Question to travelers required to take call

[WILLI]

Hello to Everyone and Happy 4th of July!

I'm new to traveling, this is my first assignment. I would like to hear from other travelers how their call pay works. I know as a staff nurse for a hospital you usually get a few bucks an hr to take call then time and half when called in. What about with travel nursing, what are the on call rates etc. I've asked my recruiter this (have not signed nor seen contract yet, but I know they submitted an offer for me) but she said she didn't know and would have to ck into it.

Few more questions:

Also was told by recruiter that agencies just aren't paying sign on and completion bonuses anymore due to the economy...is this correct?

I'm thinking of taking a subisdy instead of apt - does this sound right:

hrly tax rate 16.08, hrly non tax rate 9.92, non taxed subsidy 2200, total hrly rate 40.06?

tavel round trip paid hrly at $0.30 per hour??

Like I said, I've never done this before and want to make sure I'm getting the best deal I can. Any input would be great.

Thank you!

[rntraveler2012]

First of all I think many agencies are still offering bonuses etc. Also is that rate for an RN or LPN? I have found that taking subsidy is more beneficial to me because I can find housing much cheaper than they offer then I pocket the rest for expenses etc just be sure to save receipts for everything including phone bills and car payment if used for work for tax time.

[bagladyrn, RN]

Call rates vary with each contract. Your contract should state: On call - X amt. per hr., Callback rate - X amt. per hr. Your recruiter should be able to give you that information before you agree to a contract.

Sign on and completion bonuses are a very rare thing now. Be wary of a facility that offers a completion bonus. It is frequently a red flag that the job is so bad they have trouble getting nurses to stay for the entire contract.

Some people do find the subsidy to be financially better than taking the housing, but be sure to factor in the costs of deposits, utilities, furniture rental if needed unless you plan to stick with extended stay hotels. Some locations may be very difficult to find short term housing and in those cases you may want to let the housing dept. of the company do the negotiating. (That way if they find it impossible to get housing within the budgeted amount it's up to them to come up with the difference, not you)

[WILLI]

Hi there,

Thanks for your input, I'm an RN. The position requires call, which is OK with me, but am curious as to how call time is paid when traveling. Think I probably need to check into IRS website to see what guidelines they have for non taxed hrly rate and the housing subsidy(I do have a tax home) Is the subsidy paid separately? Just thinking about what might make things easier at tax time. I checked into "corporate housing" and the prices are ridiculous. I'll have to find a place on my own then figure out what to do with furnishing it.

[nursinadream]

Willi, I take call for the OR. I'm paid the same as the staff are here in FL. $3 and time and half call back. That's typical. What I made fulltime job before travel. Not sure why your recruiter doesn't know this up front (RED FLAG) What's the position and what state? $2200 is a good stipend, I'm thinking high cost of living like CA or New York City? Baglady, a very experienced and helpful gal has given you good advice about housing. MANY travelers see a way to "get ahead" by doing their own housing. It can be a hassle. For your first time you might want to take what the company offers you. $0.30 per hour seems low for travel allowance. For a 13 week contract that's only $156. Most offer $500-600 in travel.

Good luck, you've asked some good questions.

Deb

[WILLI]

Hi Deb and Baglady,

Thank you for your responses, they were very helpful. I'm gonna have a try at finding my own housing too.

[bagladyrn, RN]

Are you sure it wasn't $0.30 per MILE for travel? That is typically how travel is paid. (Usually up to a "maximum" amt. allowed.)