Is this a good pay? Help

[Sharmaine616]

I have been talking with CCTC about a travel position. Today they told me about a position in Pomano CA and they told me the0 pay was $31. This is a 12hr/36wk nite postion that isn't guaranteed. This included meals and something else, but I am not sure. Housing was not included, but it is provided. I told the agent no because I am basically making the same amount here in Memphis. I asked her what the per diem rate in the area was and she told me $28. I know the cost of living in CA is twice the amount than here in Memphis. Was I write to say no? Also I am a Trauma ICU Rn.

Is there anything that you can recommend or another company.

Thanks

Sharmaine

[sweetgurly25]

thats not surprising from CCTC they always give low rates but i dont like that rate for the job. so its $28 per day for pier diem? maybe someone who has worked in CA will chime in. CA is expensive to live in.

[NedRN]

Cost of living is primarily housing and utilities. Since that is paid, the cost of living is irrelevant. Gas is a little higher, and your food costs will typically be lower - much of the produce you eat anywhere in the country originates in California.

Were you wrong? If you didn't want to be in Pomona, then no. Probably this is a fair travel wage for that area of California, but the only way to know for sure is to get offers with other agencies for the same area and compare. If this is your first travel assignment, it is not a bad idea to get your feet wet and not go for the highest possible rate. After that, you will be an experienced traveler with more options.

But you know, if travel is just about the money, stay on staff. Seriously. Benefits, PTO, holidays, and vacations. You do have to pay for your own housing though. ;-)

[sheronep, MSN, RN]

The part I don't like is the non guarantee. So they are not guaranteeing your hours? No bueno!

[TravelERRN01]

My first travel assignment was in Irvine CA. That is about what I made working in ER. However, I was guarenteed 36 hours a week. That is a major negative when they can't guarentee hours. There are alot of travel jobs in CA. I wouldn't settle for one that doesn't offer set hours or one that doesn't sound like a good fit for you. I work for Medical Express, a branch of AMN, and I have had a good experience traveling with them in CA. THey are contracted with the Kaiser Company who owns alot of the hospitals in CA and a few on the east coast. They are more open to 1st time travelers from what my recruiter said. For me, I am a fairly new traveler too, I can't say I've made a ton of money like people think/say. Maybe I haven't figured that part out yet, but I've sure enjoyed my expierience and getting to see CA and get paid for it. I also wanted to mention to you for future reference, travelnursehelp.com is a great resource when it comes to looking at hospitals and areas. Good luck with your travels!

[shushu]

Travelers were getting paid $35/hr in 2001. Now, 11 years later, we cant get that! We are getting screwed for sure. I went to nursing school in Mempis and lived there for 8 years.

good luck