DC wage range, info please

[Cmyst]

Hello, all!

I have 11 years exp. as an RN, with the majority of it in Home Health. The last 2 years, I've worked at a busy urban hospital in Northern California on Med/Surg. I am presently working the hospital float pool, which has spoiled me to the point that I can't really consider doing a "regular" job at this point. If anyone wants info on Sacramento area wages, agency and per diem rates -- I will fill you in with what I know.

I will probably be moving to Washington DC in about six months to a year, and I want to do either agency or per diem/float work. I don't care about benefits, as I already pay for my own. ( I would really, really prefer to work as an Independant Contractor if anyone has any hot tips!)

What do med/surg agency RNs make in the DC area?

I do not trust what the travel agencies are offering, because take it from me -- if you want to come to Cali, you can make *a lot* more working per diem or local agency. I have been apalled at what travel agencies offered me to do "local contracts". The RN wage scale tool I've used is about $38K *lower* than what I am actually making, as well, so there goes the credibility of that resource. And I am not super nurse: I'm an ADN, with Home Health/Clinic/Telephone Triage/Med-Surg background.

I am tele-certified (the med/surg unit is a tele med/surg), and I also have ACLS, but that's it.

I could really use some valid input from experienced RNs!

[Chubuti]

HI !!!

I am looking to come to California with a travel agency. They have offered 36-42 per hour with their company. I have found some local agencies that seem to offer more. I would like to work in the Anaheim area since I have family and this will be my first time this far from home.

Also, does California pay time and a half after 8 hours ?

Thanks

[Cmyst]

Overtime is usually the decision of each floor or nursing unit. Some floors are 8 hours, and some are 10 or 12. However, working the float pool as I do, I can decide whether to make myself available for a 12 hour shift at straight time, or to make myself available for 8 hours and let it be known that I will come in 4 hours early if needed but it will be on OT. There is no state law about overtime, other than if you work over 40 hours in a week it is overtime.

If you have been offered $36 to $42 an hour, base pay, and you get housing provided -- then you have a fair deal, I'd say. Unfortunately, most of the travel nursing companies that I've been contacted by have only been offering around $26 to $30. I can make more than that by working for the hospital directly -- the rent only figures in another $5/hr, as for a one bedroom apt. in a nice complex you will pay around $800/mo. (Sacramento area!)

I don't know much about Anaheim area. I do know that areas of Cali that are not that far apart can offer vastly different cost of living costs and wages. San Francisco, for example, is extremely expensive to live in, and you can expect to make more there. Small towns, especially far north coastal ones or gold country area ones, are very charming and quirky and often less expensive -- and many have local hospitals that are just as desperate for help and actually pay pretty well.

I love Cali, and I will miss it here when I leave. Despite the income tax, and the cost of living, it is a beautiful and diverse state full of recreational and cultural attractions. The people are friendly, usually, and the state does not deserve the "kooky" label that it has with the rest of the US.

[asil]

I live in Northern Virginia and I was paid $30 and hour and $36 an hour as agency staff. I am an Oncology nurse but I also work med-surg. I hope that info helps.

[Cmyst]

Thanks, asil

Did you get the $36/hour for the Oncology? I'm Med/Surg, not chemo certified, but I have Tele experience and ACLS.

[student-RN-BSN]

Hi. I think I can help you out with your questions about agency nursing. I live in the DC area. Send me your e-mail address to [email protected]

[asil]

Cmyst

You will get at least 36 an hour for your tele experience as well as your ACLS. Good luck.