Should I accept this assignment?

[penlite28]

Hello all nurses,

I new to travel nursing(first assignment������) and I was given my pay package( see below). I would appreciate some feedback on how average or below average is my pay. Thanks!

Hourly wage: 15.75(taxed)

Weekly per diem: 272.77

Weekly gross pay: 839.77

Weekly take home after taxes: 692.33

**Housing is included in package and a $400 travel stipend

[Argo]

Anytime people post for information about a package you have to include specialty and location.

And this is 840 weekly PLUS housing PLUS travel expenses?

[penlite28]

It's a Med-Surg assignment in VA and the gross weekly pay includes housing. (no additional money from what's mentioned above) Travel reimbursement is an additional $200 on the first and last check.

[NedRN]

When you buy a car, do you start asking people on the street if an offer is fair? Nope, you shop around. That is the only way you will determine your fair market price in a given location with your specialty, skills and experience right now (rates do change with needs so other traveler feedback is almost worthless). Call lots of agencies - also the best way to find good recruiters for you - more important by far than pay on your first assignment.

I'd recommend forgetting about pay and location for your first assignment and focus on a good fit for successful completion. Get that and now you are experienced and more competitive and can do the money chase.

[Argo]

I agree with ned, i do however set a low side that I would accept for any assignment. Your way below that number but I do surgery which has been hot over the years..... if it was that pay plus housing extra then it would be alright.

Those sound like American Mobile reimbursement numbers.

[NedRN]

A threshold pay to leave home is dandy for experienced travelers. If the OP is indeed a first time traveler, she doesn't, or shouldn't have a threshold yet.

In the unlikely event that the OP having talked to one agency has found a good recruiter and that assignment will be friendly and tolerant for new travelers, by all means take the job! Compensation is almost completely unimportant. She is asking the wrong question.

[8-ball, BSN]

The pay sounds average for med-surg in rural hospital setting, but questions you need to ask your recruiterS, Yes you need more than one so you can shop around for offers and let them know you are doing so.

1) has this hospital had travelers before

2) do they deal with a lot of travelrs

3) are they nice to travelers, also known as traveler friendly

4) what is the nurse-patient ratio

As Ned said you are asking the wrong questions. Getting your first assignment at the right facility is key. I understand the need to make money but that will come in time. Probably with your second assignment since now they know you are an experienced traveler.