New to traveling

[petitefleur86]

I've been reading the forum here, but still have a few questions. I apologize for any redundancies and I'm sorry for the many questions I have. ☺️

I'm an RN with experience in med/surg, OR, and am currently working in ER. I visited California about a year ago and fell in love with it. I have friends there, but am still not sure where exactly I'd like to live. I thought I could try traveling as a means to explore the state and gain more experience. If I find a place that clicks I'd like to make a permanent move. I already have my license and am talking to an agency.

1) How much do agencies pay as far as licensure fees/moving expenses? I will be traveling across the country to get to Caifornia.

2) What do you do about having a PCP? I don't get sick often, but if I need a doctor what do I do? Do agencies offer benefits?

3) I understand that I will not be given PTO like a regular employee. What if I need a day or two off during my contract? I know I won't be paid, but can I still request time off or am I stuck until my contract ends?

4) I'm planning to take the agency housing at least for my first assignment. What happens as far as housing in between assignments? If you take a few weeks off or go visit family are you essentially homeless until your next contract?

5) What do you do for a mailing address? I don't get a lot of paper mail, but if i need to give my address out for any reason should I list were I'm currently staying or give a friend/family member's instead?

6) I know I probably sound really stupid asking this, but will I make enough money? I know California is very expensive and part of me is scared I won't be able to survive living there.

7) How are you typically received by hospitals? Do they treat you differently/poorly because they know you are a traveler and are getting a higher salary?

8) Do hospitals often ask you to extend your contract or stay on as a permanent employee? Can I leave my agency whenever I want if I decide to stay?

That's all I can think of for now. I appreciate any tips or advice. I'm a little nervous about giving up my job where I'm pretty happy working, but I want to get more experience and explore a little. I'm still living in the town where I graduated and I'm almost 30. 😕 Thanks so much for reading!

[NedRN]

I'll chip in with a couple of those, but you would be well served to get a free membership at PanTravelers and do some reading.

1). Typically RT travel reimbursement is $400 to $800 - not enough to cover the true costs.

2). Many agencies offer healthcare insurance but it usually sucks. You are usually better off getting your own (Obamacare health exchange) or using COBRA to extend your current insurance up to 18 months. You will have to pay the full cost of that insurance - either way be prepared for serious sticker shock.

3). If you have specific days you need off, you need to discuss them during the facility interview and bake the dates into your contract. Otherwise, most schedulers are happy to try to meet random requests if you make them before the schedule is finalized, and usually you can swap shifts after the schedule has been made. Just like you do now.

4,5). Read up on tax homes! (think year round place you keep while you travel) Without it, your travel reimbursement, your housing (provided or a housing stipend), and your per diem will all be taxed as ordinary income.

8). Yes.

[petitefleur86]

Thanks! I haven't heard of that site but I'll check it out.