bbynurs

I know right?! well more like $15+ more per hour but hey at least we don't have to be stuck at the same job complaining the rest of our lives right? We must all be getting ripped off by American Mobile haha

A per diem rate is an amount that is non-taxed that companies can provide you with as a "reimbursement" that varies based on the area you're working in. You can look them yourself at Per Diem Rates . Most companies will offer you 35/day. The pay and tax rules as a traveler can be very confusing and your recruiter is not a good source of information so it's important for you to be informed. Traveltax.com is a great resource- they are also great at answering questions at no charge if you call them. As far as your pay, nurses make in the $60s/hour range BASE pay in Northern Cali so our pay as travelers isn't that great. I assume 22 is your base rate- so you will get time and a half after 8 hours in Cali also. Are you taking a housing stipend or free housing? This can also make a big difference because housing is expensive here. The stipend is usually around $2200/month, so I take this and find my own housing to save $. Keep in mind you're also supposed to have a "permanent tax home" to receive tax free dollars which most recruiters also don't tell you. This pay is okay for your first contract but once you learn the ropes you can negotiate more with your recruiter or go with a different company. I like to take home at least $1600/wk (which includes stipend).

I hope you found a new job by now- 6 couplets to 1 nurse is just wrong! It's sad that facilities can get away with that. Thank God Cali has a ratio law.