First Travel Assignment

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Hello All!

I just received my first travel assignment in Stanford, Ca. I'm making a permanent move from Florida because my boyfriend will be attending school on the west coast, and what better way to go than traveling I thought. I just had a few questions about my travel assignment, as I'm so new to the lingo. So my pay is as:

Regular Rate: $22.59

Per Diem Rate: $35.00/day

From what my recruiter told me, both equal to 32$/hr. I don't understand what exactly is per diem rate. Is that a non-taxed paid rate that I automatically get on top of my regular rate? Is this a good start in terms of pay... Will I survive in CA, it's def. more than what I get in FL but hopefully in terms of living that's sufficient. Anyone know about traveling in Palo Alto?

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Are you a RN or LPN

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I am a RN

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Ways your weekly bring home? That's how I determine if it's good. Ima Lpn in NY

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What do you mean?

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i dont know about this. i think its little for CA. i am guessing they are paying for housing

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Specializes in Dialysis.

What will you bring home weekly? For example I make 10/hr 861 tax free a week. After taxes I bring home 1200. What ate they telling what your weekly take home will be? My recruiter laid it all out for me. That's how I was like yes I will take the assignment. I was offered a take home pay of 720 to go to Hawaii I said no because I've heard Hawaii cost of livin is high and I could stay home and make less than 800 a week

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Specializes in Home health, Med/Surg.

I hope they are paying for your housing. I worked at Sequoia Hospital (which is 20 minutes from Stanford) in 2008 and made 57 an hour as a staff nurse on med/surg. My rent was 1625 per month for a tiny 1 bedroom apt though.

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A per diem rate is an amount that is non-taxed that companies can provide you with as a "reimbursement" that varies based on the area you're working in. You can look them yourself at Per Diem Rates . Most companies will offer you 35/day. The pay and tax rules as a traveler can be very confusing and your recruiter is not a good source of information so it's important for you to be informed. Traveltax.com is a great resource- they are also great at answering questions at no charge if you call them.

As far as your pay, nurses make in the $60s/hour range BASE pay in Northern Cali so our pay as travelers isn't that great. I assume 22 is your base rate- so you will get time and a half after 8 hours in Cali also. Are you taking a housing stipend or free housing? This can also make a big difference because housing is expensive here. The stipend is usually around $2200/month, so I take this and find my own housing to save $. Keep in mind you're also supposed to have a "permanent tax home" to receive tax free dollars which most recruiters also don't tell you. This pay is okay for your first contract but once you learn the ropes you can negotiate more with your recruiter or go with a different company. I like to take home at least $1600/wk (which includes stipend).

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Hello All!

I just received my first travel assignment in Stanford, Ca. I'm making a permanent move from Florida because my boyfriend will be attending school on the west coast, and what better way to go than traveling I thought. I just had a few questions about my travel assignment, as I'm so new to the lingo. So my pay is as:

Regular Rate: $22.59

Per Diem Rate: $35.00/day

From what my recruiter told me, both equal to 32$/hr. I don't understand what exactly is per diem rate. Is that a non-taxed paid rate that I automatically get on top of my regular rate? Is this a good start in terms of pay... Will I survive in CA, it's def. more than what I get in FL but hopefully in terms of living that's sufficient. Anyone know about traveling in Palo Alto?

Seems pretty low for California. You should be at least 42.00 an hour I would think!

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I am just finishing an assignment at Stanford! My contract looked similar. +2000/mo housing or free apartment. Provided housing not good this time and too far from hospital. Should have moved but too lazy. It's tough moving and moving and driving and...

Housing is expensive here but you can save money with unconventional set ups. Lots of people renting out rooms and such. Sublets will be a plenty in the summer! College town.

PM me if that's possible.

Hope you enjoy! Standford is a nice (sometimes quirky) place.

The staff nurses are making triple what you'll be making - try not to think about it.

-jennifer

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I know right?! well more like $15+ more per hour but hey at least we don't have to be stuck at the same job complaining the rest of our lives right? We must all be getting ripped off by American Mobile haha

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