Contract help Please

NedRN · Jul 8, 2013

Probably not what you want as an experienced travel nurse, but good enough for a first assignment. If you like the sounds of it and the location, I'd say go for it!

StormyD_RN · Jul 8, 2013

Is there any thing I should ask for?

NedRN · Jul 9, 2013

Only if there is something you want. You've probably seen some suggestions on PanTravelers. The usual hot buttons (you'll develop your own after a few assignments) are things like schedule, shift, consecutive days off, and floating. Perhaps patient population, support staff, and ratio. If you have interviewed already, you should have discussed it. Housing is very important, but you are doing your own. I'd personally want better rates, especially OT, but again, get a first assignment under your belt.

StormyD_RN · Jul 9, 2013

Thank you.

sweetgurly25 · Jul 9, 2013

dont wanna sound discouraging but that seems low to me. $400 weekly wage? that working 10$ an hr except i am reading it wrong. you will be making 1100$ without housing. Forget the bonus and add more to your hourly or weekly. OT rate is too low

globetrotterRN · Jul 12, 2013

I agree with sweetgurly... $10/h is way too low. I was accidently paid $15/h on my first pay for my first assignment and when I called my recruiter to have it fixed he told me that it would be 'illegal' to pay me that little. My understanding is that there is a minimum hourly taxed wage they can pay (at least in NC).

NedRN · Jul 12, 2013

All states have a minimum wage. In NC it is the same as the federal minimum wage, $7.25 an hour. Nothing illegal about $10 an hour.

sweetgurly25 · Jul 21, 2013

RNs' do not make that low. Taking a payrate that low as a traveler only increases your chances for an audit. ask them to make it between $17-21/hr

NedRN · Jul 21, 2013

By itself, a particular hourly rate does not increase audit risk. Hourly rates are not reported to the IRS, only gross taxable pay.

lindsey2384 · Jul 22, 2013

It's really not that far off what is average. that's 3000 monthly housing/per diem monthly. Not bad.

Most companies offer a low hourly rate due to that's what you are taxed on. You end up saving money that way. I'm on my fourth contract and I'm usually making 19-24 an hour, 1600-2000 monthly housing, and a consistent 235 weekly per diem. I do not receive bonuses though. You could possibly negoitiate a higher rate if you took the bonus away, you'll be taxed on that anyway. Hope this helps!