New to travel Please Help

suzanne4, RN · Dec 3, 2005

Sorry, but anything in the SE will not be high paying. At least not usually, unless a facility is in a dire bind.

suzanne4, RN · Dec 3, 2005

Another word of advice: Do not look at only what the hourly salary is, but what is provided for you that is not taxed. That is the most important thing to look for, as well as do you get provate housing or do you need to pay for it? Are your utilities fully covered? Do you get a telephone in your apt?

jamminworld · Dec 3, 2005

I understand I need look at the benefits as well but was wndering if it was right only $25/hr working nights on a progressive care unit? Just seems really low and when I asked about what pay was like on reg med/surg floor same rate was said. Just want to make sure I'm not ending up short changed

texastraveler · Dec 21, 2005

$25/hr working days or nights is LOW!!!!! There is better pay out there for FL. I have friends working there now making alot more

suzanne4, RN · Dec 21, 2005

You have to take into account that your housing and living expenses are being paid, if you take the stipend and apy out of pocket for those, then your salary can be much higher. But you then need to pay all of the deposits, even find a place.

So again, as I keep saying: Do not go alone on what the salary is, but what you will be actually taking home at the end of the pay period. Different agencies have different ways of paying you for things, make sure that it works to your advantage.

You will all different rates for every state. Even in CA, you will hear of travellers getting $50 per hour, but that is including their housing stipend, and apts are quite expensive here. So you need to calculate that in as well.

texastraveler · Dec 22, 2005

There are some companies that calculate your hourly wage including housing, etc.... There are also companies out there that pay $45/hr not including housing, travel, rental car, etc....

When they tell you hr/pay, ask them. Tell them you want to know how much is yours at the end of weeek, not including any expenses you have to pay.

In Florida, you can find companies paying $33 - $36/hr with the company paying for housing etc... The $33-$36/hr is all yours.

rntravlon · Dec 30, 2005

If you dont mind me asking which company are you travelling with? I have been looking into a few RN Network, American Traveller (Both which pay rates seem lower than most) and also NurseChoice (pay is good but limited amount of freedom where to travel) Also I am looking into travelling in the South East what is the pay rate down there? I was tld from the recuiter not to expect more than $25/hr with no shift differential I almost fell off my seat. I am making more not travelling and from what I understand FL is not one of the better paying states.

A lot depends on where you want to work. In california north makes more than south for me about (I'm in the southern part) 2-7$/hr difference. Arizona pays about 30-33 an hr. I travel to see different sights.

KatieBell · Dec 31, 2005

Pay in the Southeast is Lower than many areas. It is lower for the regular nurses as well.

You can get higher if you have very specific experience or skills that someone is looking for, but for a regular garden variety hospital, 25-28 is about right.

texastraveler · Jan 1, 2006

I am traveling with Medical Staffing Solutions. It's a smaller company, you get alot of personal attention and he makes sure his nurses are happy. I have been wanting to travel in Texas. Several different companies told me I couldn't get more than $27/hr in Texas. I have had 3 different assignments in Texas paying $40/hr plus private housing. Don't settle, keep looking until you find what you want. Unless it's somewhere you REALLY want to go and don't care what the pay is. Everyone also says travel jobs in CO pay very low. All the companies I spoke with offered $27 - $32/hr. My friend took a job in Aspen, CO paying $41/hr!!

sergelpn · Jan 2, 2006

I am a lpn and I had a travel position in Fl. paying 24.00 and they paid for all of my hsg/utili/ins. and perks..so look and sell yourself..There are so many comp. out there that will pay an RN more than 25.00 in Fl.

Good Luck..

Beneficence · Jan 3, 2006

I am beginning my travel search also. I looked into American Traveler and the pay does seem kinda low. Any other companies you guys suggest. This is my first time trave nursing so I am really nervous...well scared to death!!! So all input would help!!!! Thanks so much!!!