Resource
Contract checklist
what to confirm before you sign
Use this as a quick scan during offer review and again before signature. The goal is clarity, clean questions, and fewer surprises.
How to use this checklist
Run this in two passes. First pass is a fast scan. Second pass is a detail check before you sign.
Pass one
Confirm pay structure, dates, and hours. Identify unknowns and ask questions.
Pass two
Verify cancellation terms, call expectations, floating, and any special unit requirements.
Lock it in
Get answers in writing and keep a copy of the final contract and pay breakdown.
Contract checklist
This list is grouped by what typically causes confusion. Use it to guide your review conversation.
Core details
- Facility name and unit
- Start date and expected orientation schedule
- Contract length and end date
- Shift, hours per week, and schedule pattern
- Guaranteed hours and what counts as a guarantee
Pay package
- Taxable hourly rate
- Stipend amounts and how they are paid
- Overtime rate and when overtime applies
- Holiday rate and holiday rules
- Any bonuses, reimbursements, or one time payments
Helpful reference
Cancellation and changes
- Cancellation policy and required notice
- What happens if the facility cancels a shift
- Floating policy and float limits
- Call expectations and compensation
- Time off policy and how it impacts guarantees
If a contract gets canceled
Housing and travel logistics
- Housing arrangement and who pays what
- Travel reimbursement amount and timing
- Parking costs and commuting expectations
- Location expectations for stipend eligibility
- Any required scrubs, equipment, or certifications
Planning tools
Compliance and onboarding
- Required licenses for start date
- Credentialing timeline and expected deadlines
- Health requirements and screening details
- Charting system and orientation expectations
- Any special unit competencies required
Related checklists
Extensions and next steps
- Extension process and timing
- Expected performance measures and feedback loop
- How schedule changes are communicated
- Where final documents are stored and shared
- Your personal file plan for contracts and pay details
Questions to ask
Use these verbatim if you want. Short questions get short answers. Ask for written confirmation when it matters.
Copy and paste set
- Can you confirm my guaranteed hours and what events reduce that guarantee
- Can you list the taxable rate, stipends, and all reimbursements in one summary
- What is the cancellation notice requirement for both sides
- What are the floating expectations and are there limits
- What call expectations apply and how is call paid
Next steps
- Ask the questions above
- Get answers in writing
- Save the final contract and pay summary