Signed on with Travel Agency in Wash but now having second thoughts

[alwayslearnin]

Greetings,

I signed up with a Seattle-based Agency. I guess I had expectations that I wouldn't have a hard time getting contracts. But in inquiring with the agency I was told that if I wanted to count on a regular, steady income, maybe travel nursing is not for me. When I asked what the average time between contract is, I was told, it varies depending on need. I was also told that they do reviews for benefits at the first of each month and if you go for longer than 4 weeks between contracts and you have been turning down jobs, or don't seem to be trying to get work, they will consider that in determining to continue benefits. They said I could go on Cobra but that is waayyy to expensive.

So now I am having second thoughts. So my question is-how has your experience been bieng a traveler in Wash State and getting contracts? Have you lost your benefits R/T length of time between contracts? Fo you go out anticipating long stretches of time between contracts? Any experience or thought to consider would be appreciated!

Thank you

alwayslearnin

[caliotter3]

Sounds as if they are diligent in making sure that not everyone gets benefits who is not working steadily. If you are having second thoughts, I would just write a resignation letter. Or you can take the passive/agressive approach, often used by agencies, and not accept work or return calls. Sooner or later, they will stop calling you.

[alwayslearnin]

Thanks for replying caliotter3. I want to be a steady worker. The problem is if I worked per diem I would be traveling about 2 hours each way to work and between gas prices and how much that would take out of me, well, ya it makes me think twice. If I could get contracts where I could get housing, then that wouldn't be problem as long as there wasn't a very long wait time between contracts- and that is the thing that makes me nervous is the wait time. I would work back to back contracts-that would be the ideal. I haven't taken an assignment yet, so I don't think I need to do a resignation letter. Actually, it was one of the employees that said if I was having second thoughts, I might not want to do it. Again, I haven't made any contracts yet so.....

Again, thank you for the reply.

Hope you have a good day!

alwayslearnin

[NurseVoldemort, BSN, RN]

There are hundreds of travel companies. Try some of these, they have good reputations at the hospital I work at;

Medical Staffing (MSN - Intellistaff)

TravelNursing.com

Favorite staffing

Sign up with all of them! You have no obligation to work for only one!

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

I will move thread to the travel nurse forum for more help and advice