1st timer!! Need advice please!

icu_nursie76 · Jun 9, 2008

It is indeed true. I am currently on my first travel assignment in Omaha, Ne and my taxable hrly wage is $7/hr $2800/month tax free housing stipend, $950/month tax free car allowance and $1800/month tax free pier diem(which includes food and cost of living). Just make sure you keep all your receipts. I found my own housing a nice apt for $600/month so the rest of the stipendi is pocket money! Good luck and happy travels:loveya:

traveljen · Jun 10, 2008

i would be leary of both the assignments. go to delphi fourms post question but 16.99/hr and 7/hr you are asking to get aduited by the irs

daisydoll · Aug 18, 2008

It is indeed true. I am currently on my first travel assignment in Omaha, Ne and my taxable hrly wage is $7/hr $2800/month tax free housing stipend, $950/month tax free car allowance and $1800/month tax free pier diem(which includes food and cost of living). Just make sure you keep all your receipts. I found my own housing a nice apt for $600/month so the rest of the stipendi is pocket money! Good luck and happy travels:loveya:

ICU_nursie I just accepted a travel assignment in Omaha. Which hospital are you at and do you like it? Is there lots to do in the city?

nursinadream · Aug 18, 2008

I just went to the RTG Medical website. wow! Lots of jobs posted there. Highway Hypo did a "spotlight" on the company recently. It's always good to hear about a personal experience.

I hope to do some travel near the end of this year. Want to go to Florida, but will wait 'til hurrican season is over!

Deb

jmb410s · Aug 19, 2008

Hi everyone!
I have been searching around for a good agency/recruiter and have ran into a couple of duds so far (too pushy, too unprofessional, not listening, ect). I finally found a recruiter I feel has the qualities I am looking for, but the deal seems kind of "fishy".
Has anyone ever taken a "tax free" "per diem food" check per week and taken a cut in the base pay?
I'll just tell you all what he said:
Downtown Chicago and Living Free Private Downtown
16.99 base pay (sounds horrible, i know but read on....)
500$ per week "tax free" check to use on "food". I asked how this could be legal and if you would have to show receipts. He said they get so much they can use as "tax free" and it is completely legal.
Is this true and is this a good deal???

You can get what is called a meals and Incidentals tax break which is what that $500 is. The goverment allows various amounts depending on the city/state. $500 is very high as it is only around $300/week out here in California.

And this is a set amount. You do not have to show receipts.

You should also look to see what the average wage is for a nurse in Chicago and your hourly should reflect that. Anything you get above that can be tax free to not alert the IRS.

Hope that helps,

Jeremy

icu_nursie76 · Aug 19, 2008

ICU_nursie I just accepted a travel assignment in Omaha. Which hospital are you at and do you like it? Is there lots to do in the city?

Dasiydoll-

sorry it took sooooooo long for me to respond back but i just saw the post today:cry: anyhow i am at bergan mercy hospital it is part of allegant health and i like it alot! unfortunatly i only have 3more wks left. my husband is with me and we have had a blast... we went to the zoo 2day with was nice, comedy clubs regae boat rides. what hospital are you at? maybe we could meet for coffee or something b4 i leave. lots of nice restauant here too.

goodluck

daisydoll · Aug 19, 2008

Dasiydoll-
sorry it took sooooooo long for me to respond back but i just saw the post today:cry: anyhow i am at bergan mercy hospital it is part of allegant health and i like it alot! unfortunatly i only have 3more wks left. my husband is with me and we have had a blast... we went to the zoo 2day with was nice, comedy clubs regae boat rides. what hospital are you at? maybe we could meet for coffee or something b4 i leave. lots of nice restauant here too.
goodluck

I am going to be at Creighton Medical Center but I don't start until Sept 8. If you are still around I would love to meet. Sounds like a great city! :nurse:

crb613, BSN, RN · Aug 19, 2008

Hi I would like to travel also.....never have so totally lost. Does anyone know anything good/bad about Medical Connections? Florida is where I would like to go.....I saw an add by them for the Ft Myers area.....I would also love to hear about the ones ya'll like. Thanks!

neurorn6 · Aug 23, 2008

I hope to start traveling by the middle of Sept. I've talked with several companies and now my head is spinning like Linda Blair in the Exorcist. I am so afraid that I make a stupid mistake. I want a reliable company that is up front and honest. I don't need the stress of lies and ********. All suggestions and insight is appreciated. :eek:

hughsdoll · Dec 31, 2008

Just read this post and realize it's six months after the fact but wonder whatever happened with this. I work in Texas and get a tx free housing stipend(as I provided my own housing) plus $214 a week in "meal allowance" tax free on top of a decent hourly wage. I'm sure all states vary in rules but I'd check directly with the IRS website. Can't remember the link but THEY have specific rules. You don't want to cross them of all people! That amount of money seems"fishy" to me. I see they have cut your pay to rationalize what they are "giving you".You are only being taxed on the lesser amount while you actually make more. In time that could actually hurt you as your payinh into Social Security. Short term it may not affect you too much. I have heard of this same situation coming back on nurses whom ended up owing the IRS big time. Nobody needs that surprise! Check the IRS's rules (they win in the end anyway) and if it feels questionable....always trust your gut! Best of luck in your travel and career! :nurse:

Traci

hnonnac · Jan 3, 2009

Yes, and go with a reputable company for travel nursing. American Mobile Nurses is top and they are certified by the Joint Commission.