Nitty gritty of pay rates

Specialties Travel

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I am interested in traveling nursing this summer and want to know what's in a pay rate. I've read plenty of info but I still seem to not comprehend. My goal is to travel and bring home more mula than I make now. For instance my current base pay is $34/hr, not including shift diff. I assume that if I take a travel nursing job working CVICU only, I need to have a pay rate similar or above to come out on the plus side. Experience travelers please weigh in. Thanks!!

I keep forgetting not everything is taxed. If I went PRN at my current job I could make $34-36/hour. $12-$14 more than I make now. But no benefits and all taxed. I need to pay off student loans- that's why I am looking into travel nursing. I'm a home body at heart so travel doesn't seem tempting, but paying off loans does.

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A) Do you NEED the benefits?

B) If you travel will you still have rent to pay?

C) If you're looking to pay debt...I wouldn't necessarily say go and travel. You could get a weekender position and make the same money. Or work 1-2 extra shifts per pay period and put that towards your student loans. Or keep your current job and work per diem agency. etc.

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Thanks for responding. I'll look into Agency.

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Specializes in L&D.

So if you don't use the "free" health insurance, because you'd rather pay for COBRA on your better current insurance, do you get some of that money back either in more stipend or higher hourly rate?

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So if you don't use the "free" health insurance, because you'd rather pay for COBRA on your better current insurance, do you get some of that money back either in more stipend or higher hourly rate?

You'd have to talk to your company....not all companies offer free health insurance.

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I am still a bit new at traveling started in March last year and getting ready to start my 3rd assignment in Naples Florida. I am with Medical Express a division of AMN I like my recruiter (April) a lot and that is one reason why I am still with them. They are very large and constantly buying smaller agencys.

I believe if you take the housing allowance and find your own you will have more money also travel buddys will be great. One person take the housing and the other spit their allowance. I just finished an assignment with two set of girls who were traveling together and they love it they are doing more for the sights.

Finding housing can be a pain in the butt unless you know someone who is willing to share their space. I agree with the other comments you may want to find a per diem side job. I have heard from many previous travelers that the money is not there anymore. You can also do the "strikes" they tend to make more; if you are not big on vacations and you have the time, you can keep your full-time job and use vacation to work the strikes. You have to find out where they are striking often and get a license in that state and be ready.

good luck I am still learning myself.

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