How much weekly pay should I aim for?

NedRN · Nov 21, 2019

Even very experienced nurses may not adapt well to a completely new workplace: new charting software, different patient flow, different local population culture and hospital culture, different patient population and treatments. Many nurse when they start traveling have had only one employer in their career. It is risky for a hospital to be the first to hire a particular traveler and most will choose a proven traveler over a first time traveler for their proven ability to adapt to a new environment quickly and be productive. It is normal and human to constantly tell a hospital on a first assignment that we do it this way at my hospital. Not productive at all. Being professional as a traveler generally shakes up someone's worldview. Instead of being part of a family and have a "get-out-of-jail-free" card as a staff member, you are now a hired gun (contractor) and there is now a direct expectation of production (and profit) by both the hospital and the proxy direct employer, the agency.

If a first time traveler gets a lucrative offer for a first assignment, the question is why? Why didn't the hospital go with a proven traveler? Huge red flag. Hospital is that desperate? Why are proven travelers not accepting a high pay assignment? Why is the agency choosing a brand new traveler rather than giving one of their own productive travelers a plum well paying assignment? It suggests an extremely difficult assignment that will quickly spit out a brand new traveler.

Does that help?

guest769224 · Nov 26, 2019

Yes, it does help. Thanks NedRN.

Reason I asked is because I am looking more into taking a first travel assignment. I'm most interested in Fastaff because of their high pay. I know you've mentioned in the past that should be low priority for first timers. It really appeals to me.

I've worked in a handful of different hospitals now, had different charting systems, and different units now, so I feel I'd adapt more easily to some of the aspects in your above post.

Also, I can now take Cath Lab, IR, ICU, and PACU assignments and I enjoy the variety. I'm most interested in Fastaff's assignments that exceed 3K/week. I'd hold on to my per diem job(s) while on assignment.

NedRN · Nov 26, 2019

You might be right. Good luck!

Guest1146437 · Apr 23, 2020

Becareful of fastaff they are based on 48hr week

I've been having issues with pay since week 2.

so your hourly wage shouldnt be less then 20/hr otherwise IRS is flagged. You should make up the difference in housing and or meal stipends.
I have found finding your own housing puts more money in your pocket. I have mainly used airbnb and negotiated the monthly fee with the people. They are usually receptive esp when you are doing 13 weeks. I have traveled for 7 yrs and then took 2 yrs off and am back at it again.

I feel your recruiter is the nuts and bolts of it and if you have a bad one the experience will be bad....Ask other travelers who you might travel with. I will never use fastaff again

NedRN · Apr 23, 2020

The IRS never sees hourly pay rate data. What they see are quarterly payroll reports showing total compensation and withholding.

Guest1146437 · Apr 23, 2020

That is true but they see what is taxed! Hence the hourly taxed rate shouldnt be less then 20/hour at least thats what a tax guy told me

NedRN · Apr 23, 2020

The IRS doesn't have a way to work out the hourly nor do they care. If they audit you, you don't even have to show them your contract unless you are under criminal investigation. You could have worked one hour in the quarter or 500 hours. You could have been on salary. I'd fire your tax guy, you pay him for accurate information.

Guest1146437 · Apr 23, 2020

So you need to get away from my hourly statement... I know the IRS sees quarterly but in a nursing contract the hourly rate that is taxed which is what the IRS sees shouldnt be less then 20/hr. That is all I am saying.
you donwhat you need to do!! End of discussion for me

NedRN · Apr 24, 2020

I don’t really care what you believe. I do try to stop these tired tropes from being spread to unsuspecting others online who now think it is true and repeat falsehoods as you are doing.

Again to be clear, the IRS does not know what your hourly rate is, nor do they care. That is a fact. As long as you are working away from a legitimate tax home, go for the highest take home package you can get. You will not be audited for your hourly pay.

Guest1146437 · Apr 24, 2020

WOW! nice way to talk to someone..

and its you who are sending the wrong information to the unsuspecting . But obviously as you said you dont care.
I say a prayer for you

NedRN · Apr 24, 2020

I told you the facts and why they hold. No doubt you want to be helpful about repeating something you heard, but you are doing the community a disservice by propagating myths. Hourly rates are set by competition and by what the IRS publishes about expense reimbursement. Agencies use IRS guidance about allowable non-taxable stipends for housing, per diems, and travel. What is left over is what is paid hourly. Labor boards may care about enforcing minimum wage laws, but the IRS has nothing to do with setting or enforcing minimum pay levels.

Rather than prayers, actual facts are preferable for most travelers I suspect. Again, you can believe whatever you wish, but please don't pass provable falsehoods off as facts here. You are certainly free to get paid less than other travelers.

jerrylundergard · Apr 25, 2020

Thanks for clarifying the facts Ned! Anyhow, now that this thread has been necrod id love to hear peoples covid crisis salary info. Are you travelers knocking the contracts outa the park? I've heard of the legendary 10k weekly contracts but have only been personally offered a 4500 weekly contract and thats not enuff to motivate me out of my current station.