New to traveling...California?

NedRN · Aug 23, 2015

Yes, check out other agencies. If you don't, you will never know what the market rate is for your experience and specialty in a given area. Also, having a Plan B if your first plan goes sour for any reason is always good.

That said, don't focus too much on pay for your first assignment. You want it to be successful, not high paying because it is a hell hole that you will only last a couple of weeks in. Once you are a proven traveler, you can do better. Look for agencies that can find you a good fit for your first assignment. I might also suggest letting them do your housing. It will lower your stress tremendously. Ultimately, finding your own housing makes good financial sense, but it is a lot of work and risk. Let the agency do it starting out so you can focus on adapting to a new hospital and area.

rnrn08 · Aug 23, 2015

Very good question . This is what I am coming across over and over talking to agencies that are actually offering me less. Same thing with my take home money . They told me if I was to make money , I should travel close to home . Are there bonus completion ?

BD-RN, BSN, RN · Aug 24, 2015

Contracts in CA very greatly by location. For San Francisco, where cost of living is VERY expensive, that can be a little low. But if you're a first time traveller you don't have much negotiating power. If you're going to LA or San Diego that's actually a great place to start.

When negotiating, give numbers, instead of asking for just "more". For example say something like "I've crunched some numbers and groceries alone in my neighborhood in SF are going to cost me x per week, so I'm going to need $y per week for incidentals." Or, just simply say you've added all your expenses and you need x for stipend. Of course, do some research and make sure it's close to "market rate" for travellers. The staff in the Bay Area usually make a little more than travellers, this is due to it being a popular area. In LA I made about the same as staff, but of course my take home was much more, due to stipend, etc.

pinktermite · Aug 24, 2015

I just left Santa Rosa Ca in June, made 1600/wk on 36 hours. I thought that good pay personally. Remember if you are traveling only for the money then you might be disappointed. I make good and sometimes great money and have a freedom of movement that few get to take advantage of.

gettingbsn2msn, MSN, RN · Aug 24, 2015

Very low for California. Remember their state taxes are very high and you will be expected to pay them for the time you are there. I have spoken to many nurses who will no longer travel to Cali as they owe the state government too much money.

trinitymaster · Aug 27, 2015

With blended pay, that is around $20 (didn't do the calculation, but that's close). Tell them no, unless it is your dream job.

Also, the cost of living (after fuel, tobacco, and housing) is not much higher. Food can be bought from the Warehouse (can't remember the actual name) for a fairly reasonable price.

Redsox07 · Aug 28, 2015

This is a great thread. I am 2 weeks into my first travelling assignment. I chose to work in chronic dialysis in No. California. I live in So. California. The pay is only about 10% more than I would make if I didn't travel. I took this assignment because I was working per diem in acute dialysis and needed something permanent. I did not want to commit to any of the full time jobs I was offered in L.A. - I was broke and needed to find something fast. There was an assignment less than 15 miles from my home which I applied for but did not get a phone interview. That was o.k., because I did not mind getting out of the heat in L.A. for awhile. So far, Northern California is a very nice change of pace.

One thing that really appeals to me is - when this assignment is over, I can take a week or two off between assignments and focus on school (at WGU I'm on the RN-MSN Education track). So far, travelling has been a worthwhile experience. I've met some great people; however, I feel like I'm not learning a great deal in nursing. Where I'm working is very understaffed nursing-wise (and also technician-wise, too). I'm always one of the staff with the most experience, dealing with people brand new to working in dialysis. That's gratifying in a way, but I'm really always concerned about learning and growing in each work position I have - so, I'm glad it's only an assignment and can look for something more challenging when this assignment comes to an end.

Best of luck. I, too, was told that there are ways to make more $$$ in travelling. For me, I just wanted to find something steady and very much did not want to end up in a travel assignment that was going to be stressful and just not worth my time and experience.

NYCdreams · Aug 31, 2015

This seems very low for California standards. I am here now and, depending where you live, everything can feel expensive. My advice: continue searching. However, NedRN has a great point. You want this first assignment to be successful, too.

You should be able to find another opportunity with higher pay here in CA.