What Happens If My Travel Nurse Contract Gets Cancelled?
Travel nurse contracts can be cancelled by the facility with as little as 2 weeks notice (sometimes less), usually due to census drops or budget changes. While cancellations are stressful, they happen to almost every traveler eventually — and preparation makes all the difference.
Last updated 2026-02-04
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Why Contracts Get Cancelled
The most common reasons: low patient census (hospital doesn't need as many nurses), budget cuts or hiring freezes, the hospital hires permanent staff to fill the role, personality/fit issues (rare but it happens), and seasonal demand shifts. Cancellations are usually not personal — they're a business decision.
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It depends on your contract terms, but typically 2 weeks notice is standard. Some contracts specify a guaranteed number of hours or weeks. Read the cancellation clause carefully before signing. The best contracts guarantee at least 36 hours/week for the full 13-week term.
| Contract Type | Cancellation Terms | Your Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Hours | 36-40 hrs/wk guaranteed | Agency pays even if hospital cancels shifts |
| Guaranteed Weeks | Min 8-10 of 13 weeks | Paid through guaranteed period |
| At-Will (worst) | Can cancel anytime | No guarantee — avoid if possible |
| Mutual 2-Week Notice | Either party gives 2 weeks | Standard; gives you time to find next gig |
What to Do When It Happens
First, contact your recruiter immediately — they should start finding you a new assignment the same day. Check if your contract has a cancellation guarantee (some pay for unused weeks). Ask if the same facility has other units that need travelers. Update your availability on other agencies. File for unemployment if needed — travel nurses qualify in most states.
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How to Protect Yourself
Build an emergency fund of 4–6 weeks of expenses. Always read the cancellation clause before signing. Ask for guaranteed hours or weeks in your contract. Keep your compliance documents current so you can start a new assignment quickly. Maintain relationships with multiple agencies so you have backup options.
Can YOU Cancel a Contract?
Yes, but it can hurt your reputation. If you cancel within the first 2 weeks, most agencies understand. After that, cancelling without cause may result in your agency not working with you again, a negative reference from the facility, and being marked as 'do not return' at that hospital. If you must cancel for legitimate reasons (safety concerns, family emergency), communicate clearly with your recruiter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I still get paid if my contract is cancelled?
Can I collect unemployment after a cancellation?
How common are cancellations?
Contract cancellations happen to most travel nurses at some point, usually due to census drops. Protect yourself with guaranteed hours in your contract, a 4–6 week emergency fund, current compliance docs, and relationships with multiple agencies. When it happens, contact your recruiter immediately for a new placement.
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