Travel pay is SO confusing!

cvryder · Jan 20, 2006

I don't know what companies you're dealing with, but I got a MUCH better deal on my first assignment, $34/hr and I *did* get the free one-bedroom apartment. (Unfortunately I had to move in the middle of my assignment, due to the building being sold, but it wasn't their fault). I'd considered jumping companies, but so far what I've been offered is less, either pay-wise or apartment-wise, and thanks to this board, I've been saved from dealing with certain companies. Stick to your guns and hold out for what you're worth! I'm with World Health and my recruiter is Lizzie, but I've also heard really good things about On Assignment and pretty good ones about Trustaff.

bagladyrn, RN · Jan 20, 2006

Mimi - The big hint here might be that you mention Arizona. There is something there called the AZHA that controls rates for contracts at all hospitals in AZ that are part of this association (unfortunately most of them). AZ is usually one of the lower paying states as a result, so 26-29 is not out of line for the area. Bonuses are usually offered as an inducement for harder to fill positions such as nights, so not unusual that a day position may not offer it.

I do strongly disagree that you should "jump at whatever you are offered"! Don't take a contract unless you feel that it is equitable - don't expect the moon, but don't feel cheated going in. Take your time, do more research and get a decent deal.

P.S. Another thing to be aware of with the AZHA - they generally demand a clause in the contract which allows them to call you off one shift per pay period without penalty to them. It's non negotiable as it's not controlled by your company, but I have had them put in my contract that hours missed because of this clause would not count against the satisfactory completion of my contract.

bagladyrn, RN · Jan 20, 2006

ooops - double posted!

Brownms46 · Jan 23, 2006

I have been a nurse FOREVER and am about to accept my first travel assignment, but this whole pay thing is just making me nuts. I read the forum threads and then read the ads from the various company websites and now I have actually talked to real people at several of these companies and the $30 - $40/hr is suddenly $26/hr. I work Oncology and want to take a day shift assignment in AZ. I didn't think that was being too picky, but the recruiters seem to say that since it is my first travel assignment I should grab what is offered. True, it is my first travel assignment, but 20+ years of nursing should count for something! (tenacity, if nothing else) Anyway, is $26-29/hour reasonable? This does not include the "free 1 bedroom furnished apt" . There is no "bonus" from the hospitals associated with the jobs thus offered, because they are day shift positions (like I should be grateful and not ask to be paid)Travel reembursement is .28/mile which comes out to about $200. I know I am not a great negotiator, but taking a position like this gives me a $10/hr pay cut from what I am making now. Am I not getting the whole picture or what? Thanks so much for any insight you can give me.

First, if you are entering Travel Nursing just to make money, you maybe in for a dissappointment. And whether you get a bonus or not on an assignment, has nothing to do with whether it is days nor not, only how desperate the facility is.

As for being a first time traveler, more and more hospitals will NOT take first time travelers. In fact there are those who won't take FIRST YEAR Travelers! Why? Because there is too much hand holding, too much of I am home-sick, and too much of "My mother (or any family member) died and I have to leave...stuff going on. Not to mention Travelers calling up at the last min, and deciding that can't honor their word, and cancel.

If I can be of help to you, I would be more than happy to assist, as I have been Traveling for over 14years now.

mimirn12 · Jan 24, 2006

Thanks so much for your response. I truly am interested in traveling for lots of reasons, and I don't anticipate needing lots of hand holding as I have been a nurse for 30+ years, and a mom x 8 for longer, I pretty much have the hand holding thing covered. I get that its not all about the money, its just getting the ins-and outs figured out that I'd like to get straight. Have you ever heard of Healthcareseekers? They seem to be a very "together" company, but I haven't spoken to an actual person yet. THanks again.