Has anyone worked with Aya

whd13b · May 29, 2013

Wow..that hourly rate seems very low, however that could work out to your benefit. Here is why: The hourly rate they are quoting you is the "taxable" hourly rate, which for all intensive purposes, you should get as low as possible. Less pay, less tax to pay! Now, as long as the monies left from your stipends (after expenses) contributes enough to your hourly rate to make it worth your while, then you're in great shape. So for instance, if your rent stipend is $3000.00 and your actual rent is only $2000.00, you get to pocket $1000.00 tax free. Add that to your monthly income and works out to approx. $ 6.17 per hour more. See where I'm going with this? Now,as far as YOUR stipend, you left out a few very important details. First off, where in NYC is the job? Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx...where? And where are you willing to live and how far a commute are you willing to make. The reason I'm asking is because monthly rent for a one bedroom can vary from 2000.00 per month up to 8000.00 per month depending on where you are living (and how safe is the neighborhood). Are you willing to live in a studio instead of 1 bedroom, because that could make a big difference in how much of your monthly stipend goes in your pocket and not your landlords. 2nd, you never mentioned how long the assignment is for. Is the 3800.00 for the insurance stipend a "monthly stipend, or is a total stipend for the length of the assignment? Again, that would make a big difference in how much is left over that goes in your pocket as opposed to the insurance company. Keep in mind, RN's that work permanent positions in NYC or Long Island hospitals make upwards of $50/$55 /hr! Just something to compare to.

thrboymom · May 30, 2013

I guess I should have put more info. It is a 13 week contract days with Sloan Kettering. I believe the stipend is monthly. I am looking at other agencies as well, I kinda felt like this guy is rushing me. I am an oncology nurse with 6 years experience. I only have my associates right now but working on my BSN. I am chemo/bio certified. I also have acls, pals, and bls. I currently work at a hospital in Middletown, NY making 36/hr full time with benefits. NYC is about 1 1/2 hours from me. I am trying to pay off some debt, one of the reasons I am looking into traveling. I have thought on and off about travel nursing since I graduated but knew I needed to get some experience first.

whd13b · May 30, 2013

Wow...you need to email me!! I work at a Middletown hospital as a float and worked Oncology often when I worked nights. I'm on days now and haven't worked your unit in months. :) We should talk about this. I'm pretty close to signing on with an agency!

whd13b · May 30, 2013

By the way, if $ 3800.00 is the monthly stipend for insurance, you are seriously making out there considering most single pay insurance is about $500.00 per month! The top agencies I've come across, between Highway Hypodermic and other travel nursing websites seem to be Premier Healthcare Professionals, PRCS Healthcare, FlexCare Medical Staffing, Innovative Placements Inc., Trinity Healthcare Staffing, and Talemed. I have read in many a blogs though, it's not just the reputation of the agency but also your rapport with the recruiter. By nature, some will be more intelligent than others, some will be more aggressive than others and so the story goes with any position. I'm currently working with 3 agencies and will soon choose one for assignment.

NedRN · May 30, 2013

COBRA (actual insurance cost) can be as much as $800 a month. Typical group insurance goes for $250 a month (really crappy insurance) to $500 something (usually good) and up depending on the size of the agency. The way I read the post was $3,000 with insurance, $3,800 declining.

Agencies can legally pay an insurance reimbursement tax free if the traveler has proof of personal insurance. Generally it is for receipted cost only, but perhaps some accountants allow agency cost instead (or perhaps it is taxed).

thrboymom · May 31, 2013

The insurance would be for myself and two kids, blue cross/blue shield. It seems like pretty decent insurance, not as good as I'm used to, but not bad. Luckily we are all pretty healthy.

thrboymom · May 31, 2013

Thanks for the info. :)