[RNRao]

Hello all, I am seriously considering taking a contract assignment through the agency I work for. I have worked agency on/off for 2 years. They recently started working per diem and contracts with local hospitals. I am interested in a 13 week contract consisting of four 12hr shifts per week. The approx. wage I was told would be $40.00 per hour, they are going to get back to me. My question to you is; is this a reasonable amount to get paid when the agency is not going to be paying housing (i live 30 min away) or any extras? Thank you and I look forward to the input.

Alison

[deeDawntee]

I don't know what usual pay is in your part of the country, but that seems way to low to me. I make about that much as a regular wage. I would think you should be getting around $50, as a minimum.

[RNRao]

Thanks DeeDawntee for your input. I think it is prob. much lower than your rate because your in critical care......which pays more along with ED.
I am in Rhode Island and i will be contracted to a medsurg "newly" constructed unit.
Thanks Alie

[allevi]

I live in Iowa, the lowest paid state for nursing!
My range for per diem or contract depends on the facility, but has ranged from as little as $28 to $37/hour.
I have done med surg and labor/delivery/postpartum

[suzanne4]

Originally Posted by RNRao

Thanks DeeDawntee for your input. I think it is prob. much lower than your rate because your in critical care......which pays more along with ED.
I am in Rhode Island and i will be contracted to a medsurg "newly" constructed unit.
Thanks Alie

You are getting wrong information from this agency, there is not much difference in pay if you are critical care or ED experienced for most assignments, it just does not matter. And at the most is just a couple of dollars.

What they are offering you is not what it typical in your area. Suggest that you check out facilities in that area, including this one that you are interested in and see what they are offering directly. That is the best way to determine if the rate that they are offering is good or not.

Makes no difference if it is a new unit, or one that has been there for years; the facility still has a contract with the agency for a certain amount of money.

If you thought that it was a good rate, you never would have questiooned it. From experience, if you are doubting it or having second thoughts about it, it is your 6th sense telling you something.

[colleague]

Just thought I would have some food for thought. I like the idea of asking people in your area what agencies are paying. I know here in Arizona some can be tight lipped about what they get. I traveled approx 120 miles and was put up in a hotel on my 13 week assignments. My reimbursement was $38.00/hour and this included my hotel if I found it on my own. Another contract I had was for $34/hour and they put me up at an apartment. I worked Med Surg in both cases. I know this probably doesn't help since I am on the opposite side of the country. The agency I worked for did pay higher for telemetry and ICU nurses. I am now a telemetry nurse in a Charge/Staff position and drive 3 miles to work! Colleague