Benefits And Bonuses

TN_ER_Nurse · Dec 6, 2005

I am just concerned that if I can't directly transfer my 401k now, that it might be cashed out. And that would be bad.

cathlabtraveler · Dec 6, 2005

i've worked for Advanced Medical Staffing, MSN, Club Staffing, Integrity Healthcare. They've all given me a car stipend and meal stipend. And I've talked to other companies that I haven't worked for yet that offer the same. and no, they don't rearrange my hourly pay. I woouldn't take an assignment with out it, unless they compensate me with higher hourly pay. i keep seeing nurses that accept assignments with crap pay. what is up with that? i know sometimes the location can make a difference in what i accept for pay. but there is a limit to how low i will go. it seems that alot of other will go lower than i am willing to.

cathlabtraveler · Dec 6, 2005

I am just concerned that if I can't directly transfer my 401k now, that it might be cashed out. And that would be bad.

i don't think that is something that they can do. you just have to speak with a broker, financial planner, etc and they can rollover you retirement funds into another account.

nyck76 · Dec 12, 2005

Everytime I travel from home I fly to the assignment and get the rental car with On assignment. My car is 6 years old and paid off. Traveling from coast to coast I would have to buy a new one, and I like not having a car payment. When I work with in 2 hours of home i use my car and take the $20/day option. On Assignment insures the car through the company insurance , so that is nice, but I make sure my personal insurance has a business rental car coverage w/ collison option on it ( most insurance companies only cover the rental car if it is for vacation purposes, NOT business) just in case, especially in California. I do love the insurance with them and it is the best I have recieved from any company.

My next contract however is with World Health, who do have the hosuing and rental car like OA does but don't insure the rental car and have Great West for health insurance, with I dislike alot. Plus I don't think they have short term disablitity, so I will probably only work 1 contract for them.

TN_ER_Nurse · Dec 19, 2005

I just talked with a recruiter for On Assignment, and she told me that they can get you a rental car, but it's less hourly pay. She didn't mention the 20/day extra. Pay didn't seem that great, and you have to pay for the insurance as well. They were very nice on the phone though, and housing sounds great.

hrtprncss · Dec 22, 2005

Hi so are you guys mostly saying that On Assignment is pretty much above average compared to other travel agencies? I've spoken with one of their recruiters this week am planning to take an assignment with them, it's also the first time i'd be travelling so for anyone who's had experience with their housing...is it pretty good? I'm pretty sure will ask them as well but I'd also like to hear from people who's had experience with them already...thanks...

pearldora · Jan 16, 2006

World Health Alternatives, Inc., provides rental cars. But I don't recommend them as a recruiter. They have several class action law suits pending against them, and I believe they filed for bankruptcy in 2005. Beware! This company pays VERY WELL, but work for them at your own risk.

NPAlby · Jan 25, 2006

Yeah, I just saw something here about World Health and pending lawsuits. Doesn't seem like the most reputable of businesses.

I just spoke with an On Assignment recruiter today. It was very brief but I was impressed by how fast they answer my email and voicemail. I'd love to hear more about this company from you guys though. Anything I should watch out for in particular. I've been with Supplemental for a year and just got screwed out of my present contract and now need a gig for mid February. The hospital ran out of funding or decided they could do without a traveler ( I was the only one they had). Funny considering they just fired two of their staff nurses and offered me a full-time staff position. Ugh! what a freakin headache.

I really like what I'm hearing about with OA but like I said would love to hear more stories. How are the bonuses and pay rates like? How big are they? Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Janet

sawbones · Jan 25, 2006

I've been with OA for almost 4 years, hit or a miss a contract. My recruiterhas been great. Family insurance is more than if you just do it yourself. They have garantee hours, actually all mine are 48hr/week contracts. I had one problem with housing my first contract. Within 2 days they moved me to a REALLY nice place to make up for the problem. Midwest they don't have much. Either coast take your pic, tons of work. I would recommend them to anyone.

IdahoNurse · Jan 26, 2006

Companies who offer rental cars include: Premier Healthcare Professionals, RSI Medical Group, Abetta Care, Critical Nursing Solutions, NurseXtra, MedRP, Health Providers Choice, RN Travel Connection, Bridge Staffing, PRCS, TruStaff, Health Providers Choice, Aureus Medical, Cirrus Medical Staffing, Medical Solutions, Nursing Innovations, Inetrated Nursing Alliance, Attentive Healthcare, Health Force, Kahu Malama Nurses, Worldwide Travel Staffing, and Sagent Healthstaff. They are also listed in order of who has the best benefits according to my database. All of those companies also offer completion bonuses on some assignments.

Just remember that the good companies will provide whatever you want, but you have to remember that they only have a certain amount of dollars in the bill rate to spend. Most will take anywhere from $10 to $20 per hour for their overhead and the rest is "yours" to spend however you want.

sbdelucia · Apr 16, 2006

United Healthcare, either 90/10 or 80/20. Can't beat that, as well as dental, eye.....................
You are still better off getting that bonus added into your contract. If not, when you do actually get that bonus, it is taxed at a higher rate. Same as when you get relocation bonuses from hospitals. If they are a separate check, they get taxed at the higher rate.

Suzanne, Is there a book on the ins and outs of traveling nursing containing all the information scattered throughout the internet that I could purchase. I have been researching travel nursing for the past three months and have obtained valuable information. Some of the information is redundent,some of it is helpful, but it would be nice to have a reference at one site! Why don't you write such a reference,or have you and I am not aware of it? Thank you, Susan

suzanne4, RN · Apr 16, 2006

Sorry, but I have not written one on that. The International Forum here, as well as the NCLEX Discussion Forums keep me more that busy.

Thanks for asking...........