dar115

For your first assignment, its best to have the company house you. It's stress free and you don't have to worry about what you have to bring to your assignment if the company provides you the housing. Craigslist is a good way to find a place to sublet. Since you didn't mention traveling with family, it is easier and cheaper if you sublet with a roommate.

I know exactly what you mean. Nothing is ever free anymore with travel nurse. I also spend $500 a month for me and my wife. We have the most expensive but very reliable insurance. We both don't have any pre existing conditions. Maybe I'll take a look at calling all other insurance to get a quote.

Hello, I was just wondering, does your current agency provide free healthcare insurance? What I mean by "free" is that do they completely pay for you or your family healthcare insurance without taking it out of your paycheck. I'm just wondering if there are other "free" benefits I am not aware of that is out there. What about 401k, do you provide it yourself? Or does your agency actually put in the money that they do not take out of your paycheck? Thanks in advance!

Do you think it's better idea to accept company's housing than taking the housing stipend itself here in the Bay Area? I'm traveling with family and I'm just afraid a low hourly isn't going to support us.

I've lived in Houston TX my whole life. Never lived in Florida so I can't compare. Did travel nursing to get away from Houston and to explore what different cities in the US could offer. Houston is a big city, you will need to have a reliable transportation. Not big on public transportation. I've live in the north suburbs of Houston... Spring Tx, Woodlands Tx, Klein Tx and Tomball Tx. All great suburban communities, great for raising children and starting families. Not a lot of diversity if you compare it to San Diego Ca. The weather is literally bipolar. From windy, to rainy, to cold...very unpredictable at times in the winter. The summer is scorching hot! Can go up to 100 degrees or a little more. The nearest beach I can think of is Galveston TX and let me tell you it's not comparable to the beautiful beaches of San Diego. Yes the housing is cheap if you compare it to California or Florida. But the income is also low. So either choose "quality of life" or "cheaper living" if you ask me. I hope this helps you out with making the big decision of moving.

I'm a traveling nurse and I've met a fellow traveler who brought his wife and child along his assignments. The child was homeschooled so it worked out in their end. And they brought two cars everywhere with them so the wife had access to a car while he was at work. I myself brought my car and dog with me.

Thank you Ned. I just hear a lot of rumors that I have to go home for two weeks or a month to my taxed home. Great advice!

Hello, I've been a travel nurse for less than a year and I'm still new to this. Does anyone know how long I have to stay when I return to my taxed home? Ex: days? Weeks? Months? per year. My resident state is Texas and I am currently assigned in California. I went home to Texas this year but for only a week. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Will do. Thanks for all your help!

Yeah that make sense. Thanks Ned! I do feel that my hourly is low but I am happy with my recruiter. She helps me out with whatever I need or when situations arise.

So the only way to find out if your pay is fair is to talk to different companies and choose the best one?

How did you set up the negotiated rate from your hospital with extended stay? Did you tell the front desk you work at X hospital or did you tell them you work with Y Agency? Please help. Thanks

I'm taking the housing stipend and finding my own place. Silicon Valley area not sure what specific hospital it is but they said Santa Clara maybe.

I'm wondering the same thing about my pay for upcoming assignment in Silicon Valley. The agency is quoting me hourly rate as low as $19/hr, $28.50 OT (after 8 hrs work), $40/day for meals tax free, $2700 a month for housing tax free. I don't know what my net pay is. I tried using the pantravelers calculator but I'm getting a different amount from my own calculations. Help pls?