RN Network

Does anyone have any general opinions re RN Network or traveling in Texas. Are the rates and the benefits competitive?

Do your research on the pay before you take an assignment!!

I have worked with them in the past and they get a plus for the living arrangements. I had a really nice private furnished apartment with utilities under $80 per month covered (I had to bring my own TV and pay for phone and cable). My recruiter, who is no longer there, was great.

The negative was, I discovered I was getting $9.00 per hour less than other travelers on the same unit (atleast 4 different companies represented). There was nothing to explain such a difference and my recruiter said there was nothing she could do. A current traveler with them on my unit also discovered she is being paid $7 per hour less than the other 3 traveler (all from different companies). I recently called them to ask about assignments at my hospital since I know the pay range for most travelers, and once again they were way off the mark. When I was with them, they offered double time for over 40 hours for "most" assignments. You will discover, alot of times, "most" means not the one you are on.

I have worked with RN Network for 5 years and am very happy with them. The only assignments I have not gotten double time for overtime was in Arizona, where the Arizona hospital association has a lock on a lot of things, including salaries.

As far a salaries...all travel companies will get paid the same by the hospital for the travelers they use. So one company may use that money to give the traveler more in salary, but scrimp on housing, insurance or other benefits. Many companies are not available if you need them, may not have enough staff and you play phone tag just reaching someone. All of those things come into play when you are looking for a company.

I am willing to take a bit less in salary, and I have never found it to be appreciably less than what other travelers are making, in order to be with a company that I can trust. I know that they are looking for travelers who are in it for the long haul. They will not try to "trick" you into taking a bad assignment just to get it filled. They want you to be happy, and playing tricks with you will not endear you to them.

The contracts are clear and concise, I am always able to reach a real person who can help me with anything I need or just to answer questions. My housing has always been superb, and in a safe area. The insurance is very good. I interviewed at one company who told me their insurance was very bad, and I should just not bother with it, and get other coverage.

Salaries can also be misleading. You may be told you will make a certain amount of money in salary and another in housing or bonuses. You have to be careful, because some states tax bonuses differently and at a higher rate. Also you can get into tax trouble if you let them roll a large amount into a "tax free" housing allowance. The IRS will only allow a certain amount as tax free.

There are many good companies out there. You have to decide what is best for you. I am looking for more than "just money". I also want a quality company that I can trust. RN Network is JCAHO accredited and works hard for their employees. Can you make a few more dollars per hour at other agencies? Absolutely. Can you find a more reputable company? I don't think so.

Shop around, talk to some recruiters. Get a feel for them. There will be some that will promise you a position at a hospital of your choice before you even complete your application. Bait and switch is common in some companies, so just take your time, and beware.

There seems to be alot of travel assignments to TX or interest in TX. What's up with that?

Thanks for your reply. I have heard nothing but good things so far about RN Network. The opinion seems to be consistent regarding the lower hourly rates. I guess the bigger the agency the more nurses they have to pay. But you are absolutley right. I am also willing to accept less money if it means better quality. YOu can go independently to an outside local agency and clean up with overtime. Im excited about posibly choosing RN Network.

Lollie

I have worked with RN Network for 5 years and am very happy with them. The only assignments I have not gotten double time for overtime was in Arizona, where the Arizona hospital association has a lock on a lot of things, including salaries.

As far a salaries...all travel companies will get paid the same by the hospital for the travelers they use. So one company may use that money to give the traveler more in salary, but scrimp on housing, insurance or other benefits. Many companies are not available if you need them, may not have enough staff and you play phone tag just reaching someone. All of those things come into play when you are looking for a company.

I am willing to take a bit less in salary, and I have never found it to be appreciably less than what other travelers are making, in order to be with a company that I can trust. I know that they are looking for travelers who are in it for the long haul. They will not try to "trick" you into taking a bad assignment just to get it filled. They want you to be happy, and playing tricks with you will not endear you to them.

The contracts are clear and concise, I am always able to reach a real person who can help me with anything I need or just to answer questions. My housing has always been superb, and in a safe area. The insurance is very good. I interviewed at one company who told me their insurance was very bad, and I should just not bother with it, and get other coverage.

Salaries can also be misleading. You may be told you will make a certain amount of money in salary and another in housing or bonuses. You have to be careful, because some states tax bonuses differently and at a higher rate. Also you can get into tax trouble if you let them roll a large amount into a "tax free" housing allowance. The IRS will only allow a certain amount as tax free.

There are many good companies out there. You have to decide what is best for you. I am looking for more than "just money". I also want a quality company that I can trust. RN Network is JCAHO accredited and works hard for their employees. Can you make a few more dollars per hour at other agencies? Absolutely. Can you find a more reputable company? I don't think so.

Shop around, talk to some recruiters. Get a feel for them. There will be some that will promise you a position at a hospital of your choice before you even complete your application. Bait and switch is common in some companies, so just take your time, and beware.

Thanks for your reply. I have heard nothing but good things so far about RN Network. The opinion seems to be consistent regarding the lower hourly rates. I guess the bigger the agency the more nurses they have to pay. But you are absolutley right. I am also willing to accept less money if it means better quality. YOu can go independently to an outside local agency and clean up with overtime. Im excited about posibly choosing RN Network.

Lollie

I think you are approaching things in the correct way. You have to be clear what is important to you as a traveler and go with the company that meets your need.