Best Pay for Travelling Nurses? I need some assistance.. please!

[X-treme]

First, I just would like to say I'm currently in my 2nd of 4 year program to obtain my RN status and have heard overwhelming stories about travelling nurses. Including pay, lodging, benefits etc..

I know money isn't everything, but I would like to know where is the BEST place to work for a travelling nurse?

Is it TRUE that travelling nurses get paid a great deal more then nurses stationed at one hospital for X number of years?

Numerous people have told me to work with the government because they offer exceptional rates.

Any websites or additional information would be greatly appreciated.

I want to travel, see the world. It suits me, but need the information to decide!

Thanks for any help!

-Steve

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Steve most companies for travel say you need one year of experience in your specialty to travel. Traveling is hard. You may float ALOT, you may get nights, on call and such but that is okay. Some people are nice to travelers others are not. Try :

http://www.delphiforums.com

look for traveling nurses.

renerian

[X-treme]

Renerian, thank you for the heads-up.

I had an understanding that experience would be crucial.

I'll take a look at the site!

Thanks again.

[renerian, BSN, RN]

It is a good site to open your eyes on traveling. I would love to travel all the time. My acute skills are not enough up to snuff. I can do traveling home health.

renerian

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

A. While most companies require 1 year experience, it is best to have several years under your belt, and if possible, some ICU level experience.

B. The top destinations frequently don't pay well - they don't have to. The pay rates for the Virgin Islands are general poor. But then the locals there are not paid well either.

C. The pay is good for a new nurse. And frequently, the pay on the West Coast and in cities like Philadelphia or New York is high, but then so is the cost of living. And while your housing is paid for, will they pay parking fees, etc. as some companies do not.

D. The highest pay is frequently for a bad situation. Strikebreaking pays well, but is that how you want to make your money. Many high paying jobs will test your patience, and endanger your license( or ocassionally your life) . And very few people are likily to back up a travelor against a regular staffer in case of problems. You do have to perform meticulous work.

E. You can't call out sick and your contract can be cancelled for ANYTHING. Not a problem that I have had but one that does occur.

F. Do you make more money than the local regular staff. Frequently, yes. But most travelors (not all) do not accrue Holidays/Vacation, get paid for class time (CPR/ACLS/certification). We also are not guaranteed a job (except with the shortage right now). We take greater risk , as we take on much responsibility almost immediately, though we are not as familiar with the Institution Policies. We may not get as desirable a schedule as a regular. And we may not make as much per hour as another person of equitable seniority in the hospital. The place that I worked 8 years in, offers travelors $7.00 less per hour than I was making there. And in places like Florida, where wages poor, you will not make nearly as much as New York. We can take a break though at our leisure. I spend three monthes out of the year helping my mom out, by taking an assignment near her.

So it has its good points and bad points.

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Good post.

renerian