"Hidden" problems/Questions for interviews

suzanne4, RN · Jul 20, 2005

Greetings All,
I am taking my first steps towards traveling. I've read through the postings (as suggested) and have been going through the various agencies on the net. I have been in contact with a few, so I am on my way.
My question to you is-what has been some of the "hidden" costs or problems that you wouldn't necessarily pick up on as a first time traveler just getting into the business. For instance, I din't realize that utilities was a seperate issue from free housing and had not thought about it on my own. I am afraid there will be other things that I might miss in trying to decide who to go with and how to truly calculate the cost/benefit to travel nursing.
Also-I will be marketing myself primarily in Labor and Delivery (med/surg as a back-up). Any particular questions/concerns I should ask or be aware of when talking to a prospective employer???
Thanks for taking the time to view this post and for your response:)
alwayslearnin (boy, ain't that the truth!)

If you are going with a full service agency, then all of your utilities should be included, including telephone, etc. The only things that I pay for are my cable modem, and an increase in cable service, basic is provided. Not sure who you are in contact with. If they aren't included then it isn't completely free housing. Your apt should be fully furnished, and I mean fully. With dishes and linens, as well as tv. A furnished apt can mean just basic furniture, and nothing else. Definitely not acceptable to me.

alwayslearnin · Jul 20, 2005

Suzanne,

Thank you for responding. Full service agency? What is that? This is a new term that I have not come across before. Can you please give me a little more info and how will I know if an agency is "full service"?

Part of what is driving my choices for an agency is the fact that I am staying primarily in Washington State only-that takes out alot of agencies right off the bat. Oh, well, it's all part of the learning. Anyway, thanks for replying.

alwayslearnin

If you are going with a full service agency, then all of your utilities should be included, including telephone, etc. The only things that I pay for are my cable modem, and an increase in cable service, basic is provided. Not sure who you are in contact with. If they aren't included then it isn't completely free housing. Your apt should be fully furnished, and I mean fully. With dishes and linens, as well as tv. A furnished apt can mean just basic furniture, and nothing else. Definitely not acceptable to me.

suzanne4, RN · Jul 20, 2005

It means that they take care of everything. Make sure that they are taking care of everything. That they will reimbuse you for your license, pay for all of your utilities including phone, as well as cable tv. Linens and dishes, etc.

You should not have to drag everything with you.

Adn there are agencies that have assignments in Washington that do this.

xcpmarch · Aug 26, 2005

If you are going with a full service agency, then all of your utilities should be included, including telephone, etc. The only things that I pay for are my cable modem, and an increase in cable service, basic is provided. Not sure who you are in contact with. If they aren't included then it isn't completely free housing. Your apt should be fully furnished, and I mean fully. With dishes and linens, as well as tv. A furnished apt can mean just basic furniture, and nothing else. Definitely not acceptable to me.

Suzanne,

I'm amazed by you. You are all over this forum and you seem to have a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge: general travel nursing in the US, travel nursing internationally, what to expect from an agency, and apparently also acting as an independant contractor?

Thanks for all your great posts. I hope you're getting some kind of revenue share from allnurses.com! :chuckle

But on to my question... You mention here that you perform an upgrade to your basic cable television and add cable internet service. What is that like? You contact the cable company directly and have them upgrade service? Or do you ask your agency to have that in place for you? Is that upgrade typically in place and ready to go as soon as you arrive?

Thanks,

xcpmarch

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Aug 26, 2005

I always ask the Housing department exactly what is included, as well as what the parking situation is. Being from the South, I was surprised to find that many places charge for parking/Hospital parking or use of the complex's pool. In some cities such as Manhattan, it is easier and cheaper to do without one's car. Also, see if you can find out about issues like whether there is an onsite laundry or a grocery nearby.

Some complexes have a website where you can check these things out.

babynurselsa, RN · Aug 27, 2005

Some agencies will muddy the waters and try to separate each little thing. Then they go on to make themselves sound like they are doing so much for you when in fact they are skimping on what they should be providing for you. An agency that is taking care of their nurses will provide everything; housinf FULLY furnished to include dishes and linens as Suzanne stated. All utilities phone ater cable and electric. The company I went with even provided a minimum of long distance. Many companies even provide rental cars.

Visit http://www.delphiforums.com and go to the Travelers and Theraoists forums. You will find a wealth of info from other travelers. They also have a sister forum where you can find postings by recruiters from many companies.

It has been my observation that less than scrupulous recruiters are ferreted out very quickly there. Wouldn't you say so also suzanne?