Considering travelling-feel like answering questions?

ERRNTraveler, RN · Jan 17, 2008

I have so many and I love getting advice from those who have been there!
Is the application process tough?
How much better is the pay than a full time job?
What is a typical orientation?
What are the best travel companies?
If you find your own housing, will they contribute $ to it?
Do travel companies ever help with childcare costs?
Can you request a shift?
Do they pay for the whole relocation?
TIA!

The application process isn't really tough- it just involves a lot of paperwork.

The pay varies, but I tend to make about $10 more per hour than I did as a staff nurse. Plus free housing.

Orientation is typically 1-2 shifts.

I travel with RN Network, and am happy with them, but there are TONS of different companies out there.

Most companies will either provide housing for you, or give you a housing stipend if you choose to find your own.

Most travel companies will not pay for childcare.

You will usually sign a contract for a certain shift- for example, on my current assignment, I am contracted for 7p-7a, so that's what I work.

Most travel companies offer travel reimbursement- the average travel reimbursement is about $500 per assignment- some companies pay more for travel, some pay less.

suzanne4, RN · Jan 19, 2008

Travel assignments are not relocation, you are normally doing the assignment for a specific amount of time. The agency will pay for your travel via plane for you, or reimburse you for your expenses of driving your car to the assignment. Anything more than that and you are responsible for the costs.

Child care is never included in your assignment, you are responsible for that, just as you would be if you were working a regular job.

Where in the US that you accept an assignment will be the guide to what you will be getting paid. Some locales pay more than others, and also depends on the cost of living in that area. Not all areas pay more than the staff nurses at the facility, but you also get your housing taken care of. There is more to it than just the pay per hour, much more to it in figuring where you want to work and what would make it worthwhile for you to do.