I am a Peds cardiac ICU RN (2 years of experience in a top 5 facility in the country) who is looking to make the big leap into travel nursing to California (my boyfriend will be coming with as well * :) * ). I just have a few questions (sorry if it has been repetitive) because the info I am finding is at least 2 years old.
I really am in to this experience because of course I do want to travel and see the west coast (I am originally from Jamaica). My second reason for doing this is of-course, pay. I just want to make sure I am not putting myself into a hole by moving out there. I currently make $24 base pay with night shift differential (so its okay for GA standards).
I really have the age old question of how much I can expect to take home. I think from reading I would end up taking the stipend (I qualify for it) and try to find my own housing on craigslist or other sites. I would love to work in the San Fran/Palo Alto area; maybe San Diego.
- How much can I expect to get/negotiate for a housing stipend?
- How much should I expect to get/negotiate for an hourly rate?
- Do I automatically get incidentals added?
I have heard in Cali I should not accept less than $50/hr. Just a new traveler trying to sift my way through the information on here.
Just for those looking for info like myself... I spoke with 2 agencies today regarding living by the Bay. I would say both essentially told me the same thing in regards to pay and stipends;
Around $1800 (Which I think is ridiculous for the area) - $2500 for the Bay Area
Pay rate ranging from $35-$52/hr with an average of $35-$45/hr (if I were to take the 1bedroom/bathroom provided housing)
M&I $35/day
Health insurance ranging from $9/wk - $40/wk
*One company said that if I took housing, I would get furniture (no pots and pans or linens which I think is very reasonable), electricity and water paid for BUT if I wanted internet and cable, it would be deducted from my check.
They also said they would reimburse 0.30cents on the mile for travel from GA to CA and back or max $300 each way (the tickets range from $290-$350 if booked really in advance).
The other company said that they would reimburse $150/month if I chose to get my own insurance.
Again, I am just posting this for those looking for info like myself without being too specific. I knew I would not get specifics until I have my license in hand and my file is active; Just applied for my license last week and sent the fingerprint card with it. Hoping to have it by September or so :)
I have been stalking this thread and others on the forum trying to gather info regarding traveling, or maybe just something to push me to take the leap! Dankat says they'd likely take the stipend and try to find housing in/around the bay area, but I have a question about that.
My research has shown that finding housing in SF and the Bay is very competetive, with apartments filling very quickly and there not being a lot to choose from. I have read "horror-stories" that say you should come prepared to rent with a background check, credit report, and deposit check in hand, and that there would be MANY other people vying for that same apartment. This has made me think that it might be better to take offered housing if I was on assignment in that area.
Does anyone have experience with temporary housing in SF? Will it be easier to take the stipend and find a temp. place as compared to finding a place for permanent relocation? Thanks!
I have found housing on my own half a dozen times around the Bay area. I'd point out that millions of Bay area residents did the same thing, and you have access to all the same resources that an agency has. It is really only a question of your ability and stress level tolerance. You always have the bailout to get the agency to provide housing, so what's really the question here.
Now it sounds like perhaps you want to move there? All that does is change what you want to more permanent housing. As a traveler for three months, you may be very fine with less than perfection. For a place to reside the next 10 years, you may have higher standards. No way we can help you decide your own preferences.
I am considering doing 4 week contracts. Reason being, I was suppose to go on this adventure with my boyfriend BUT he got a great permanent job so our plans have changed. I was thinking, instead of 13 week contracts.. why not do a 4 week contract, take a 2 or 3 week break in between and pick up another 4 week contract.
Any thoughts on this idea in terms of Pay?
I would still do contract in North Cali and fly back to GA in between.
dankat
37 Posts
Thanks NedRN.
Just for those looking for info like myself... I spoke with 2 agencies today regarding living by the Bay. I would say both essentially told me the same thing in regards to pay and stipends;
Around $1800 (Which I think is ridiculous for the area) - $2500 for the Bay Area
Pay rate ranging from $35-$52/hr with an average of $35-$45/hr (if I were to take the 1bedroom/bathroom provided housing)
M&I $35/day
Health insurance ranging from $9/wk - $40/wk
*One company said that if I took housing, I would get furniture (no pots and pans or linens which I think is very reasonable), electricity and water paid for BUT if I wanted internet and cable, it would be deducted from my check.
They also said they would reimburse 0.30cents on the mile for travel from GA to CA and back or max $300 each way (the tickets range from $290-$350 if booked really in advance).
The other company said that they would reimburse $150/month if I chose to get my own insurance.
Again, I am just posting this for those looking for info like myself without being too specific. I knew I would not get specifics until I have my license in hand and my file is active; Just applied for my license last week and sent the fingerprint card with it. Hoping to have it by September or so :)