taking advantage?

No, I wouldn't accept a contract at that rate. If it is a location you are really set on, I'd suggest trying to negotiate to have the completion bonus divided up by the number of hours in your contract and added to your hourly rate to make it more acceptable. This would give you more money in the long run as bonuses are taxed at a much higher rate than wages. It would also increase the "time and a half" of any OT you did. The company may not go for this, but it is possible as I have negotiated this in past contracts.

If they won't go for that, I'd look elsewhere and maybe with a different company for a contract, telling the first company that the low rate was my reason for doing so.

There is NO way I would accept a rate that low. I'm signed with three agencies and I was offered a night 12 hr in ICU at the Univ. (for 34 an hour). No bonus but I won't be paying 45% rate to IRS either. If I were you, I certainly would investigate other agencies. When you figure that you will work 520 hours in a contract, your 3G bonus is only worth abut 5.50 an hour. (and Uncle Sam will take about 1/2). Not worth it.

The wolf

There are those that WATCH things happen,

There are those that MAKE things happen,

and then there are those poor souls that wonder WHAT happened!

There are much better offers out there and you want to make certain that you are getting this tax free. There are many ways you can make the most of your travel opportunities and you need to get with a company and a recruiter that knows how to get the best for you. Not to sound like a salesman, but I have been in this industry for a while and I work for one of the best companies in the industry. I have a lot of insight about nurse travel and I woul dbe glad to talk to you. You can reach me at [email protected]