Unemployment

Medic15251 · May 19, 2007

Are you serious? Is the "little time" between your contracts by your choice? If it is then why do you deserve unemployment? Perhaps a better alternative would be to take a vacation or visit family rather than draw unemployment.

MrChicagoRN, RN · May 20, 2007

There will be a little time between my existing contract and the next one so it was suggested I file for unemployment.
Any advice on this? Ive never collected before.
Does one file in the state they worked, or reside and file taxes?
Thanks-

I'd suggest contacting your home state.

If there is a gap between the time one assignment ends and the time when your next acceptable assignment begins, you are unemployed.

The fund is paid for by your employers. You do have to be actively seeking employment during this time. If you qualify, go for it.

Kymmi · May 20, 2007

Unemployment compensation is based on the last employer you were with and they must confirm that there is no work available for you in order for you to receive compensation. I personally cant imagine any company doing that considering most travel nurse agencies have very many positions they are needing to fill. Is it your choice to take some time off between assignments? If so then why would you think you deserve unemployment compensation? That isn't any different then if I was going to quit my job and take time off prior to starting a new job and filing for unemployment (which I wouldnt qualify for anyway since it's my decision to quit). I do believe that the only way to collect unemployment is to be terminated from you job or have a lay-off.

I dont think that your previous employer pays the actual unemployment but the amount you are paid is based on your last previous employer. I think that unemployment is yet another benefit paid for by taxpayers but I could be wrong about that part.

MrChicagoRN, RN · May 21, 2007

I dont think that your previous employer pays the actual unemployment but the amount you are paid is based on your last previous employer. I think that unemployment is yet another benefit paid for by taxpayers but I could be wrong about that part.

Unemployment is funded by a per capita tax paid by the employer. The rate is determined by the number of claims from each company. The money from all companies is pooled & that's where claims are paid from. Funding is almost always from this employer funded pool.

http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/uifactsheet.asp

Whether the OP qualifies boils down to whether the time period between contracts is involuntary or not, according to her state.

Kymmi · May 21, 2007

Thanks for the info MrChicago...I said I wasnt sure where the unemployment money actually came from but I didnt think it was directly from the employer. I thought it was from some sort of tax though. I understand that it is based on whether or not the time off is voluntary or unvoluntary and that's why I stated I didnt think the OP would be off work unvoluntary because there are so many travel positions to fill that it isnt likely that the travel company didnt have work available.

11:11 · May 23, 2007

Are you serious? Is the "little time" between your contracts by your choice? If it is then why do you deserve unemployment?

And no it isnt by choice. My company doesnt have any jobs in radiology anywhere though others are looking. And I have four mouths to feed other than my own.

Since Ive been back from Iraq Ive only worked in radiology which means I havent worked in ICU or ER for two years. As most of you know most agencies and facilities wont use you in an area of specialty unless you have at least one year current experience. There are acceptions of course, but they are the acception.

The alternative would be taking a staff job localy (if there are any) but I would like to relocate.

Like I said in my original post Ive never filed before and it was suggested to me-

Medic15251 · May 24, 2007

11:11

I was simply asking whether or not the time between contracts was voluntary or involuntary. I think others have answered your question. Your eligibility and amount of compensation would be based on state guidelines. If you follow the link left by MrChicago it should answer your question.

My company doesnt have any jobs in radiology

Perhaps you should look with more than one company! I found radiology jobs with several companies just doing a quick internet search.

I havent worked in ICU or ER for two years. As most of you know most agencies and facilities wont use you in an area of specialty unless you have at least one year current experience

Actually this is simply not true. Most companies do require recent experience and define this as within the last 3 years.

And I have four mouths to feed other than my own.

Seems like if I had four mouths to feed I could bring my self to work as a staff nurse! It's all about personal priorities though I guess. For me, I would choose working and providing for my family rather than taking the unemployment.

Good luck to you and your endeavor to evaluate your priorities

Kymmi · May 24, 2007

Medic....I have to say Im with you on this one.....I totally agree with you on all the facts you pointed out. I think it best if I keep my thoughts to myself at this point but I have a feeling that you and I are probably reading each others minds.

11:11 · May 24, 2007

Medic, no you werent simply asking whether the down time was voluntary or not. The issue of "deserve" was placed in the equation by you.

Like I said...Ive never filed for it before.

Travelers I work with now suggested it so I wondered if it was a viable option or something commonly done-

11 out

Medic15251 · May 24, 2007

11:11

If you take the time and read my original post I was in fact asking if the down time was by choice. I then asked why you deserve unemployment benefits if you choose to take time off. I would encourage you to read the posts completely before posting in the future.

11:11 · May 24, 2007

I would encourage you to read the posts completely before posting in the future.

To all who replied constructively thanks-