travel company playing games

Published

I was trying to figure out the most economic way to do transportation for a travel assignment in California. I do not wish to drive cross country because that would be racking up too much mileage on my new car and I'm not particularly impressed by the reimbursement rates that the travel company is offering. I was thinking that since they are a big company that does rentals all the time they could get me a really good deal on a 13 week rental. NOT SO! They are quoting me almost $4500+!!! I checked around on the car rental websites and I found that I could rent an economy car on my own for less than half that amount. Then the recruiter is telling me that I will get "free housing" with a certain rate of pay, but it turns out that the housing isn't really so 'free' at all because another agency quoted me free housing and a much higher hourly rate of pay for the same hospital. If I were to find my own housing and take the housing subsidy from the first agency, I would come out at least $800 more ahead.

If I were to sign with the first agency, after the housing and an economy car rental 'benefits' I would actually end up making in the high 20s per hour BEFORE taxes---and this is in the Bay Area, which is a joke. The recruiter seemed annoyed that I kept working the math every time he quoted a number, as if I'm supposed to just sit and play dumb while he's ripping me off. I wonder why this guy thinks that I, with my experience, would leave my permanent job (with great benefits, btw) to travel across the country to work for less money than I make now, in an area of the country where the COL is sky high:rolleyes: ! This recruiter is just like a used car salesman. When I first spoke to him, the benefits and rate of pay he sold me were very good. Now that we are getting ready to do the contract I realize that he's trying to play the old game of bait and switch. :madface: I know the agency has to make money, but jeez.

I said 'No, but thanks' to his generous offer. I'd rather stick with my current job until I find a better travel opportunity. I posted this message so that new travelers like myself are very careful when dealing with some of these travel companies. Pay careful attention to everything these recruiters tell you and ALWAYS do the math, otherwise they will tell you you're getting a great deal when what they're really doing is screwing you over with a smile.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB.

The thing for new travelers to remember (not necessarily meaning you personally) is that nothing from the agencies is "free". The housing, benefits, rental car, etc. all come out of your share of the amount the hospital is paying the agency for your contract. Therefore, if you get more in one area (rental car for instance), something else is going to go down (hourly rate perhaps). Differences from one agency to the other are either a difference in how they divide it up, a difference in the amount or quality of benefits and services, or a difference in their reimbursement from the hospital, if they negotiated a different amount.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Baglady,

Thanks for your input. I understand that these expenses will come out of my earnings. My issue is not that the rate of pay is reduced to cover them, it is about the amount that the agency is trying to rip me off. Wouldn't you agree that $2000 is a lot of money to overcharge for a car rental?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

yes, nothing is free.

While talking with recruiters about a prospective assignment I sit with pen, paper and calculator in hand. Yes, sometimes they get annoyied that I want to do the numbers myself, but afterall it is my life we are talking about.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

okay this is really scaring me........my husband is so into us traveling.......and the more i read/reseach the more scared i get..........

Up Vote Up Vote ×
This recruiter is just like a used car salesman. When I first spoke to him, the benefits and rate of pay he sold me were very good. Now that we are getting ready to do the contract I realize that he's trying to play the old game of bait and switch. :madface: I know the agency has to make money, but jeez.

I'm looking at companies for California right now, would you mind posting the name of the company you were dealing with?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion