Questions for experienced travelers, please help!

Published

Hello all!

I just signed up as I have read hours of posts about travel nursing and unfortunately I am more confused than before. Obviously posts are about different experiences from lots of different view points, so I cannot expect definitive answers but if someone can help clarify a few things I'd be grateful!

I have worked 2.5yrs on a med/surg-oncology with tele unit in a large teaching hospital. The last year I have been a preceptor and charge RN. Travel nursing is what I always wanted, but it seems to be much harder to navigate than I expected.

Since there is a lot of country to see, I am not limited to where I want to travel but would like to see some of the well known areas. I starting to grasp the non-taxed pay with the base pay, but have become concerned about potential audits. A lot of the offers are only $18 per hour with a decent non-taxed money.

As a new travel nurse what should I expect to be paid?

If it only takes 1 successful travel experience to make more money is it best to get a very short assignment for my first couple?

Should I wait until I find assignments I like or get my licenses in the states I want first?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you have a tax home you are traveling away from, you are fully legal to accept tax free stipends. Don't be concerned about an audit. You will be low risk for one, and have nothing to fear if you do get audited.

Total compensation is usually between $40 and $50 an hour including your stipends.

No, you don't want short assignments to start. Expectations to hit the ground running with minimal orientation are higher than regular assignments.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your response. To the best of my knowledge I will still completely fine for this year. I have worked half the year as an permanent RN. My permanent residence is at my parents house while I will be gone. If I do not work in my permanent tax home state at all next year will I need to be paying taxes on my stipends? I could provide rent to them, but I do not want to cost them more in taxes. My other option is to put my name on the lease of my fiancés apt, and give him money. Would one of these options be better than the other or do I need to be working in my tax home at some point next year?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A tax home is a full time thing. You can't elect or jury rig your fiance's home or your parent's home as one while you are away. I would suggest reading about tax homes on PanTravelers or TravelTax.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion