Do you really have to use an agency to get a travel contract?

[northmississippi]

Why can't you just find a hospital that you know has nurses on strike or something and call them yourself and ask for the contract and contract salary (or more)?

[NaKcl, BSN, RN]

Just search for seasonal contracts, especially in places like FL/AZ/TX, that's what I am doing now in Florida. I found a hospital system that hires it's own seasonal nurses rather than using agency. Great pay and they provide great housing, I am making more money per week but it's all taxed. I like being an actual hospital employee, I got more training and I feel like I'm more part of the team.

Thanks for the information.

I didn't know they provide/pay for the housing as well.

I researched a little, and many places shows $45+ hourly. Is it abourt normal rate?

[ukjenn231]

I am not sure if it is "normal," but it sounds about what I'm making. My base pay is $35 per hour, and then I do nights so $5 shift diff. If you don't take the housing, then the base is $40 per hour. However, I talked to some other hospital systems in Florida and their pay was not near as good.. $20s per hour plus a stipend... I think one place offered me $25 pay plus $800 per month stipend, and another $25ish plus $300 stipend. This company I am with now does not offer stipends but the housing is excellent.