Contract Nursing?

[NeoPediRN]

I just call a call from a staffing agency recruiter about a hugeee position at a major Boston hospital. She said it's a 13 week contract with option to extend indefinitely or go perm, and about $1500/week after taxes (approx $1450 if I needed insurance). It sounds good and she didn't list any downsides, but I'm sure they exist. What are the pros and cons of contract nursing? What would I need to be leary of? As of right now I know it's 36 hours/week and listed as rotating but will be either days or nights, not actually rotating. Thanks in advance.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

It depends on the company entirely. I worked for two different travel agencies, and man, were they like night and day! My recruiter from the last travel company I was with was absolutely wonderful, and gave me the moon and the stars-I felt that she really had my back. She called me DAILY to make sure I had everything that I needed, that I was satisfied with my housing, and that I was happy with the assignment. She even LOOKED for ways that I could get bonuses. The recruiter from the other company however, missed some very important matters (mistakes were constantly made, one of them being my tax information and I ended up owing the IRS a couple thou because she screwed up my forms), did not follow up appropriately, kept me on edge when my contract was nearing the end, and generally did not look out for my best interests. She even screwed up my contract end time, and when I was in the shower, the movers came to take my furniture away! My contract didn't end for another three weeks!

I loved travel nursing and recommend it. It is a wonderful experience if you have the right recruiter.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

Because I don't think it is appropriate to go into detail about former employers on a forum, please PM me with any questions that you have regarding travel nurse companies. I will give you the real scoop!