First time traveler looking for are with highest pays and most available overtime

RNnlovinit · Nov 28, 2001

I have been traveling for 7 years. I have traveled with many different companies and I think I know them all. I am what is considered a seasoned traveler. So first, let me tell you what I know. If you are not making the equivelant of $47-$52.00 hour then you are getting gyped! If they are giving you "FREE" housing you are really paying for it. Those agencies that give "FREE housing" are usually only paying $29.00 - $32.00 an hour. If you were making $32.00 an hour you would only be taking home approximately $291.84 for a 12 hour shift. You should be taking home $375 or more per SHIFT!!! I average take home after taxes of $423.00 per 12 hour shift. I would rather see that money in my pocket. WHen I work I work for straight take home money, then if I work extra shifts I am pocketing all that money, it's not going to my "housing". I also want benefits like insurance and 401K, but not everyone needs that. I would never do anything but travel nursing. I earn over $100,000 per year doing this and work when I want to work, and where I want to work. And, I am respected by my company and treated very well. But, then I do know the ropes. I am not dazzled by phoney fringes that come out of my paycheck. I am happy with the company I am with now. :rolleyes:

travelbearrn · Nov 28, 2001

RNnlovinit....

Would you share with us how you go about accomplishing these things? I am a newbie, just one year of traveling. I have so far stuck with a company that pays for everything including a rental car at the assignment. How on earth would I manage without these perks? I'm not savvy as to how to arrange all these things myself. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. I always have $35.00 per hour assignments. Never less. The duraton is anywhere from 4-8 weeks, up to me to decide.

I will be trying another company in January, that also pays for everything, but does not provide the rental car at the assignment. Another nurse and I are going to spit the cost and share a car.

Any tips or suggestions? Please post Thanks!

All comments welcome from everyone!:)

PhantomRN · Jan 9, 2002

Just curious travelbearRN why you are changing companies? Are you unhappy with the one you have or did they not have the assignement you wanted?

Just an aside how is the medical insurance at the travel companies? I would need it for myself and my family?

crazynurse10000 · Jan 12, 2002

I have worked with the same company for three years. Small company. But very individual attention. Pick your company like you would a friend. Trustworthy and dependable. I picked one that one of my friends enjoyed being with. I have often wanted to go with a bigger company, but the grass isn't always greener! Look for incentives- insurance- good housing- 401K- If your housing is good your pay per hour may not be 40.00 per hour. There is no perfect company. They all have downfalls. Just don't get suckered into working in the desert for an assigment like I did. It was 120 degrees. My first assignment. I now do some heavy researching before I pack my bags. I always ask around.

parrotheadtoo · Feb 4, 2002

hey..what company are you with, sounds like a really good one. i'm with a small company in florida now...great customer service and i love my recruiter...but the hospital really sucks..and the pay isn't that good compared to the cost of living in naples.

C Queen · Jan 13, 2003

What company are you with? Please tell me! Thanks!

Dee

JNJ · Jan 13, 2003

Please read RNlovinit's post. So many travel nurses sell themselves short on what they can actually earn.

There have been so many good posts around the subject of choosing agencies etc. The more RNs settle for less, the more it becomes the norm. Read my posts on other threads about pay, independence, etc.

Learn assertiveness. Ask for what you really want. Don't pay the agency large $$ unless you really want to. Amaze yourself. Power to us all.

SURFDOG · May 4, 2003

RN AND LOVIN IT WHAT COMPANIES DO YOU USE

SURFDOG · May 4, 2003

MISS RN AND LOVING IT DOES'NT WANT YOU TO SNAKE HER JOBS

SURFDOG · May 4, 2003

NEW TRAVELERS SIGN UP WITH A COUPLE OF COMPANIES. BASED ON COMMON SENSE BENEFITS, PAY, AND AVAILIBILITY OF JOBS. FIND A POSTING YOUR INTERESTED IN AND CHECK ALL YOUR COMPANIES FOR THAT SAME POSITION, START THE BIDDING PROCESS, BUT DON'T LET THEM SUBMIT YOUR PROFILE UNTIL YOU HAVE THE HIGHEST BIDDER. EACH CONTRACT ASK AROUND, IF YOU FIND SOMEBODY NEW APPLY, DROP AN OLD COMPANY WHO DOESNT COMPARE. THIS IS A PAIN BECUASE APPLICATIONS TAKE A LONG TIME, BUT IF GIVES YOU A BIG RESOURCE POOL FOR JOBS AND SOME BARGAINING LEVERAGE, ASK THEM TO QUOTE A COUPLE OF PLACES YOU WILL BE HOUSED IN AND WHO THEY GET THERE FURNITURE THROUGH, THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME THEY WILL PAY YOU 1200 FOR HOUSING AND PUT YOU IN A PLACE COSTING THEM 1600 SO IF YOU ASK FOR 1600 YOU WILL GET IT.

LadyNASDAQ · May 18, 2003

Dialysis Nurses can really rake it in!!! I know, I am one but also, I am an ICU Nurse. I worked as a Charge Nurse as a Traveler for 2 1/2 years in a Renal ICU and also oversaw the Renal Dialysis Unit.

We can make a bundle but I agree with another poster on this thread, don't be a scab. My friend, you can earn a good living without worrying for your safety and without getting into Union politics. Greed is a bad thing. The same $$$$ are there without having to concern yourself if anyone will recognize you. You know what I mean...

I can only say that what I do is look for distressed hospitals that need a Travel Nurse really bad and then look to the assignment and talk with the Nurse Manager. Don't be shy, just ask what you really want to know and need.

If I want extra $$$$, I want the ability to make that in ot. That's my big want and need. The hours... I could care less about schedules, Holidays or whatever, overall. I HAVE learnedone thing though.... if you contract during a special time like the Holidays, expect to work them. If you want it off, just don't contract during tht special time and then you won't be disappointed.

lollieab · Oct 9, 2005

Can you pm the name of your company and recruiter. I read your post and you seem to have some really sound advice. I am a CVICU nurse getting ready to travel in '06 and I am starting to do some serious research on these companies.

Laura

QUOTE=RNnlovinit]I have been traveling for 7 years. I have traveled with many different companies and I think I know them all. I am what is considered a seasoned traveler. So first, let me tell you what I know. If you are not making the equivelant of $47-$52.00 hour then you are getting gyped! If they are giving you "FREE" housing you are really paying for it. Those agencies that give "FREE housing" are usually only paying $29.00 - $32.00 an hour. If you were making $32.00 an hour you would only be taking home approximately $291.84 for a 12 hour shift. You should be taking home $375 or more per SHIFT!!! I average take home after taxes of $423.00 per 12 hour shift. I would rather see that money in my pocket. WHen I work I work for straight take home money, then if I work extra shifts I am pocketing all that money, it's not going to my "housing". I also want benefits like insurance and 401K, but not everyone needs that. I would never do anything but travel nursing. I earn over $100,000 per year doing this and work when I want to work, and where I want to work. And, I am respected by my company and treated very well. But, then I do know the ropes. I am not dazzled by phoney fringes that come out of my paycheck. I am happy with the company I am with now. :rolleyes: