Is This Normal To Be Paying All This Money?

ukjenn231 · Oct 13, 2011

Unfortunately, I paid a lot of money for things like that too before my first assignment. I was so stressed out and broke before it was said and done. Physical, MMR titer (twice), varicella titer, TB skin test, flu shot, notarizing documents, etc. and I got no reimbursement. But save your records and hopefully you won't have to do most of these things for a year, or ever again.

NewTexasRN · Oct 13, 2011

Yes. I can see what you mean when you walked away. Had I known all this ahead of time, I NEVER would have opted to do travel nursing. I think it's great, but I have too much going on at the moment.

tena64 · Oct 17, 2011

why didn't your agency way for that kind of stuff?

NewTexasRN · Oct 17, 2011

They said the agency doesn't normally pay for this kind of stuff. I think what really bothered me was their attitude. They were just like why didn't you do this and that? I was scratching my head thinking that I just spent $500 and you want me to spend another $300? I guess they are business people and only care about the bottom dollar.

79Tango · Oct 17, 2011

Pretty much every agency out there expects you to provide a current physical, PPD & immunizations.. Hopefully you kept copies for your next employer.

GleeGum, BSN, RN · Oct 22, 2011

and keep receipts. tax deductible.

martjohn · Oct 25, 2011

When you first start out, having to fill out all the forms and get all of the tests completed CAN be very frustrating. A few tips to anyone who hasn't gone through all the trouble just yet:

1. Make a call to you current (or previous) employer's Occupational Health office; chances are that you had to go through all the immunization titres and shots before you were employed... this'll save you from more blood draws and shots than needed.

2. Before you sign a contract for another assignment, ask them to cover any medical expenses needed as pre-requisites. I was able to do this when I explained my frustration of having to pay for a second MMR shot in the past few years and saying that a "friend" of mine in another company had hers covered. (They may at first not want to pay for it, but will typically be willing to pay $50 for an immunization if it means to keep you happy and have another reason to stick with their company)

3. KEEP ALL PAPERWORK FOR ANY OF THESE TESTS THAT ARE EVER DONE. I typically keep a folder full of paperwork from each assignment that I do and just stick any flu shot, N95 fit-test, TB test, etc. paperwork in there so that it's somewhere if I may need it in the future.

4. Stick with it. It may seem super stressful at the time, but every time you get something done, just think of one less thing to worry about. It might be a few extra expenses at the beginning, but you will be glad you stuck with it once you get to experience all the adventures the road has to offer!!!

AppleRN4 · Oct 27, 2011

Yes, it's normal to pay all that money, however a good travel company reimburses the cost, as mine did for some of them. If they don't reimburse, you can deduct the cost in your taxes.

Above all else, make sure you save all your tests/results, because every travel company has the same requirements- saves you time & $$ having to repeat the process. Good luck!

P.S: You should have a good amt of cash saved up before your travel for unexpected expenses, because they surely will come up time & time again. Contracts have been cancelled, if you take the stipend, most places require a deposit + 1st months rent, etc....have some cash saved or you'll regret it.