Travel Nursing

If you are going to do true travel nursing in the hopes that you will make the big bucks, you will be disappointed. If you are doing it for new experiences and to see different parts of the country, then you certainly won't be disappointed.

A travel nurse will get anywhere from the high $20's to $40 per hour (if you luck out with a rapid response need) plus housing. You will incur additional expenses since travel reimbursements never cover the travel & most companies don't provide housewares, tv, cable and phone. Some will even make you responsible or the utilities. Also, you will have to pay state (and sometimes city) income taxes in the state you work in, in addition to your home state (if it has income tax). One more thing, contract are cancelled all the time, leaving a traveler stranded without a job, home or income-so, you would need to have a financial cushion before you begin.

If you are looking to make money, best think about doing a local contract through an agency. They usually pay the best since the company doesn't have to pay for housing.

As an agency nurse I can tell you for a fact that we do get canceled, and frequently! Most travel companies I have been in contact with have contracts with the hospitals and travelers that ensure at least 40 hours/week. Hospitals pay BIG BUCKS for travels and do not call them off. In fact, many travelers work 48-60 hours/week. I met a traveler a couple years ago who was doing a 13 week assignment at my hospital. She told me in the 10+ years she had been traveling she had never made less than 100K/year. That is a lot more than I make as an agency nurse any day. I say if you are itching for an adventure you should go for it!

Does the housing allowance depend on where you live how much you receive? I live in Georgia and was considering doing a local contract with housing allowance.