option for moving to a new place

[AlissaO]

My husband is applying for 2 year grad school programs in different areas, one being Seattle. I have 2 years tele experience and am considering looking for travel nursing opportunities there instead of typical staff jobs.

It seems to me that being a travel nurse we would get help with our moving and housing expenses, I could potentially try different nursing areas (something I want to do anyway) and hospitals for shorter times with less commitment. I'm assuming I would get better hourly wage (right now make ~$30/hr). Also, I could get a better feel for the area/preferred hospitals and apply for a long-term job (be nearby for potential interviews) while on a travel assignment.

With most agencies (I know they're all different) can I ask for an assignment only around Seattle just around the time I want? Are the housing/moving assistances worthwhile even? Would I be able to have my husband and daughter on my insurance at a reasonable/low rate? Are there rules about not being able to go somewhere that you're actually just planning on moving to? Will they expect me to keep traveling to other areas?

Basically, will they be persnickety if I'm just using them to relocate and is it even worth my while if they do allow it? Thanks all, in advance for sharing your experience!

[NedRN]

In your situation, you are far better off getting a staff job. With a staff job, you should actually get significant moving expenses on the order of thousands of dollars, or alternatively/plus, a significant sign on bonus. In addition, you will get staff benefits including good health insurance for your family.

Travelers get bad health insurance typically, and you will get huge sticker shock when you find out real world costs to insure your whole family. We typically get between $500 and $800 round trip travel expenses, not enough for you to care about. In addition, much of the benefits of travel come from lower taxes. Our housing and and meals (and travel) is all paid tax free. However, one must qualify by working away from home. You would not be working away from home (you are moving your home and so will always be at either your old home or your new home), and thus don't qualify for these tax benefits (not even the mileage).

You also won't get sick pay, PTO, education, or vacations as a traveler. I think those will come in handy as (I assume) sole support for your family the next two years.

Ideally you should start looking for a staff job as soon as your destination is settled, or even before (might help you choose a school location). You might get a paid trip just for the interview. Also, if you pick Seattle, I think you will be getting significantly more than $30 an hour. Of course, increased housing costs may take some of that back.

[AlissaO]

Thanks Ned, that's what I needed to know! For my current job as a new grad they offered no moving expenses for me (was single/not a lot of stuff at the time so thankfully moving from CO wasn't a big cost) or travel for the interview so I kinda forgot that was a thing but hopefully things will be a little different with some experience under my belt

[8-ball, BSN]

I agree with Ned, insurance is expensive out of pocket and you can just tell them you need your moving cost covered in the interview, if you dont ask they will not offer.