[Kait]

Hi guys,

I've been on this forum and all over the Internet, *trying* to find answers! I can't find anything. If anyone has any thoughts, please tell me!

Here's the situation. I'm a medsurg RN with 2 years experience (I'm Canadian). I have applied to be a travel nurse (am licensed now in NY state), and I'm with CCTC so far. I would like to work at Columbia Presbyterian in NYC, and CCTC staffs them. CCTC is offering $26 an hour for me to work there.

I'm not looking to make my fortune. I just want a COMPETITIVE, FAIR wage. To me, $26 seems awfully low. They also offer the free apartment, too. Can anyone tell me...what is reasonable for someone in my situation? Is $26 low? Does the fact an apartment (though taxable!!) is included make $26/h reasonable? I politely told my recruiter that $25-26 was lower than I expected, and I had thought it would be more like 30, and she said, "Who told you that? I think they're lying to you." ??!

I don't know what to do. Accept this assignment? Is it really an OK deal? Or will I be laughed off the ward by other travel nurses?! Being a first-time traveller, should I expect a lower wage?

AND...are there any webpages with actual stats I could use when talking to the recruiter (see "they must be lying" comment above).

HELP, anyone!! Thanks in advance.
~Kait

[Kait]

Oh, and I've *been* all over the Travel Nursing forum trying to find answers without much luck, although someone was very helpful.

[SteveRN21]

Kait, I'm in SC, but that is an awfully low sounding pay rate, even for SC. Travelers make $25-30 hr here, and the average income is about 40% lower here than in NYC. I would be skeptical....

[SarasotaRN2b]

Originally Posted by Kait

Hi guys,

I've been on this forum and all over the Internet, *trying* to find answers! I can't find anything. If anyone has any thoughts, please tell me!

Here's the situation. I'm a medsurg RN with 2 years experience (I'm Canadian). I have applied to be a travel nurse (am licensed now in NY state), and I'm with CCTC so far. I would like to work at Columbia Presbyterian in NYC, and CCTC staffs them. CCTC is offering $26 an hour for me to work there.

I'm not looking to make my fortune. I just want a COMPETITIVE, FAIR wage. To me, $26 seems awfully low. They also offer the free apartment, too. Can anyone tell me...what is reasonable for someone in my situation? Is $26 low? Does the fact an apartment (though taxable!!) is included make $26/h reasonable? I politely told my recruiter that $25-26 was lower than I expected, and I had thought it would be more like 30, and she said, "Who told you that? I think they're lying to you." ??!

I don't know what to do. Accept this assignment? Is it really an OK deal? Or will I be laughed off the ward by other travel nurses?! Being a first-time traveller, should I expect a lower wage?

AND...are there any webpages with actual stats I could use when talking to the recruiter (see "they must be lying" comment above).

HELP, anyone!! Thanks in advance.
~Kait

Okay, Kait...while I do agree that $26/hr is on the low side...they are providing you with a free apartment...is it in Manhattan? Because I am telling you this, getting any apartment in Manhattan is tough and VERY Expensive. Believe me, if it was me...I would jump at it! One, you will be working in a hospital that you would like to work in, and two, you won't have to shell out the money for rent.

Also, from what I have heard, CCTC is a good travel company to belong too. Is this for a day shift? If it is for night shift, I would see if there is a differential, which I think you should be entitled to. Also, can you get OT if you want it?

Like I said...go for it!

[Bx_RN2B]

Where in Manhattan is the apartment? If it's in a great neighborhood below
96th street I would jump on it. If it's not in a good area then I would tell them to forget it. $26/hr for an RN is super low. LPN's can make more through the agency. The thing is that your largest expense is going to be rent, a studio in Manhattan in a nice area is easily $2k/month if not more. So you will be doing very well if you can live rent free in a nice area.

[loriann]

If you're working at Columbia Presbyterian, than you will probably want to live near the hospital, which is at W 181st Street. I've seen rents up there (Northern Manhattan) for as little as $1100 a month and others much higher (think $1600). Rent will be your biggest expense, so if they're paying, that sounds pretty good. Starting RN salaries in NYC seem to hover around $30-$34, but that's not rent free.

[sexyaqr]

I think that you need to find a new recruiter or company. I worked at that hospital and the pay rate was about $33 /hr. And they pay for apartment, etc. I also work for CCTC

[Kait]

Originally Posted by sexyaqr

I think that you need to find a new recruiter or company. I worked at that hospital and the pay rate was about $33 /hr. And they pay for apartment, etc. I also work for CCTC

Hmm...if you don't mind me asking, what is your specialty and how many years of experience do you have? I a medsurg nurse with 2 years experience and this will be my FIRST travel assignment, so I think those things put me fairly low on the totem pole right now! And how DO you negotioate a better rate? The only thing I can think of if to take the first one even if it's low, then meet other travelers who are getting better rates and THEN ask for something better my second time around and if they won't do it, simply then go to a different company.

[Kait]

Thank you so kindly to everyone who has replied!!

As for apartment, I don't know where it will be. They tell you AFTER you accept the assignment, I believe. I just know it will be near the hospital. But I'm not really worried about that part...

It's a night shift and that INLCUDES the differential. Yeah, not *too* impressed... However, if it's where I want to go... I'm kind of with your way of thinking, Loriann. Just once even...and the second time around...I'll have hopefully a better idea of what kind of deals there are out there and be able to have a bit more to back myself up, plus experience. Ideally it would be good to stick with the same company, but if I'm being lowballed and I can get a better offer...then see ya!

[Mission]

That seems pretty low, I know agency nurses in NYC who get $52 an hour. Also, you should know, Columbia-Pres is not in the greatest neighborhood. I think it's an awesome opportunity to get to live in NYC though.