Am I just clueless here?

[mlane12]

I've been reading a lot of these threads discussing pay. I've been a nurse for 2 years, 3 different fulltime jobs in 3 compact states. Now know traveling can pay better but I keep seeing posts from people saying things about what the travel company offers like this for example, "1200 a week and no housing included?? That's bad". I guess from a travel perspective?

I have almost never brought home a check more than 1300- and that's bi-weekly full time! Bringing 1200 a week sounds A- OK to me! What am I missing?? I guess costs of benefits for staff jobs in comparison to all the costs/hardships of being a traveler??

I probably make no sense. Lol. Enlighten me please

[scrubnurselife]

Thanks Ned! That makes sense. It's just another piece of the whole pie.

[NedRN]

I see a typo in my post. Let me clarify what blended rates are.

If an agency is paying overtime after 8, the base rate may not look attractive compared to agencies paying a flat rate on 12 hour shifts. So they average the pay over 12 hours to come up with a higher number. This higher number is more directly comparable to hourly pay quotes in the rest of the country (and straight pay for 12 hours for many California assignments).

For example: a $30 base rate and a $40 OT rate is $35 an hour "blended" when you get 8 hours base and four OT. (A quick and easy formula is base times 14, then divide by 12.

So the blended number looks better to the traveler than a base rate quote and is more comparable to other quotes.

By the way, there is no exclusions in California law for double time after 8 (other than facilities effective not in California like VA hospitals). Nor are their any exclusions for missed breaks (one is due every 4 worked hours) or late meal (more than 6 hours after starting work). Each missed/late break pays one regular hour under the law. There are enough employers, including large travel companies, that do not follow the rules to keep many California law firms specialized in recovering time (Google California overtime law firms for a surprising long list). Travelers and agencies who do not know the law help perpetuate the problem and then it comes down to a big class action.

[shoegalRN, RN]

ShoeGal, can I ask what region of California you are traveling? (Aka SF Bay Area, LA area, SD area)

I'm currently in central CA, the valley area.

[Two4theroad]

Is the missed break/missed or late meal thing exclusive to California? I'm thinking it must be a union requirement?

[NedRN]

It is California law. Typically union contracts are not binding on agency or traveler contracts. You would have to be a union worker to have union contracts be enforceable. You caanot enforce a contract of which you are not a direct or indirect party.