what hourly wage do I say I want? (western NY)

nightingale, RN · May 11, 2006

I am not in that area but the Agency should have told YOU the going rate. That is how I see it done. There should be a set rate for med/surg, maybe an increase for tel, charge, ICU/ER.

Shame on this Agency for acting ingunprofessionally and try to get a bargain... You might want to call the facilities you are interested in working and find out which Agencies they use. When I did per diem work in a busy area, I always used more then one Agency and went with whoever called me first.

findingmywayRN · May 13, 2006

Thank you both for your replies. I will definitely call the hospitals and ask which agencies they use so I can find the right one for me. 5 - 10 dollars above staff rate is a good range for me to work with when I speak with recruiters.

babynurselsa, RN · May 13, 2006

When I went agency my agency rate was what my overtime rate was at my former staff position. I live in the midwest. Every per diem agency that I have worked for had a set rate for med-surg and a set rate for specialty.

If I was you I would find another agency.

findingmywayRN · May 14, 2006

Wow, Babynurse - if that's the case then they'd be getting a real bargin with 26/hr! This agency is a large chain-type agency, and I am leery of dealing with potential employers who try to take advantage of potential employees like this. Maybe I should work for a smaller/local agency - they might look out for my interests better. I wish I could find a nurse-owned agency!

JohnBearPA · Jun 28, 2006

Hi everyone,
I have never worked agency before and have no idea what pay they make, but I thought it would be a nice way to pick up some shifts over the summer.
Today I called a recrutier who asked me what hourly wage I would want to work on a hospital med/surge floor. When I randomly said $26/hr the recruiter was practically doing back flips - she kept saying oh, yes...OH, YES that is DEFINITELY not a problem!!This has me wondering how much they usually pay.
Are there any upstate NY agency nurses who could tell me what an average rate for a hospital med/surge RN? I wouldn't want to be the only nurse not earning $35/hr or whatever if that is the case.
Thanks!

I make $25.00 an hour as an LPN, so I would guess that they really are getting a deal, and that's why they were so happy. Ask THEM what the rates are and then let them know if they're acceptable. Also, don't be afraid to ask for a bit more if you take on an assignment on little notice, or one that's further away than you'd prefer to go. My agency, in Scranton PA, will often offer such incentives when they really need someone stat. Best of luck, and remember, if you think you're getting screwed, you probably are.