Assignment Offer Question

[soonertwin87]

I have been a NICU nurse (level III) for a little over 2 years and am currently looking into travel nursing both to pay off student loans and for the experience. I really don't know much about what to expect, but I don't want to take an assignment that isn't up to standards.

My co-worker just took a job here in Oklahoma for $38/hr not including housing, but I know she also doesn't get much benefits. They also pay for travel (which I live here in Oklahoma anyway). My housing stipend would be taxed since I live

Then, I am talking to a recruiter for a position in a NICU in the DFW area (my other option). He quoted me $1250/week takehome (after taxes), but this INCLUDES the housing stipend. This seems a little low to me, considering when you subtract the average price of housing, hourly wages equals around what staffed nurses make in NICUs in Texas.

My brain tells me to go with the one in OK, because my fiance would take care of housing, bills, etc and I could put most of the money towards loans so we can get that out of the way. But 4 shifts/week could get ugly on night shift and when I can't pick my own schedule. Any thoughts? Does the Texas one sound subpar or about right?? And PLEASe be honest, because seriously, I may be expecting WAY too much with this travel thing

Thanks for everyone's input in advance!

[OkieICU_RN]

I will tell you, as a nurse who did a lot of travel assignments/contract positions in Oklahoma, they will almost always pay better than Texas. Hospitals in OK have a hard time getting people to come in from out of state unless they are from close-by Arkansas, Kansas, or Missouri.

Honestly, I used to LOVE 48 hour work weeks, but I always got several in a row and always had at least 2 days off in between. It all depends on you and if you can do it. When you interview, ask the manager how they schedule travelers. Every time I have done night shift, they group several shifts together. ASK the manager when you interview what the policy is.

The pay sounds correct in Texas, and correct in Oklahoma. Texas is a low paying state for travelers in most instances.

[79Tango]

I say the Oklahoma job. Why leave your fiance and go through all the hassle for a job that pays less? Also, there is no such thing as the "50 mile rule" that is a myth.

[V-Neck T-Shirt]

In a case like this, is it possible to stipulate in your contract that you won't work more than X days in a row? And, is during the phone interview with the manager the best time to ask questions about how they schedule travelers on the unit, how many weekends you'll be expected to work, etc?

[bagladyrn, RN]

I say the Oklahoma job. Why leave your fiance and go through all the hassle for a job that pays less? Also, there is no such thing as the "50 mile rule" that is a myth.

You are right that there is no "50 mile" law. The IRS rule is that for the money to be untaxed you must live far enough from the job that you cannot drive home without sleeping first.

Many companies however will use 50 miles as a "rule of thumb" for convenience since that is the miles that the IRS uses specifically for members of Congress from their homes to DC.