Travel Nurse inquiry

[KnoxGirl]

I'm planning to do my first assignment this fall in Jacksonville, FL. I was wondering how much negotiating will I be able to do with a RN travel co. Wanting to upgrade to a 2 bedroom. Also a friend said I should get at least $1000 to $2000 bonus for travel expenses, but so far I've heard of only a $500 bonus. What are other good things to try to negotiate? I read that I should ask them to pay my pet deposit & then deduct out of my first few checks.

Thanks!

[danggirl16]

I loved travel nursing but as far as negotiating goes, it depends on the company. One company I worked for gave me just about everything I asked for without extra expense. The travel "bonus" you mentioned...is that the reimbursement for the actual travel time? I always drove between my assignments...usually got reimbursed a set amount per mile and a set amount for hotel stays. For example I went from San Antonio to San Diego. I got reimbursed for three nights in a hotel because that would be just regular driving time even though I took 7 days to sight see! Housing, if there are options for the area you are traveling to, is usually negotiable. One area I was in the company usually used an extended stay hotel but I told them I would rather not stay in a hotel. They found me a super cool fully furnished townhouse! The pet deposit has gone both ways again depending on the company. Most of the time though they took it out over several pay days. I would try to get whatever you can! Much of it depends on how badly the hospital needs the staff but a good recruiter can get you extras! Ask about paying for certifications, licensing, etc.

Good luck!!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

You can always ask. That's why it's called negotiating. Once you are on an assignment , upgrades are up to your recruiter.

I was on an assignment, slept on a bed that was a morgue slab, complained to my recruiter, had a better mattress the next day.

Make sure your return airfare includes return to home base, not just to your next assignment.

Good luck, enjoy.

[KeepItRealRN, BSN, RN]

The amount of clout you have with negotiating goes up as you do more assignments. When you do your first assignment the travel agency is taking a chance on you. A lot of first time travelers don't work out for a variety of reasons, therefore on your first assignment your are not operating from the same position of strength you will on your 4th or 5th assignment. When you get to that level you are a proven commodity and therefore worth more. The company knows that when they send you out on assignment that you will get the job done.

The other thing to consider is that most travelers go with the big companies their first time out. With a big company you are a much smaller fish in a big pond. Seasoned travelers I have known like the smaller companies. Reason being is that you are a bigger fish and therefore negotiating power is better. Plus smaller companies have more flexibility when it comes to doling out perks.

Another thing professional travelers do is sign up with more than one company. Many companies have the same assignments but at differing pay rates and perks.

[KnoxGirl]

Can you list some of the smaller companies you worked with? Thanks!