First time traveler...contract and interview help?!

NedRN · Jan 9, 2014

I think PPR is an excellent agency for a first time traveler. They are really good on service. Their pay is not on the high side in general, but that is one tradeoff to consider. My advice to you would just be to do it as the experience and the completed travel assignment on your work history will increase your choices and your pay in the future.

Of course I would be concerned specifically with your OT rate, but you don't have to work any. If during your interview it turns out that there is a lot available and you are so inclined, I would try to get your OT rate more like $50 an hour rather than $30 an hour. Believe me, your agency will not be losing money, and you will both benefit if there is a real incentive for you to work OT.

I would encourage you to either take their provided housing (which should be excellent) or find your own and actually live in Chattanooga. The commute will not be fun, and technically you are safer in a tax audit to have full time housing at your assignment location. Beside the new practice setting, a large part the enjoyment of being a traveler is experiencing new places as a resident, not just a day trip. Tell your finance(e) to come visit you and show off your new town!

Most interviews are more about getting you to come than qualifying you for the position - it is just three months, not like a perm employee. They've already seen your work history, skills, and references and if they are interviewing you they already want you (NICU nurses don't grow on trees). Treat this too as a learning experience the first time and go easy on the questions. OT is a good one. So would be block scheduling if you insist on commuting. Patient population (what are the kids there for) is optional. My own experience is that asking questions about support personnel and staffing ratios will not really tell you what is really like to work there. It will certainly be different to what you are used to, and the work load will be different and it is sometime difficult to compare quantitatively or qualitatively.

About the only important thing is not to commit during the interview definitively. Say instead that you are very interested but I have to check with my agency first. This will allow you to negotiate any loose ends you discover during the interview or actually looking at the real contract. Your negotiating power also increases after the hospital says they want you.

lemur87 · Jan 10, 2014

Thank you so much for the advice NedRN...so many good things to consider in what you said. I agree that my first time out is more just for the experience. My boyfriend also is a nurse and we are thinking about traveling together in the future...this first assignment is like to stay close to home (and him) and just bring home the extra $$ :) excited to start on this adventure!

lemur87 · Jan 10, 2014

Are there any protections I can ask for in my contract ( ex. Contract cancelation, etc)?

NedRN · Jan 11, 2014

If you are going to take a housing stipend, there isn't much room for damages should the contract end prematurely. On the other hand, they can't just allow you to quit as you wish. Most contracts complete successfully, I wouldn't worry about your first contract. You are close to home and resources.

If you can keep your hospital PRN status current, that is a nice insurance policy should the worst happen your first time out.

wanderlust99 · Jan 11, 2014

I think that's good $$ for TN. I use to work in TN before traveling, I make so much more now in CA! And I've met a lot of couples who travel together. That seems ideal because you share on the housing cost. Good luck!

I agree with Ned, don't accept it on the spot. I will usually say I'm very interested in the position but will need to speak with my recruiter first.

Phone interviews with managers....I've really had all types over the years. Some may ask you clinical questions, like what kind of drips you use or equipment. I've had others ask me to describe a difficult clinical situation or challenging family and how I handled it. Other times they won't ask me anything and will just offer the job. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just tell them you're a team player, hard worker, etc..

NurseBoogie · Jan 11, 2014

I too am a first time traveler and the more I read up on traveling and contracts I am getting nervous. I want to make the best out of this opportunity financially and for my career. my contract is 13 weeks 7a-7p on a med/onc floor in Hudson, fl $30/hr 36 hours a week guaranteed, $45/hr OT, $350 insurance stipend and they are taking care of housing and utilities. Any thoughts/advice on this contract or how to negotiate the next one?

NedRN · Jan 11, 2014

If you don't have options (fully signed up with several agencies), you have little negotiating power. In fact you don't even know if your pay is good or bad for a particular area. So shop around!

jlpolec · Jan 15, 2014

I'm going on my first travel assignment in a little over a week. Kind of nervous and don't know what to expect, I have a little over a year experience with med/surg and sub-acute rehab. What are the hours and scheduling like. I'm going to a hospital in central valley ca for about 4 or 8 weeks.

NedRN · Jan 15, 2014

Hours, shifts, and scheduling are something to discuss with the manager during the interview. Certainly your agency told you the basic shift and hours and your contract should reflect that - including whether it is 4 or 6 weeks. But now, it is what it is!