Picking a Travel Agency

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Jan 22, 2009

You might get more results if you post your inquiry on the travel nursing forum of this site.

Have fun.

eriksoln, BSN, RN · Jan 22, 2009

Avoid the companies offering the new tax structure in the way they pay you. Most RNs I know of who went this route have had difficulties from it. I cant tell you what the name of that tax structure is or who uses it (Cross Country does it I'm sure of) so, I'm afraid its not much help.

Things to ask about compensation: Get things like TV, washer/dryer and microwave added to your housing. Its of little cost to them and convenient for you. Dont weigh your car down with a TV and micro when you can just have it delivered to where you live then taken when your assignment is done.

Dont take any assignemtn without having your own transportation. I've known a few first job nurses who were told they could rely on public trans. Thats not always honest into. They will tell you that so you get on a plane and fill the position when they want it filled instead of when it is the right time for you.

Have moving into your apt. before the generic dates they usually set people up with. The way it goes is.......you can move in on friday and start work monday. You barely have time to unpack and get ready for orientation. Have it in your contract that you can move in the monday before starting the assignment. That way, you have plenty of time to become familiar with the area, find all the thigs you need to find (we always do a dry run to the hospital before the orientation day) and get some groceries into the frige.

Make sure you ask about parking at work. A lot of hospitals dont warn you that you will be paying for parking. One assignment I was on (lol, my first, didnt know to ask about it during contract negotiation time) charged $270/month for traveler parking. Have something worked into the contract to make up for the charges if you do have to pay.

Finally, every contract has a completion/sign on bonus......one or the other. Your recruiter wont bring this up though. They will not mention it, you wont know the hospital budgeted it, and they keep it. Insist on having a sign on/completion bonus. If they say none is offered, they more than likely are not being honest.