What do you think of this wage??

fergus51 · Jul 26, 2007

It's not bad, but it's not great either. You need to know what that includes, like a rental car? Linens? Pots and pans? Shower curtain? Health insurance? 401k?

A lot of people are under the assumption that travel nurses make a lot more money than they really do:) My assignments are usually in the high 30s, but that's in California.

Diary/Dairy, RN · Jul 26, 2007

I agree with Fergus, the pay is not spectactular but it is better than being staff. I find that I still make more because I do not have to pay for benefits, the company pays the premiums for me!

NurseguyFL · Jul 26, 2007

I would not recommend going to CT for $30. That money is just too low for the area. Kinda depends on whether its near the NY metro area or further out. Although I can't imagine there are many, if any, cheap places anywhere outside of Hartford. CT is a small state but mostly made up of charming little towns that can be outrageously expensive. Lots of well-heeled Wall Streeters and NYC yuppies commute between Manhattan and towns like Stamford, Norwalk, and West Port but the local traffic is not that bad and most parts of the state that I've been to are quite beautiful---especially in fall. I would recommend it as a great place to travel to, but, trust me, you want more than $30 to go there. There is a lot to see and do there, lots of great restaurants, etc., and you will be tempted to eat out a lot. If you are in the southermost parts of the state you will also be tempted to go into Manhattan a lot for the shopping and the Broadway shows (if you're into that sort of thing). Unless you are really tough with yourself its very easy to blow through a lot of your $$$ while you're living there :).

Depending on where you are going, the housing costs might take a big bite out of the bill rate so you really have to decide if whatever offer you take is worth it for you. (Seriously, there are parts of CT where the COL is comparable to San Fran or NYC). You might run into problems finding a short term lease if you decide to do your own housing, and even if you do chances are its going to cost a bundle.

Look around for more money, but be careful. Some agencies will promise you the moon and the stars but they won't tell you upfront that the "furnished" housing includes the very basics (a bed, a couch, a dining table, and maybe a TV) and NOTHING else. Also be sure to ask what "paid utilities" mean otherwise you might be surprised to find that it includes only a portion of the electric and NOTHING else! Watch out for 'deals' where you have to pay deposits and monthly fees for local telephone, cable, parking, and trash collection service, or a hefty security deposit for the apartment (even though it was rented for you through the agency). All of this stuff adds up to quite a bit. Oh, and forget about rental car. Drive your own, or at least rent one locally and drive it to the assignment. Its going to cost a lot more to rent a car in that area than it does in many other locations (well over $1000/month after you include the taxes); and if the company rents it for you that's going to drop your pay by about another $3 or so an hour.

Trust me, get your list of questions ready, and ask, ask, and ask. And when you think you asked too many questions, ask a few more. I'm not a new traveler, but even now I still get burned by a few slick recruiters out there.

oranges · Jul 26, 2007

Interesting post here. I am a new traveler on my first assignment and housing is a nightmare. I am also looking for ideas or advice.