deposit must be listed in the written lease and you get a receipt.

Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.300

Pennsylvania

Most they can charge: 2 months' rent in year one; 1 month after that
Must return within: 30 days after the lease ends or you hand back the keys, with a written list of damages
If they don't: Missing the list forfeits all deductions; late payment owes 2× the amount wrongly held
Know this: The landlord must tell you in writing which bank holds deposits over $100. Give a forwarding address in writing.

68 P.S. §§ 250.511a–250.512 (Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, §§ 511.1–512)

Rhode Island

Most they can charge: 1 month's rent (separate furniture deposit allowed for high-value furnished units)
Must return within: 20 days after the latest of move-out, handing back the keys, or giving a forwarding address
If they don't: 2× the amount wrongly withheld, plus attorney's fees
Know this: Give your forwarding address in writing — the 20-day clock can start from it.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19

South Carolina

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 30 days after the tenancy ends and you ask for it, whichever is later
If they don't: 3× the amount wrongly withheld, plus attorney's fees
Know this: Give a forwarding address in writing, or you may lose the right to damages.

S.C. Code § 27-40-410

South Dakota

Most they can charge: 1 month's rent unless both sides agree to more for special conditions
Must return within: 21 days after the tenancy ends and you give a mailing address
If they don't: Landlord who misses it forfeits all deductions; bad faith adds up to $200
Know this: Ask for an itemized accounting within 45 days of moving out.

S.D. Codified Laws §§ 43-32-6.1, 43-32-24

Tennessee

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: No fixed deadline; the landlord must notify you of any refund due, and may keep it if you don't respond within 60 days
If they don't: Landlord who skips the separate account and the damage listing may not keep any of it
Know this: Applies only in counties over 75,000 people (2010 census), and not to hotel-style stays. Ask to attend the move-out inspection and dissent in writing to anything you dispute — you can only sue over items you dissented to.

Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-102, 66-28-301

Texas

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 30 days after you move out, once you give a written forwarding address
If they don't: $100 + 3× the amount wrongly withheld + attorney's fees, for bad faith
Know this: Give your forwarding address in writing — the 30-day clock waits for it.

Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103–92.109

Utah

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 30 days after you move out and hand back the keys, with each deduction itemized
If they don't: If the landlord misses it and then ignores your 5-business-day notice: the full deposit plus a $100 penalty
Know this: Late refund? Serve the statute's "Tenant's Notice to Provide Deposit Disposition" form.

Utah Code § 57-17-3

Vermont

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 14 days after you move out (60 days for seasonal rentals), once you've told the landlord your move-out date
If they don't: Late return forfeits all deductions; willful failure is 2× the amount withheld plus attorney's fees
Know this: Tell the landlord in writing the date you're leaving — that starts the 14 days.

9 V.S.A. § 4461

Virginia

Most they can charge: 2 months' rent
Must return within: 45 days after the tenancy ends or you move out, whichever is later
If they don't: Willful noncompliance: return of the deposit, actual damages and attorney's fees
Know this: When you give notice, the landlord must tell you of your right to attend the move-out inspection — ask in writing to be there.

Va. Code § 55.1-1226

Washington

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 30 days after you move out, with a specific statement and copies of estimates or invoices
If they don't: Late statement: landlord owes the full deposit; up to 2× for intentional refusal; prevailing party gets attorney's fees
Know this: Nothing can be charged for fixtures or furnishings whose condition wasn't documented on the move-in checklist, or for routine carpet cleaning.

RCW 59.18.280

West Virginia

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 60 days after the tenancy ends, or 45 days after a new tenant moves in, whichever is sooner
If they don't: The deposit statute sets no extra penalty
Know this: If repairs need an outside contractor, the landlord must tell you in writing within that period and gets 15 more days to itemize.

W. Va. Code §§ 37-6A-1, 37-6A-2

Wisconsin

Most they can charge: No limit in this statute
Must return within: 21 days after the lease ends or you move out
If they don't: The deposit statute sets no extra penalty
Know this: Normal wear and tear can't be deducted.

Wis. Stat. § 704.28

Wyoming

Most they can charge: No statutory limit
Must return within: 30 days after the lease ends or 15 days after you give a new address, whichever is later; 30 more days if there's damage
If they don't: The full deposit and court costs if the landlord unreasonably fails to comply
Know this: Tell the landlord where to mail it within 30 days of moving out. Any nonrefundable part must be stated in the lease.

Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1207, 1-21-1208

State statutes on residential security deposits, read on each legislature's official site. Short-term lodging (nightly or weekly stays, many vacation rentals) may fall outside these laws; a month-to-month or longer lease usually does not. Cities can add rules of their own. This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice; the linked statute is the law. Checked October 13, 2026.

Need fingerprints?

Background checks for a new EMS or nursing license, state by state. Book fingerprints early — some states only take their own vendor, and results can take weeks. 25 states fingerprint EMS applicants and 44 fingerprint nurses, from what we've confirmed so far.

State	EMS license	Nursing license
Alabama	Fingerprints, state + FBIAlabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)	Fingerprints, state + FBIFieldPrint
Alaska	Background check, no fingerprints	Fingerprints, state + FBIAlaska Department of Public Safety; Board forwards the applicant fingerprint card to DPS
Arizona	Fingerprints, state + FBI	Background check at the state's discretion
Arkansas	Background check (method not stated)	Fingerprints, state + FBI
California	FingerprintsCalifornia Department of Justice, via Live Scan or FD-258 card	Fingerprints, state + FBILive Scan or fingerprint card (Hard Card)
Colorado	Fingerprints, state + FBIIdentoGO or Colorado Fingerprinting (CBI-approved collection vendors)	Fingerprints, state + FBI
Connecticut	You self-report convictions; no fingerprint step	You self-report convictions; no fingerprint step
Delaware	Background check (method not stated)Delaware State Bureau of Identification (SBI), which relays the FBI check	Fingerprints, state + FBIIdentoGO
District of Columbia	You self-report convictions; no fingerprint step	FingerprintsFieldprint
Florida	Background check, no fingerprints	FingerprintsFDLE-approved Livescan service provider
Georgia	Fingerprints, state + FBIGeorgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS), fingerprinting by Idemia/IdentoGO, service code 2TGJY5	FingerprintsGAPS/Idemia
Hawaii	You self-report convictions; no fingerprint step	Fingerprints, state + FBIFieldprint Inc.
Idaho	Background check (method not stated)Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Background Check Unit (BCU), pay code JFPUZW	Fingerprints
Illinois	You self-report convictions; no fingerprint step	Fingerprints
Indiana	You self-report convictions; no fingerprint step	Fingerprints, state + FBIIdentoGo
Iowa	FingerprintsFieldprint	FingerprintsFieldprint
Kansas	Fingerprints	FingerprintsKansas Board of Nursing / KBI processing; collection provider varies
Kentucky	Background check (method not stated)Viewpoint Screening, via the KBEMS-specific link only	Fingerprints, state + FBIIdentoGO
Louisiana	Fingerprints, state + FBIIdentoGO (Idemia) Livescan, Bureau of EMS service code 27N4S2; results go from Louisiana State Police to the Bureau	Fingerprints, state + FBIIdentoGO; Louisiana State Police and FBI checks
Maine	Background check (method not stated)	Fingerprints, state + FBIIdentoGo
Maryland	Fingerprints through your EMS agency, not the licenseMaryland CJIS Central Repository and the FBI, requested by the fire department, rescue squad or licensed ambulance service	Fingerprints, state + FBI
Massachusetts	Background check, no fingerprintsMassachusetts DCJIS criminal offender record information (CORI) check, run by OEMS	Background check, no fingerprintsMassachusetts DCJIS criminal offender record information (CORI) check plus a Sex Offender Registry check, through the Board of Registration in Nursing
Michigan	You self-report convictions; no fingerprint step	Fingerprints, state + FBI
Minnesota	You self-report convictions; no fingerprint step	Fingerprints, state + FBIMinnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and FBI, through the Board of Nursing
Mississippi	Fingerprints, state + FBIMSDH SAFER registration, then electronic fingerprinting at MSDH county health departments or two traditional cards	Fingerprints, state + FBI
Missouri	FingerprintsIDENTOGO	Background check (method not stated)
Montana	You self-report convictions; no fingerprint step	FingerprintsMontana Department of Justice
Nebraska	Fingerprints, state + FBINebraska State Patrol (Live Scan at NSP locations, or ink cards)	Fingerprints, state + FBINebraska State Patrol processing; authorized fingerprint collection service may vary
Nevada	FingerprintsNevada Department of Public Safety, through the state EMS Fingerprint Request Form	Fingerprints, state + FBI
New Hampshire	Fingerprints, state + FBINH Department of Safety, State Police Criminal Records Unit	Fingerprints, state + FBI
New Jersey	Fingerprints, state + FBINew Jersey State Police and FBI, through the Department of Health	Background check (method not stated)
New Mexico	Fingerprints, state + FBIDPS or a DPS-designated vendor	FingerprintsIdemia/IdentoGo
New York	You self-report convictions; no fingerprint step	You self-report convictions; no fingerprint step
North Carolina	FingerprintsSBI fingerprint card or Live Scan at an agency approved by the NC Department of Public Safety	Fingerprints, state + FBISBI/FBI
North Dakota	Background check at the state's discretion	Fingerprints, state + FBI
Ohio	Fingerprints, state + FBIOhio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), reason code 109578	Fingerprints, state + FBIOhio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI), which requests records from the FBI
Oklahoma	You self-report convictions; no fingerprint step	Fingerprints, state + FBIOklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation
Oregon	Fingerprints, state + FBIFieldprint	FingerprintsFieldprint Inc.
Pennsylvania	Background check, no fingerprintsPA State Police PATCH	Fingerprints, state + FBIIdentoGO
Rhode Island	Background check (method not stated)Rhode Island Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI)	Fingerprints, state + FBIRhode Island Bureau of Criminal Identification / Department of Attorney General
South Carolina	Fingerprints, state + FBISLED (state) and FBI (national), fingerprint-supported	Fingerprints
South Dakota	Fingerprints, state + FBISouth Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, through the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners	Fingerprints, state + FBISouth Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and FBI, fingerprint cards sent by the Board of Nursing
Tennessee	Background check (method not stated)The State of Tennessee's contracted background-check vendor named in the licensure application materials	Fingerprints, state + FBIIdentoGO
Texas	Fingerprints, state + FBIIdentoGO	Fingerprints, state + FBI
Utah	Fingerprints, state + FBIUtah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI), via DACS fingerprints at a Utah LiveScan location	Fingerprints
Vermont	Background check (method not stated)The applicant's primary EMS agency screens VCIC and the Vermont abuse registries; out-of-state agencies use their home-state database or NCIC	Fingerprints, state + FBI
Virginia	Fingerprints, state + FBIFieldprint (Virginia Office of EMS contractor); results via the Central Criminal Records Exchange	Fingerprints, state + FBIFieldprint
Washington	Background check, no fingerprints	Fingerprints, state + FBIWashington State Patrol and FBI
West Virginia	Fingerprints, state + FBIWest Virginia State Police and FBI, through WVOEMS	Fingerprints, state + FBIIdentoGO
Wisconsin	You self-report convictions; no fingerprint step	Background check (method not stated)
Wyoming	FingerprintsWyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)	FingerprintsDCI

Each answer links to the statute, rule or licensing page it comes from. "Not checked yet" means we haven't found the official source — not that there's no check.

On the road

Loyalty and memberships that follow you from one assignment to the next.

Groceries and gas

Kroger family

Kroger · Ralphs · Smith's · Fry's · Fred Meyer · Harris Teeter · King Soopers · QFC · Dillons · Mariano's · Pick 'n Save · Metro Market · Baker's

Points carry across the whole family. 100 points = 10¢ off a gallon (up to $1 a gallon on up to 35 gallons; limits vary by location) or $1 off groceries.

Also redeemable at participating partner stations — by region these may include Shell, bp, Amoco and Turkey Hill.

Points expire at the end of the month after you earn them.

Kroger points FAQ · Kroger family of banners

Albertsons for U

Albertsons · Safeway · Vons · Pavilions · Jewel-Osco · Acme · Shaw's · Star Market · Randalls · Tom Thumb · Carrs · Andronico's · Kings · Balducci's

One account across these banners. 100 points = 10¢ off a gallon, on up to 25 gallons.

Redeem at Albertsons Companies fuel stations (up to $1 a gallon) and participating partner stations (typically up to 20¢ a gallon).

Gas rewards aren't available in the Jewel-Osco market area.

Albertsons for U program terms

Gyms that travel

Planet Fitness — PF Black Card

Any of 2,600+ locations.

More than 10 visits a month outside your home club may add a $5-per-visit fee. Bring your club pass or member number.

PF Black Card · Planet Fitness FAQ

Anytime Fitness

24/7 access to 6,000+ gyms worldwide through the app.

Each location is independently owned — ask your home gym how travel access works before you sign.

Anytime Fitness membership

YMCA Nationwide Membership

Hundreds of participating Ys across the U.S. and Puerto Rico at no extra cost.

Not every Y participates; check the one near your assignment.

YMCA membership

Getting around

Splitting the drive

Headed the same way as another clinician? Arrange it between yourselves, agree on the gas split before you leave, and ask your auto insurer how passengers are covered.

Renting a car

Ask for a monthly rate instead of stacking weekly ones. Before you buy the counter's damage waiver, check what your own auto policy and the card you pay with already cover.

Program terms change; check each one before you count on it. Nothing here is paid placement — sponsored listings will always be labeled. Checked October 13, 2026.