PRN position without monthly hours required?

[jmcgrn]

Hey everyone! First time traveler here, and will be starting my first assignment in a month. I've been learning all about the tax issues involved with travel nursing. I'm trying to keep my current residence as my "tax home" as opposed to being an "itinerant worker" so that I can get my stipends tax free ect.

As such, I've been looking around for a PRN assignment that I could work in between travel assignments if needed and at least for 1 month a year in order to make this my tax home. The problem I have been running into to however, is that all the PRN positions I have found require you to work at least 2 shifts per month. I don't think this would be viable for me, considering my assignments will be all across the country. Any advice on how you have handled this problem or what type of positions might allow one to come back and just pick up shifts when needed would be greatly appreciated!

[NedRN]

Shopping for a suitable per diem hospital will be tough. It is far easier to negotiate with a hospital who wants to retain a valuable and proven employee. For example another traveler I'm currently working with is doing just that - it was the hospital's suggestion to change the time frames for shifts.

In in any case, having an ongoing employment status won't be a tax home unless you also have residence there.

The primary advantage of a job at home from a tax perspective is that a tax home is really a preponderance of evidence. A job can strengthen an otherwise sketchy tax home. A job can also help to initially establish a tax home. But you still have to be legitimately living there.

[jmcgrn]

Thanks for the response NedRN. Unfortunately my hospital has said that I would need to meet the minimal requirement of 24 hours a month.

As to the tax home, I understand that I must actually be living here. I will continue to pay rent and return in between assignments. However, it is my understanding that you must also have work when you return in order for it to qualify adequately.

[NedRN]

Nope, you don't. I've never worked at my tax home.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

Not a traveler myself, but just a thought. If you want to pick up some hours in your home area, have you considered looking at LTC or Home Health? I am in LTC and we have 2 prn nurses that are school nurses. They pick up tons of hours during summer break and a few during semester breaks. They have proven to be so invaluable for vacation and holiday time coverage that our facility waived the pick up 2 shifts a month requirement.

[HikingNinja, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

Another couple of suggestions. Sign up with a local staffing agency and tell them the time frame you can work. My accountant also recommended taking a travel contract at home and just paying all applicable taxes. Luckily my home hospital allowed me a lot of flexibility so I didn't need to look into these options.