Traveling assignment

[1sttimetraveling]

Dear all,

I am a first time traveling RN. I've just accepted an assignment and signed a 13-week contract. Since I am new at this, I don't know what is the appropriate pay rate for being a traveler. I am currently offered $36/hr after tax to work for Kaiser in Southern CA without housing, relocation assistance, and license reimbursement. Does that sound like an appropriate rate for a traveler? Other nurses told me that I am getting "rid-off" from my agency. Is there other travelers out there who could give me some advices? Other agencies told me that the rate is about the same at all of the traveling agencies. I don't know if this is the right tread for this type of question. Many thanks!

[suzanne4, RN]

The new agency can make any offer that they want, but you need to check your contract very carefully and see what it states about going to work for another agency at the same facility or for the same company for a certain period of time.

I would do alot more research before even considering signing with another agency. There are competition issues that are at stake here as well, thoroughly check things out before you do a thing.

[loricatus]

It is my understanding that all agencies that contract with Kaiser hospitals must go through their prime vendor, Nursefinders. If there is any hope of getting out of your contract, it would be to directly contract through Nursefinders, since your company had to submit all your information to them in order for you to work at a Kaiser facility. The pay is low because Nursefinders always gets a cut from any subcontacted agency.

Try calling Nursefinders and telling them that you are not happy with your company and is there any way you could work directly with them? I know nurses that have done this with All About Staffing, the prime vendor for HCA hospitals; so, there is a possibility that Nursefinders might just do it also.

[KatieBell]

It is my understanding that all agencies that contract with Kaiser hospitals must go through their prime vendor, Nursefinders. If there is any hope of getting out of your contract, it would be to directly contract through Nursefinders, since your company had to submit all your information to them in order for you to work at a Kaiser facility. The pay is low because Nursefinders always gets a cut from any subcontacted agency.

Try calling Nursefinders and telling them that you are not happy with your company and is there any way you could work directly with them? I know nurses that have done this with All About Staffing, the prime vendor for HCA hospitals; so, there is a possibility that Nursefinders might just do it also.

Loraticus offers good advice, and also some insight. Several hospitals are now Vendor managed and have a primary contractor. If you want to work at these hospitals, and you want the best pay you should go through the prime vendor. (I've done some work with CCTC a huge conglomerate forthat reason) When i signed with the prime vendor my pay was 36an hour with bennies in FL, when I asked anothr agency what my pay would be at the same place the same job they told me about 29 an hour...they had to pay the prime vendor a few bucks.

Best wishes with your Kaiser situation,.

[travelcrazyRN]

I too was ripped off my first assignment, and not to mention the hospital was scary awful. I dealt with it for 13 weeks and then left. Because you aren't receiving any other compensation you may be able to just tell them you are done with them and not finish your contract. Just read your contract and make sure they won't try and go for some stupid penalty. You wouldn't be the first traveller to do this. Companies will always try and rush you to sign because that is how they make the money. They are also going to tell you that they have the best compensation packages. That is there job. They are salesmen. They are there to convince you there prices are better than the store next door. For your next assignment make sure you have EVERYTHING in writing before you agree to a contract. Also go with a company that you feel comfortable with. I once agreed on a contract where I thought I had all the details. It wasn't until they sent me the contract that I realized it was a terrible deal, so there was no way I was signing it. I have been with a company that said "your verbal agreement is legal and biding" but when I was sent the contract it had different things then what I had agreed to, so I made them change it before I go any further. Travelling gets easier the more assignments you do. I talk to a lot of travellers and do a lot of reading to make my self more knowledgable. I also talk to many different companies just to see what they are offering. If it doesn't match what I"m looking for, I tell them what my requirements are. Some are willing to negociate, adn some aren't, but don't be afraid to ask. The worse thing you can hear is NO, and they are tons of travel nursing companies out there.