Getting to an assignment

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2005

I have always driven so I will have my own car. Some companies pay for a rental, but you will find they shortchange you somewhere else. If you have a reliable car, then take it. You will want to visit the sights while you are there. Most cities have public transportation but you may be working strange hours when they are not available.

I just completed an assignment in Tucson and am headed to Asheville next month, so maybe we will pass on the interstate! If you go to Tucson, you will love it. Nice town, my hospital was very traveler friendly. PM me if you have any questions about Tucson. I was there 9 months and my husband and I are considering move there for at least part of the year. A traveling snowbird, if you will.

suzanne4, RN · Jun 10, 2005

It all depends on the agency.. :)

Some actually provide a rental car as part of the agreement.

nyck76 · Jun 11, 2005

I personnally like flying to an assignment because I don't want to drag a car load of stuff in the car, nor do I want to put all the wear and tear on a car. My car is paid off and is sitting pretty in my garage, I like not having a car payment. If I drove mine allover the country I am sure I would have to buy one sooner, and I want to go about 5 more years with it since it is paid off. My company gives me a rental car and all exclusive housing (linens, cable, TV, phone, pot and pans, etc), so I need is my clothes. I have got spoiled I think. :rotfl:

graybar hilton · Jun 12, 2005

I personnally like flying to an assignment because I don't want to drag a car load of stuff in the car, nor do I want to put all the wear and tear on a car. My car is paid off and is sitting pretty in my garage, I like not having a car payment. If I drove mine allover the country I am sure I would have to buy one sooner, and I want to go about 5 more years with it since it is paid off. My company gives me a rental car and all exclusive housing (linens, cable, TV, phone, pot and pans, etc), so I need is my clothes. I have got spoiled I think. :rotfl:

Who do you work for? Do you have to provide your own funds to your new assignment? Do you have to pay your own deposits for apartments/hotel rooms and the first and last months rent yourself?

I am currently (as I write) driving toward CA for my very first travel assignment. So far all the money has come out of my pocket. With promise of reimbursement. I am with Travel Max.......I have had to find my own housing also. Is this customary?

I am going to work in a prison Corcoran State prison in CA. I live in Illinois. The trip out is going to cost around 1000$. And they want to reimbursement 1000.00 round trip for travel. Something about this just does not smell good to me. I want to make traveling my full time job but I am getting scared. I have no one to ask questions of and feel like I am floundering around.

If anyone can help please do. My assignment starts Wednesday, I haven't even talked to anyone at the prison yet. Scary isn't it. Please Help.

Graybar Hilton.

Karen_tn_37211 · Jun 12, 2005

Did you talk to the prison before you accepted the assignment and started driving? If not, I would be VERY leery indeed.

suzanne4, RN · Jun 12, 2005

NYCK 76 and I both work for the same company. All we need to do is bring our personal items, evreything else is provided. And set up for us before we get to our new place. Dishes and linens included. There is absolutely no reason that you should be doing any of this.

nyck76 · Jun 12, 2005

Suzanne is right. You should not be paying A DIME for anything, Nor should you been finding and paying for your own place, unless you WANTED to do that to get the housing stipend. But by the cost that you are paying vs what you are going to get back, it doesn't sound like you ar going to bank anything. What benefits are you going to get from this assignment? They are not doing anything for you, you could have negotated this on your own by the sound of it, if the company is not giving you anything you have to shell our first. NO NO honey, you need to call them and have them explain to you what exactly their purpose is. They are not giving you housing, only reimbrusing $1000, which is nothing but chump change out here, you shouldn't be putting up any type of deposit for your place, and I make it a habit NEVER to go to a place where I don't interview with the facility first. I did that once and took an assignment without interviewing with the hospital and it turned out to be a dump. Also now I go with my gut feeling. If you don't feel right about this, which you shouldn't, then don't go with it. If you do and it turns out to be crappy, you will be afraid to travel again. There are plenty of companies out there that will find you something and not screw you over. I work for On Assignment, but I don't know if they do Correctional facilities are not, but doesn't hurt to ask. Other companies I like are National Healthcare staffing ( they pay really good and give lots of bonuses), this new one call Nursextra, and Medical Staffing Network. I have either worked myself with these companies or have close friends who work for them, so I can vouch they are pretty good. Email me if you need any help and never be afraid to ask questions. There are some pretty good travelers here with info. And when the majority of use agree on a topic, more than likely it is true. Good luck!

mac23 · Jun 13, 2005

I've seen a lot of ads for nursextra. Have you worked for them?

nyck76 · Jun 13, 2005

I have not personally, but I do have a friend that is and she likes them.

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Jun 13, 2005

My lurking has paid off, good to hear that On Assignment is a good company since I am getting interested in doing an assignment or two for them. Keep posting this wonderful, inside info, we newbies need it.

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Jun 13, 2005

For those of you who get rental car reimbursement, is there a milage limit? I like to do a little sight seeing on assignment and was wondering how they do that. What about insurance as well, is that covered, or do you cover that with your own insurance. Is the housing always private with On Assignment, or do you have to share (I am too old for a roommate!). Thanks