Questionable hourly rates for travel nurse

MrsNICU · Feb 16, 2016

I have a friend that travels and she said her stipends are a little more than that but her taxable wage is about $17/hr but if you calculate in her stipend she makes closer to $60-$70/hr depending on her assignment

DRZmaui · Feb 16, 2016

I was wondering about that too.

Planning on traveling this June. So far, most to assignments are anywhere from $17.00 to $30.00 an hour. Thinking this might be the norm for my specialty, Psych nursing. I'm still confused when the reciters throw out stipends/moving/housing.

Any insight to how much will this is a week?

Honestly, a bit disappointed about the pay. My guess, It' might be a 35 to 50% cut in pay.

NedRN · Feb 16, 2016

Unless you are from the South, you don't take up travel nursing for the money. There are many better reasons. Adventure, new cultures, professional growth, and less job politics.

OK, so money is important too. But you will fail at traveling if that is your primary reason to travel. Google PanTravelers calculator if you want the real scoop on what the agency is really offering you. Then you can compare offers on a level playing field. That still won't help you compare a staff job to travel, but you can start by adding 40% to your staff hourly for your benefits such as holidays, vacation, PTO and sick time, retirement, education, and good health insurance. Not much of that as a traveler. If you don't work, you don't get paid.

Especially for a first assignment, the numbers don't matter. Once you get a travel assignment on your work history, you have proven value and are worth more. That, along with the steep learning curve that comes to a new traveler, will help you get better pay going forward.

monday2016 · Feb 16, 2016

Hi All, so, my girlfriend has traveled before, and this would be her 3rd or 4th assignment. She said she hasn't traveled in about 4 years and is so anxious to go-anywhere. I told her I still think $16.50 per hour with $1000.00 weekly stipends is too low, for Torrance CA. She and I are looking into other assignments that pay better than that. I personally think she can do better than $650.00 taxable per week.

Julius Seizure · Feb 16, 2016

No, $650 a week wouldn't be good. But her checks won't be that. They will be more like $1550 a week. In travel nursing, you have to look at the total payment package, stipends and all. If she wants to be paid $40/hr instead, they might be willing - but her stipends will be much lower to make up for it.

DRZmaui · Feb 16, 2016

Thanks Ted for the input. Your advice and support to this site is greatly appreciated.

Yes, I'm taking up travel nursing for change, and not the money. Been a RN for 28 years. Finally pulling the plug, and retiring from the VA. Like the idea of seeing different parts of the US, and having the ability to take time off, and knowing I will be able to find work when I return.

Travel Nursing was the major reason for becoming a nurse in the first place. Way back in the 70's, I was ski bumming in Colorado. Met a travel nurse. Thought she had the perfect lifestyle. She would work an assignment, then take time off and travel/play, then repeat.

Hopefully, things will work out. I'm pretty excited, but still a bit intimidated with giving up the security of Government Job. At least I've planned things out pretty well. Have a pension, and federal medical benefits.

monday2016 · Feb 16, 2016

see my next post, thanks

monday2016 · Feb 16, 2016

Hi All, oops made typing error. Here is my friends recruiter quote for Torrance CA travel assignment 12 hrs nights-med/surg: $16.50 x 24=$396.00 plus $24.75 x 12=$297.00, total weekly taxable $693.00. Housing stipend is $574.00 nontaxable plus MIE=$350.00.

So her weekly gross pay is $1617.00 and take home would be $1450.00 weekly. From this she would pay for her own housing and rental car. Also, the recruiter wrote she would receive $500.00 travel reimbursement non taxable, and $200.00 reimb for licensure, certs, CEU's. Is this a low paying package?

nurseinthezoo · Feb 16, 2016

Your friend may do well to check out a few different agencies.

RNtravelnurse · Feb 16, 2016

Hi Guys, okay, so a friend texted me stating she received an offer for a travel assignment in Torrance CA. I was excited for her until she stated the recruiter quoted her $16.50 per hour and stipends that total about $1050.00 per week. I told her do not let recruiter submit you, as that is way too low for an RN with 8 years experience. I rained on her parade, but I am concerned she is being taken advantage of. What are some insights, suggestions or comments, as I feel sort of guilty now. Thanks in advance.

I did not read down through so you may have already mentioned what area she works in but I can tell you thats about right for a MS nurse. I have been all over the country for many years, my best friend started traveling about a year ago with me. I am ICU, she does mostly PCU but started out as MS. This contract here her pay without housing is $1250 as week take home.My take home is $1400. Now thats take home pay was negotiated. They wanted to pay less because " florida is just a low paying state" but they were getting two for one and it was deal breaker for both of us. WE both have a bottom line...of course we never tell the recruiter what it is but we can always negotiate and get it. I never take the housing, they rob you blind. Examples of pay down here in Fl right now.....One of the other nurses here on PCU,she has their housing and her take home is $670 a week. Another nurse didint take their housing, shes on PCU and her take home is $1100. Another nurse in ICU her take home without housing is $1350, another one in ICU take home with housing is $1000. We all work for different agencies. And yes travelers discuss pay rates. So depends on the company/ location/area you practice in. My advice to her...Dont believe recruiters that they can not negotiate. Never take their housing. Find an extended stay before hand, call around to all the local hotels, motels etc..a lot will offer a discount. Ask the agency for other travelers info and see if they know of anyone renting. Demand your travel expenses are put in your first pay along with any other reimbursements, and your bonus in your last. Always ask for a bonus. Always get a clause in your contract that states how many days a hospital can cancel you. Those cancellation days will add up fast, especially if your in their housing. Recruiters will tell you anything to sell you on a contract...if it isnt in writing, either on the contract or in an email...you are not getting it. Good luck to her:)

monday2016 · Feb 16, 2016

Hi everyone, thanks for the travel comments and suggestions. My friend and I are contacting other agencies for a variety of pay package offerings. Special thanks to RNTravelNurse,BSN-great info!