Prospective Travel Nurse

Published

Hello!

Im really considering doing travel nursing this summer!I work for the VA and i know a lot of people say not to leave due to the benefits but Its a very mundane environment and I'm ready for a change! I've been an RN for 2-21/2 years on Neuro/ortho/medsurg unit.Ive worked neurosurgery as well.This is always been something I want to do since I've graduated from school so I feel Like i shouldn't limit myself any longer due to someones benefits! Im in my mid twenties,no kids or anything.My personality is one who love change and seeing a learning new things and the problem with my full-time job is there is no flexibility! That's one thing that travel nursing really sells to me.And why not make some extra money as well!But I've been researching around because from what I've read most people are saying you need to make sure your homework is through before you start talking to agencies because they will try to gip ya!I get paid pretty well at my full-time job,,so shouldn't $40 an hour be competitive for travel?I'm reading a lot of people saying the've taken assignments for $32-34 and thats so odd to me because i feel that thats very low to travel!

But my questions are.

What is a reasonable housing stipend to negotiate?I'm still confused about this because I've ready you housing stipend is factored into your pay,but if you find your own housing you get more added to ur hourly pay?How do I make sure I can getting paid fairly?I'm looking to stay around Texas at first?

Do some agencies supply car rentals?How do there expect me to get around without any transportation?

How is the job market in travel?How difficult is getting the next assignment after your finishing your current one?

Do you feel its recommended to get critical care experience before traveling?

I've heard people say have more than one agency,I'm looking into Novapro and Aya travel?Any other agencies recommended?

Thanks!

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It is very difficult to compare staff and travel pay. Staff typically get another 30% over hourly in benefits such as sick leave/PTO, holidays, vacations, and health insurance. A good bit of travel pay is typically not taxed (you should maintain a tax home for this), so is higher than it looks (more take home). But you only get paid for hours actually worked, and if you miss contracted hours, penalties are assessed to pay for the housing/per diem/travel pay you receive. It is possible to make $40 an hour plus housing/per diem/travel, but that is on the top end. On most contracts, your total compensation is between $40 and $50 an hour (per PanTravelers Calculator). For some, travel doesn't work financially. For many others, there is no comparison with staff nursing, especially nurses from the South (that was true for me).

Everything can be negotiated, but the agency will offer you a set housing stipend if you don't take their housing. The amount should vary depending on the local housing costs.

Most travelers take their own car. How do you get around now? Does your employer help? The issue with any part of your compensation, including adding a rental car, is that you are effectively paying for it. Travel nursing works with an hourly bill rate for every hour you work. That means the money pie is limited. Slice a new piece of pie for a rental car, and you cut into your housing stipend, or your hourly pay. Get the picture? This is very different than working for a "deep pocketed" hospital where more money could be forthcoming if required.

Novapro is part of Cross Country. Aya is not a good agency. But really, the only way to choose several agencies is by talking to many agencies and weeding them down to the five recruiters you communicate best with and trust. Having several agencies will help ensure that you know what competitive (fair) pay in an area.

You will learn a lot by talking to lots of recruiters and you have a lot to learn. There are a number of good online travel nursing resources, try PanTravelers, TravelTax, Gypsy Nurse, Highway Hypodermics to learn more.

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Oh ok,

Well my questions with the rental car is that of course at a staff hospital I don't expect them to pay for a car,but they aren't requiring me to possible move to another state temporary.It's the same location everyday.Are you a current traveler?May I ask how your experience as been as far as finding new contracts when you finish on? Also I'm also from the south,so your saying in the south the pay doesn't compare to hospital staffing?Is that a good thing or a bad thing financially?

Thanks!

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Travel pay is better than staff pay in the South. A large percentage of travelers are from the South.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU, PCU, Neuro, Telemetry.

I've been back on the travel wagon since 08/2011. I usually have no trouble obtaining another contract before my current travel assignment ends but have had time off due to end dates and new start dates with the longest being two weeks off.

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Oh wow! That sounds promising!May i ask what state?I'm in Texas,for maybe a couple assignments I want to stay in Texas but then definitely venire off to California! May I ask which agencies you've Liked? pros and cons?I know once i talk to them I will get a fill for who speaks to my individual accommodations.Also I'm looking to start traveling june/July..when should i begin contacting recruiters?

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Specializes in ICU/CCU, PCU, Neuro, Telemetry.

I'm currently in Florida heading to North Carolina. I have worked as a traveler in West Virginia, Virginia (2 different locations), and throughout Florida. Most travelers work talk with several companies. I've worked for 3 different companies, currently I'm with Cross Country, and have no real complaints. If you plan to research with several companies I would start contacting them about 5-6 weeks before I want to start traveling. The application process while not difficult usually entails testing, lab work, etc and if you are currently working you have to work that into your time. If you are going to an area that is seasonal or doing an EMR conversion the hospitals usually know their needs in advance and those jobs might post several weeks before they actually need travelers, other positions might only post 1-2 weeks before needed. Also, some hospitals only do orientation once or twice a month.

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Oh ok,thank you so much for ur advice.Im just tryna make sure I have all the questions i can think of in my head or written down so I know what to ask to ask so i dont end up in a bad situation or taken advantage of.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU, PCU, Neuro, Telemetry.

You are very welcome. Ask away, the better informed you are the more aware you can be. I sent you a PM with some info for you.

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thank u so much! :)

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