want to start my own travel agency

k_cole21 · May 2, 2005

There is one company that will tell u the bill rate. It's a small company started by 2 RTs. The bill rate for the hospital was $58/hr. they were offering me $36 which was much more than the other companies were offering. I want to start my own company too. I'm looking into it.

suzanne4, RN · May 2, 2005

Unless you have large financial backing behind you, don't even consider it. You will need to pay the salaries of your nurses up front and not get reimbursed for anywhere from 30 to 90 days........

You will have to have an educator in house, plus many other requiremnts to get JCAHO certification for your agency................Please do your homework before even thinking about it...............

suzanne4, RN · May 2, 2005

You can easily set yourself up as an independent, but with only yourself adn no others............than you can get things to work out okay for yourself, but as soon as you add on one other person, you open up a whole can of worms.... Not worth it in my opinion.............

stat · May 2, 2005

You can easily set yourself up as an independent, but with only yourself adn no others............than you can get things to work out okay for yourself, but as soon as you add on one other person, you open up a whole can of worms.... Not worth it in my opinion.............

Thanks Suzanne4...Since my post I have been researching the threads on this forum and have found that independent contractor most likely the way to go and I don't have financial reserve like you mentioned. Do you think I should contact the facilities personally and market myself or have someone do it for me. I'm thinking if I work for less that the agencies charge, I'll still make quite a bit more. What state do you think would be the most receptive. A little scary as I am making 32.00 per hour with all my diffs in a nice little town in Montana. Do you think it will be worth it. I really need to make more money for some financial freedom and am willing to work hard and many shifts. Would appreciate your advice, and have enjoyed your input in this forum. Also thanks to my other replies.

suzanne4, RN · May 3, 2005

If you are going to be travelling, by the time that you pay for everything up front, such as rent, deposit on the apt, etc....you are not going to be much further ahead................remember that you will have quite a few other expenses to think about also, such as malpractice, you can opt out of Workman's Comp as the only employee of your corporation, but then many hospitals are still going to require that you have it.........corporation expenses can also add up depending on your state requirements. Have done all of that and find out that I can take more hoke per week and no headaches associated with same. Also remember that if you slef contract, you will not be getting paid right away, again it will be every thirty days out or so...and they can go even longer. Something to keep in mind....

You can be further ahead with spendable cash and no extra outlay by working for an agency in California that will cover all of your expenses. If you keep your tax home in Montana then you can also take about $40 per day as living expenses, etc.............

Hope that this helps............ :)

cathlabtraveler · May 8, 2005

Does anyone know what the hospitals are paying the travel agencies? I am tired of them taking my hard earned money and don't know why my buddies and I can't make the money for ourselves and cut out the agency. I'm talking about a few nurses not a big business. Just finished and assignment with Core Medical Group and got ripped off. Just wonder what their cut is. Would appreciate any help or input.
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

i've seen bill rates up to almost $80. i saw a bill rate for my assignment in alabama and it was over $70. i am making more $$ on my current assignment so the company is either taking a smaller cut or charging a higher rate here. i thought about being an independent contractor but i don't feel like going through finding and setting up an apt, finding someone to setup a contract etc... i might be able to bring home more money when all is said and done but having someone else do all the leg and paper work is worth it to me right now. all i have to do now is pack my car, show up, work and get a big check weekly/biweekly.

suzanne4, RN · May 8, 2005

I am definitely in agreement with you.............having everything taken care of for me and an apt all set up and ready for me to move into with telephone, etc. is too perfect to pass up..................

Not worth the few dollars difference by the time you went to rent furniture, paid deposits, etc..............

NurSpeak · Feb 2, 2009

I have to ask, suzanne4, do you represent an agency? If not, why discourage independent contractors so persistently? Just wondering - I think it's important that answers are genuine, and it's difficult to know in an anonymous forum. I was really seeking a forum that was nurse-to-nurse, where answers were given with no ulterior motive, so I had to ask.

bagladyrn, RN · Feb 2, 2009

I have to ask, suzanne4, do you represent an agency? If not, why discourage independent contractors so persistently? Just wondering - I think it's important that answers are genuine, and it's difficult to know in an anonymous forum. I was really seeking a forum that was nurse-to-nurse, where answers were given with no ulterior motive, so I had to ask.

No, Suzanne is not representing an agency - she's a nurse who has been around here for a long time.

As it happens, I'm another long time traveler (12+ yrs.) and I completely agree with her. I would have posted the same cautions if she hadn't first. She was painting a realistic picture of independent contracting. In fact, she didn't even hit on all the considerations.

Some people may consider it worthwhile to spend the extra time and effort to do the independent route, but they should have all the facts before doing so. As for myself, if I consider my time worth what I am currently making as a traveler, then the hours spent on all these details would cost me quite a bit (essentially bringing down my net). Personally I'd rather pay someone else to do it for me - which is how I view working with an agency.