American Traveler

NedRN · Jan 4, 2014

Is your housing the same? If you are taking a significantly larger housing stipend, that can cut into your hourly. Or vice versa. You need all the compensation details before a fair comparison can be made.

Are the other travelers working for the same agency? It is not uncommon for different agencies to have different bill rates. It is even more common for different agencies to have different profit margins which directly affect traveler compensation.

Two more possibilities: First time traveler? And first time with this agency? If so, you represent a greater risk to the agency than a tried and proven traveler. Some agencies adjust pay to compensate for the increased risk. Last possible factor: Did the other travelers come to the hospital in a crisis situation that has now calmed? Rapid response assignments pay a good bit more than standard assignments, and both types of travelers can be at one facility.

Last possibility of course is that your agency sucks! No personal knowledge, but business is business. Don't take it personally but learn and grow.

Shaina12 · Jan 4, 2014

Yes I am a first time traveler but 6 years nursing experience. I guess that doesn't matter though. And no they all have more housing allowance and a higher hourly rate. In the end it's all an experience. I guess it's not the end of the world things could be worse. But thanks those are some good things to consider and I appreciate the response. I will definitely look into it. I guess the first assignment is always a learning experience. :)

NedRN · Jan 4, 2014

And every assignment after the first! Definitely shop around. Since you are on assignment with other travelers, ask them about their agencies. Try not to spend too much time on compensation and more about service and recruiters.

ukjenn231 · Jan 4, 2014

I worked with them and I will say that I was able to negotiate a higher pay by a bit, so maybe the other nurses negotiated better than you?

ASHRN828 · Jan 19, 2014

I have applied with American Traveler, but I don't think I am going to go with them, because they are offering $600/month less than another agency. I think they are just lower paying because they are a bigger company with higher overhead. Glad I saw your post, too. Just confirmed my suspicion about them.

Lapa · Jun 24, 2017

This is true - for whatever reason they pay 200-300$ less a week than any other agency. I applied with them, had a nice recruiter, spoke with her twice trying to figure out which agency to go with after my last assignment. Both times they quoted rates 200-300$ a week less than competitive agency, I asked about assignments in 3 states ( I am licensed in 3 states). I did not signed up with them, and I do not intend to call them again. i am surprised you signed with them in spite of huge money difference you could have made for the same hospitals with other agency.

NedRN · Jun 24, 2017

Human nature to go with first contact, especially if they have already enticed you to do paperwork. Americans are really adverse to shopping around and negotiating.

april_tomorrow · Jun 30, 2017

I am working with them now and frankly can't wait to finish my contract. Other travelers on the same unit are making more than I am even tho I was able to negotiate higher pay than what they originally offered. There are no benefits with them either, they are offering health insurance for $3 off of every hour of my pay. Like really?? Travel reimbursement is only $300 each way, no sick leave etc.

I am not an experienced traveler either so I learned the hard way ughh

Would not advice to work for them, there are many companies that treat their travelers much better.