traveler n need of advice asap

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2006

You have to shop around. My speciality is not ER. But, in one case, one company offered me $13. per hr less than another company, for the same assignment. Both offers included housing, utilities and travel. However, the company that paid more also provided paid linens and housewares. The company that paid less didn't.

I, too, am getting calls from agencies all the time. I keep my options open. It's not all about money, but as a traveler, you have to have compensation which makes it worth it to leave home.

I have never traveled with Cross Country, but they have called. They have offered me less than some agencies, more than others.

When I first became a traveler, I heard tales from others about travelers making outrageous sums of money. I've come to find out it isn't true.

If you like your current assignment, but find out other travelers are getting paid more, you can find out what agency they are with and apply to extend with that agency.

suzanne4, RN · Jun 24, 2006

Check your contract closely, yo uusually cannot extend it with another travel company at the same facility. There is non-compete clause in your contract. Look closely for it, I can promise you that it is there.

Where it states that you cannot accept a position at that same facility for a certain period of time without having to pay a fee. And usually a hefty one at that.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2006

Hmmmm.... My contracts are always just one page and don't have a non-compete clause.

fergus51 · Jun 24, 2006

Not all companies require this. My current company doesn't have such a clause. The specifically pointed that out to me and said I could take a contract in the same hospital with another company if I wasn't happy with them.

nightingale, RN · Jun 25, 2006

I would not sign a contract if it had that kind of clause. I agree, most contracts are simpler and not pages and pages of "lingo that need an explanation.

1940Nurse · Jun 25, 2006

Check your contract closely, yo uusually cannot extend it with another travel company at the same facility. There is non-compete clause in your contract. Look closely for it, I can promise you that it is there.
Where it states that you cannot accept a position at that same facility for a certain period of time without having to pay a fee. And usually a hefty one at that.

I've never had a non compete clause in mine either. I wouldn't sign one if it did.

readysetgo · Jul 1, 2006

My 1st assignment was with the same company you are with now. I had several hair raising moments with them and it took several weeks to smooth out. If you want more money - you can go with a rapid response company like the one I'm about to try for my 2nd assignment. Short term assignments 4-8 weeks, work work work 48+ hrs though - that's how you make the money. I'm about to find out in August. If you want me to refer your name - let me know. It doesn't hurt to talk to the company.

I'm not sure how long I can keep up with that pace though. It will be work/sleep/no life. What's it like working in Vegas?

SCGreywolf · Jul 7, 2006

My 1st assignment was with the same company you are with now. I had several hair raising moments with them and it took several weeks to smooth out. If you want more money - you can go with a rapid response company like the one I'm about to try for my 2nd assignment. Short term assignments 4-8 weeks, work work work 48+ hrs though - that's how you make the money. I'm about to find out in August. It will be work/sleep/no life. What's it like working in Vegas?

Where's the problem with a 48 hour workweek....especially if you are after money? I'm currently with Nurse Choice which is part of the American Mobile Network (as is Cross Country). I traveled with CC a couple of times back when...and I would NEVER do it again. Housing was not as promised, trouble with direct deposit, recruiter promised the moon and delivered the basement, company left me at the mercy of the hospital as r/t scheduling, didn't back me up on 'floating' to unfamiliar surroundings (oncology...and I am in ICU). Then, like a fool, I signed with them AGAIN using a different recruiter.....SS/DD. SO FAR, NC has delivered everything they said they would. Paycheck on time, housing as expected, hospital as expected, no problem with a 3 week extension, recuiter is good and efficient, their Q/A people are somewhat scattered but still reasonable. The ONLY complaint I have so far is that their milage reimbursemnt is low but the overall reimbursement (they include hotels on the way as part of it) is acceptable.

You can PM me if you need more info. (I am one of the nurses, not a recruiter).

18 days and countin' (and Mama's waitin' at the door)

The wolf

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2006

Actually, I believe that CrossCountry is not part of the American Mobile empire.

I personally had lots of problems with American Mobile, and no longer will ever work for any of their affiliates. I have had better luck w/ pretty much anyone else.

I really think that the whole thing varies traveler to traveler.

As far as the non compete clause goes, it is sometimes buried "in the fine print". There is usually something to the effect of " and will abide by all rules laid down in the handbook", one of the publications that you get sent. I know that it is in many American Mobile contracts, as well in many other companys' paperwork.

SCGreywolf · Jul 9, 2006

I apologize, you're right. I had heard that AMN was bidding to purchase CC but I guess it didn't go through. Still doesn't matter...I won't travel with EITHER of them. Both put their hospital contacts before the wellbeing of the nurse. And CC doesn't pay worth a ........ anyway, can't lump them all together. I'm currently traveling under one of AMN's sister companies and am quite happy but we'll see.....

18 days and countin...looking to the Smokies

The Wolf

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jul 9, 2006

I apologize, you're right. I had heard that AMN was bidding to purchase CC but I guess it didn't go through. Still doesn't matter...I won't travel with EITHER of them. Both put their hospital contacts before the wellbeing of the nurse. And CC doesn't pay worth a ........ anyway, can't lump them all together. I'm currently traveling under one of AMN's sister companies and am quite happy but we'll see.....

I don't know...last time I checked, AMN stocks were not doing well, while Crosscountry's were managing nicely. But it has been a while.

There for a while, it looked like AMN had overextended itself by buying up a lot of the smaller groups.

Carolina,

(looking forward to the mountains of GA)